Top model railway exhibitions in the UK

Whether you want to improve your setup, source rare models, or just have a memorable day out, keep reading. These railway exhibitions provide practical tips while being entertaining. You’ll also get hands-on experience.

The London Festival of Railway Modelling

The London Festival of Railway Modelling stands as a premier event in the UK's model railway calendar. It is organised by The Model Railway Club, which was founded in 1910, making it the world's oldest model railway society.

Held each year at Alexandra Palace, over 30 layouts are chosen, covering a range of scales and settings. Some are well-known exhibition favourites. Others are new to the scene or recently featured in BRM magazine. Expect everything from British main lines to creative takes on European and international railways.

Visitors can also explore trade stands, live demos, and advice from specialist societies. Whether you’re a seasoned modeller or just starting out, it’s a rewarding day out in one of London’s most iconic venues.

The Warley National Model Railway Exhibition

Founded in 1967, the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition is one of the longer-running model railway exhibitions. Now held in Statfold, after many successful years at Birmingham’s NEC, it continues to be a flagship event for railway modellers.

First used as a fundraising event for the Warley Model Railroad Club, it eventually outgrew its first stage at the Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre. This led to its first event at the NEC in 1993, allowing it to flourish into an international event.

In recent years, this show has attracted around 20,000 attendees annually. With more than 80 layouts on display, it covers everything from classic British scenes to impressive continental Europe set-ups. Whether you're into steam-era detail or modern high-speed rail, there's something here for every enthusiast.

Regional model railway shows worth visiting

Wherever you are in the UK, there’s likely a model railway exhibition not too far away. From large-scale national events to smaller regional favourites, there are plenty of ways for British Railfans to enjoy the hobby across the country.

Here are some top model train shows found in regions across the UK.

South of England highlights

• Southampton Model Railway Exhibition (Eastleigh, Hampshire): With over 20 layouts and a £10 entry fee, this exhibition offers great value for enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can pick up practical tips from live demonstrators, while younger guests can enjoy hands-on fun in the children’s zone.
• The Chatham Show (Chatham, Medway): Set against the backdrop of the docklands, this lively show blends railway and maritime history in one ticket. Alongside a packed lineup of layouts, demonstrators, traders, and societies, show tickets also give you half-price access to the Historic Chatham Dockyard.

Scotland’s best model railway events

• The Scottish Festival of Railway Modelling (Glasgow, Renfrewshire): Held just outside Glasgow, the Scottish Festival of Railway Modelling has become a firm favourite on the calendar. With over 40 layouts and a mix of both traders and societies, it’s one of Scotland’s standout events for model rail fans.
• Perth Model Railway Show (Perth, Perthshire): Set in the heart of Perthshire, this friendly exhibition brings together layouts from across the modelling spectrum. Expect a variety of styles and settings, including Scottish prototypes alongside European and North American influences. With both trade stands and refreshments on hand, it’s a welcoming day out for hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.

What to expect at model railway exhibitions

If you love model railways but have never attended a train show, you might be apprehensive. These events can be overwhelming with the sheer number of attendees and model rail layouts.

Rest assured, though, model rail exhibitions are some of the most accepting and welcoming environments.

Everyone is there to share their passion for trains. It’s an ideal event whether you want to network, source new models, or just have fun. Here are three things to expect when visiting a model railway exhibition in the UK.

1. Expert demonstrations and workshops

One of the main attractions of model railway shows is learning from the experts. They are on hand to show off the tricks of the trade, from fine detailing to realistic train control.

Then, workshops offer the chance to ask questions, pick up tips, and see techniques in action. It’s a hands-on learning experience you won’t get from books or online videos.

2. Stunning model layout displays

Much of the joy of building model railways is designing the layouts. The landscapes, from blades of grass to shops and houses, every detail helps build a believable world. Add a few well-placed figurines, and suddenly your railway feels lived in, not just built.

If you’re looking for inspiration, attending a model rail exhibition is a great idea. These events are where enthusiasts really shine, designing stunning layouts you likely won’t have seen before.

3. Trade stalls for collectors and builders

Finding model trains for your home setup can be difficult. Rare and interesting models often aren’t sold in mainstream shops. One of the best places to find new and unique equipment is at a model railway event.

Trade stalls will offer exclusive products that you won’t find elsewhere. There’s nothing like the joy of stumbling upon the limited-edition locomotive you’ve been searching for!

Tips for visiting model railway exhibitions

Ready to visit your first model railway show? A bit of planning can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Planning your visit

Depending on the scale of the exhibition, there could be a lot to fit in. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

1. Check opening times:This will help you make travel plans. To get the most out of your day, arrive close to the opening time before it’s too crowded.
2. Research the refreshments: If you’re planning to go for more than a few hours, you’ll want to eat. Many events host a buffet, but not all do. Find out if your event does, and if not, bring a packed lunch.
3. See what’s on offer: Some shows only have model railway displays, while others have talks, workshops, and trade stalls. Before you go, see what’s on offer so you can prioritise which bits you want to see.

What to bring for the best experience

If you’re not planning to run your own exhibit, you don’t need to bring much to a model railway event. We recommend taking a bit of food and drink (if allowed by the venue).

You could also bring a couple of trains, figurines, or bits of track and scenery. This is up to you, but it can be fun to compare with other visitors and experts. Many shows are also popular spots for informal trading, so you might find someone who sees real value in something you’re ready to part with.

You never know, you might end up swapping an old dusty train for a rare locomotive that completely upgrades your home model railway.

Visiting railway exhibitions with Avanti

You can find railway exhibitions all across the country, and you can find your way to them via train. Whether you’re travelling to London for The London Festival of Railway Modelling or you’re drawn to The Scottish Festival of Railway Modelling in Glasgow, travelling with Avanti is easy.

Book your train tickets with us today and start planning your journey to one of the UK’s best model railway exhibitions.