Bygones: Travel Through Time in the UK

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the Victorian era? Perhaps you want to learn about how World War I affected British life. If you want to take a step back in time, you need to take a trip to Bygones! Bygones has museum like displays from many different time periods, all under one roof! It is conveniently situated right in the center of the English Riviera, and has plenty to offer its visitors.

Victorian street

When you first enter Bygones, you are taken right back to Victorian times as you step into a life sized Victorian street. There are many shops such as a general store, a sweet shop, a toy shop and many more. You can’t enter the shops, but they are absolutely packed with replicas of everything Victorian people needed to survive. All of the windows are huge, so you can see right inside. It is incredible just how many things are packed into such a small space. Some of the shops even have display mannequins which are dressed in the traditional costumes, as if they are out shopping. It really feels like you have jumped into a time machine because everything is so authentic!

Rooms from a typical Victorian house

If you climb the first set of stairs, you will find yourself right inside a Victorian house. The displays are absolutely breathtaking due to their detail. There is a nursery, a bathroom, a dining room, a bedroom and a kitchen. Each room has its own story, and they too have mannequins which are “acting” out a scene. One of the rooms is particularly impressive as it holds a full-sized Queen Victoria, along with some of her immediate family. As you walk by the rooms, there are audio explanations of how things used to work. The Queen Victoria display is especially fun to listen to because it tells about her life and her family.

Model railway and Fantasyland

As well as learning a lot about history, Bygones is home to an outstandingly beautiful model railway. It is 28 feet long, and like everything else there, it is very detailed. You can control the trains by pressing buttons on the wall to make them move. You can also switch the display to day or night mode. Night mode is amazing because it lights everything up!

Fantasyland almost seems like an odd thing to have at a place which focuses so strongly on historical fact, however, it is not to be missed. Like the railway, you can make different parts of the displays move and light up, but it is a lot different in terms of what you will see! It has miniature replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, and also has mini canal boats and ice rinks. It all looks very pretty, and is especially fun for children to spot all of the tiny details that are hidden.

The amusement arcade

This is one of the coolest parts of Bygones. Forget Pacman and Paperboy, this arcade is as old-fashioned as it gets! The games include a very early version of table football, a pinball machine, a horse racing game, and so much more. The best part about it is that you can buy ancient pennies so you can play on the machines yourself! On a busy day, you might have to wait but during the quieter times, you can play for as long as you like.

Station Café

You might think you have walked into another display when you enter, but it really is a café! It is designed to look like a railway station snack shop, but it serves much better food! You can get a quick cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake, or something a little more filling. The café also has some gifts available to purchase, but most of the things can also be bought in the gift shop so you can pick them up on your way out if you wish.

Overall, Bygones is a fun and informative place to spend a couple of hours. You could easily visit several times and see something you missed before because there is just so much to look at!

Bygones
Fore Street, St. Marychurch
Opening times: 10am – 4pm
Telephone: 01803 326108
Website


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