The history of Bondville Model Village is one we’re proud to carry forward. Nestled on the edge of Bridlington in the coastal village of Sewerby, our miniature world has been charming visitors since the 1980s — and in 2024, we began an exciting new chapter.
Where It All Began
Bondville was built in 1986 by Geoff and Carol Cooper and was originally known as Minningham. It started in Withernsea, moved to Hornsea Pottery, and finally found its permanent home here in Bridlington. Today, the village includes over 200 hand-crafted buildings, from a majestic castle to quaint pubs and shopfronts, all set in a lovingly maintained one-acre garden.
Each building is inspired by real-world locations, including Derbyshire mills, Whitby cottages, and scenes Geoff collected on his travels. Alongside those buildings, we have a working harbour, railway, and even a war memorial, all built at a true 1:12 scale.
Restoration Through the Years
Bondville has passed through several sets of hands over the decades, each bringing fresh care and ideas. Later owners invested time and attention to detail, repainting and restoring the village’s buildings and gardens each winter, ready for a new season of visitors.
Through all those years, it became a beloved stop for thousands of families — many of whom return with children or grandchildren to share the magic.
We Reopened Bondville in 2024
In May 2024, we, Rachel and Mark Hill, proudly reopened Bondville Model Village after 18 months of closure. It had always been a special place to us — and we knew it could be something even more magical.
Our goal wasn’t just to reopen Bondville but to reinvigorate it with imagination, storytelling, and inclusivity. Since taking over, we’ve introduced features like our Bondville Treasure Hunt Quiz, launched Bondville Tiny Tales, and created new experiences that let both children and adults see the village through fresh eyes.
Why the History Still Matters
For many, Bondville is a nostalgic memory. For others, it’s a brand-new discovery. But what makes the history of Bondville Model Village truly special is how it’s stayed rooted in creativity while growing with its community.
We see Bondville as more than a model village — it’s a place for families to reconnect, slow down, and share something magical together. It’s also an evolving space, one where heritage meets imagination.
Come and Experience It
Whether you’ve never been before or it’s been years since your last visit, we’d love to welcome you. Walk through our winding paths, spot the tiny details, and become part of our story.
View our opening times or book your visit now and discover what makes Bondville such a unique part of the Yorkshire coast.
