You’ve probably heard of UK brands such as Hornby, Scalextric, Corgi and Airfix, you’ve likely owned some of their products in the past or still even collect them today, but did you know you can visit their HQ in in Westwood, near Margate?
This ‘brand experience’ centre is every marketing manager’s dream (can you guess my day job?) and it makes for a fun visit, regardless of your knowledge or history with the products.
I would say I have a passing interest in these brands. My brother had a Scalextric when we were growing up and I’m sure there are items in my various collections that were manufactured under one of the Horny Hobbies Ltd brands (I definitely have a die-cast Trotters Independent Traders van which I’d now guess is a Corgi).
I’d also love to have a model railway, though recognise it’s probably for the best that I didn’t go down that particular rabbit hole of collecting, as well as all the others.
For that reason this attraction, ‘The Wonder Works’ is a perfect space to play and get hands on with the products, as well as marvel at the archive items on display and imagine what our home might look like in an alternative reality – albeit one not too dissimilar to that which we’ve found ourselves in.
Here’s a video made up of clips Sam and I filmed during our visit that Sam then edited together and set to the most delightful rendition of possibly the greatest kids TV theme tune of all time (there’s a lot of competition). Enjoy.
We had an hour or so of harmless fun in The Wonder Works before the far more dangerous act of exiting via the shop. We were drawn to a die-cast street food van that looked like it could be a nice one-off piece to purchase as a souvenir.
Then we spotted another in the set, then another, then thoughts turned to how great these would look as a… collection. 😬
I’m both disappointed and relieved to say we did walk away empty handed on this occassion, yet convinced that we need more places like The Wonder Works from toy companies that are both a celebration and showcase, restoring some amount of the tangible in our digital world of consumption.
This attraction could be anywhere, perhaps central London with its high visitor footfall. On an industrial estate two miles out of Margate town centre may be burying this hidden gem, there is however relevance to the location. When you’re visiting The Wonder Works you’re also stood in the factory that became Hornby’s home in 1954.
It may not make entire commercial sense, though it does make spiritual sense and much of the collector experience is far more about the feeling than the rationale. Kudos to Hornby Hobbies Ltd for keeping it at home.
The Wonder Works is open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm. Tickets are just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, students and the over 60, with group prices also available. Please see wonderworksmargate.co.uk for further details.
Liam Toms 