The WonderWorks

Type:Family Fun

Hornby Hobbies Limited, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX
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Tel01843 233500

The WonderWorks

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About

The WonderWorks is the culmination of model journey that began over 100 years with Frank Hornby and his passion for inventing, and desire to create educational toys for his sons.

Now, the reenergised and reimagined WonderWorks will surprise and delight all generations, connecting them with their passions and the brands they love.

Located in Margate, The WonderWorks is based in the old factory which became home to Hornby Hobbies in 1954. The former Hornby Visitor Centre opened in 2010 and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Featured in the popular TV series ‘Hornby: A Model World’, it has provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Britain’s best loved model-making companies.

A visit to The WonderWorks will include showstopper exhibition pieces.  These will be on show for a limited time before something else new and exciting takes centre stage, so keep your eye on our Facebook and Instagram or check our What’s On page to ensure you don’t miss out.

https://www.wonderworksmargate.co.uk/about-the-wonderworks/

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£5.00 adult
Child (5-15 years)£2.50 child
Concessions (60+)£2.50 per ticket
Family (2 adults & up to 4 children)£12.50 per family
Student (with valid student ID)£2.50 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Facilities

Accessibility - Food and Drink

  • Table service as standard or on request   - Table service is available as standard or on request. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet - There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.  

Accessibility - General

  • Additional detailed accessibility information:
  • Assistive listening system - There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.   
  • Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people - Personal or General Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for disabled customers. 
  • Facilities for assistance dogs - Facilities are available for assistance dogs e.g. water bowls, toilet area, within the grounds of the venue or nearby. 
  • Seating at regular intervals - Seating is available at regular intervals.  
  • Single-level - The venue is all on one level, with no steps or raised thresholds. 
  • Step-free access to all or most areas - There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available. 
  • Step-free entrance - There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas - A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas. 

Accessibility - Parking

  • Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.
  • Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance - There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance. 

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

  • No Smoking Attraction
  • Smoking Areas Available

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Cash Accepted
  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Groups Accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

Travel & Trade

  • Group Discount

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Use postcode CT9 4JX for directions.

https://www.wonderworksmargate.co.uk/getting-here/

Public Transport Directions

By Bus

The Thanet Loop runs from Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. The Loop will drop you off outside the Hornby building.

Tel: 08456 00 22 99 for information on specific bus times or journeys. You can also use the Stagecoach website for more info.

By Rail

There are frequent trains from London Victoria and Charing Cross to Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Journey times are approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (Victoria).

Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 8457 484 950
Textphone: +44 (0) 845 6050 600

Top tip for travelling by train: Stay on the train to Ramsgate Station instead of Margate and catch the Thanet Loop bus service from the station to Hornby. It is also possible to catch the Thanet Loop bus service from Cecil Square in Margate, but it is a 0.5mile (uphill) walk.

Take the new High speed train service from St Pancras International Station, London to reach Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate in about 80 minutes.

Website: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00