Discover the Hidden Lifesize Victorian Village in the Middle of a Cornish Theme Park
Published: 21st July 2023Nestled within the heart of a Cornish theme park, resides a historical hidden gem. Flambards theme park is home to numerous family attractions and popular thrill rides, but surprisingly it also houses a one-of-a-kind, life size Victorian Village.
With meticulous attention to detail, authentic period artifacts, and a charming ambiance, the Victorian Village transports guests back in time to a bygone era.
The story of Flambards Village dates back to June 10th, 1976, when the Cornwall Aircraft Park, also known as 'AEROPARK,' first opened its doors. Initially featuring aviation memorabilia, the park evolved with the introduction of a 'Flambards' exhibit in 1978.
Inspired by the popular TV series based on Kathleen Peyton's novels, the exhibit showcased full-scale airplanes and accompanying scenes, such as a kitchen and a nursery, meticulously decorated with antique furniture and artifacts sourced from across the UK.
The scenes began to grow with the inclusion of the charming antique shop front of 'Birch, Birch & Co.' Purchased by Flambards in 1979, this shopfront carries a rich history, having originally traded in Cornhill, London, since 1690. The Birch family expanded the business, even catering to events attended by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
With the acquisition of 'Birch, Birch & Co.,' Flambards embarked on the journey of creating a small village that would captivate visitors with its authenticity.
Building the village was a labour of love and dedication. Despite facing challenges such as limited space and low ceilings, the Flambards team overcame these obstacles by extending the existing exhibition hall and digging down to provide more height. Authentic elements, including a mill from Ponsanooth and cobbles from Bath, were acquired to line the village streets. The team worked tirelessly, even adopting a shift system and working late into the night, to ensure the village's completion.
Since its grand opening, the Victorian Village has grown and expanded over the years. Extensions in 1987 and subsequent additions, such as the Pipe Yard area and an upstairs to Mr Burns' house, have enhanced the village's charm. The acquisition and reassembly of Lugg's Hardware store, as well as the introduction of the Furrier's Shop, further enriched the authenticity of the village.
Today, the Victorian Village showcases an award-winning collection of 50 different scenes and thousands of genuine artifacts, offering a captivating and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Flambards' Victorian Village stands as a testament to the dedication and passion for preserving history and providing an unforgettable journey into the past. Visitors can wander the cobbled streets, peer into antique shop windows, and explore the intricately designed scenes that bring the Victorian era to life. Immerse yourself in the charm and nostalgia of the Victorian Village, an extraordinary hidden treasure at Flambards.