On the weekend of 18th and 19th April 2026 we will be presenting a special showing of the celebrated 0-gauge layout, “Ditchling Green”; a charming representation of a sleepy branch line on the Southern Region of British Railways, set in rural Sussex in the 1950s.
This superb, ground-breaking layout, which was built by the renown modellers, Gordon and Maggie Gravett, has been largely hidden from public view for more than thirty years and by the time of its acquisition - by Pendon modellers Stephen Williams and Rex Davidson - had fallen into disrepair. However, with the completion of a three-year programme of restoration and following several public showings as a “work -in-progress”, this will be a rare opportunity to see the layout in its completed state in one of only a handful of public appearances that it will be making.
The layout will be in operation during the normal museum opening hours (11.00 – 16.00 on both days) and entry to view the model is included in the Museum’s normal entrance charges.
In addition, on the evening of Saturday 18th April, we will host a private showing of the layout that will include an illustrated talk on the restoration of the model and opportunities for guests to talk informally to the modellers; to go behind the scenes to see first-hand how the layout is operated; and to try their hand at running a train. Tickets are £25 per Adult, £22.50 for Friends members and include light refreshments. Tickets are limited and Friends of Pendon will get priority booking. Please keep an eye on this page for the link to purchase tickets (or sign up to our email newsletters here) or consider joining our Friends program here.
For more information, or to book tickets for the evening talk if you cannot use the web link above, please call 01865 407365 (9.30 – 11.30 on weekdays) or email info@pendonmuseum.com.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Friend of Pendon and the benefits you will receive, please click here.
