School Trip Area Choices
/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Miscellaneous Gems / The Model Village, Godshill
The Model Village at Godshill is jam-packed full of meticulously and humourously crafted scale models of the local area in the early part of the 20th century. Leave the hustle and bustle of modern life at the gate and keep your eyes peeled for little islanders at work and play!
This place is a goldmine for teachers looking for ways to deliver a variety of topics in a unique setting - for example the fixed scale used throughout the site lends itself to maths and geometry puzzles. Art and Design students can study the model making process, methods and techniques. Scientists can study the botany of thousands of manicured bonsai shrubs and trees. There's even a nod to renewable energy.
In our experience, school trips to The Model Village, Godshill work best for the younger age groups as well as adults
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to The Model Village, Godshill, posed by teachers and other group leaders
Toilet block is close to the exit and gift shop
Small cafe / snack bar is open during the main season
The Model Village is almost exclusively outdoors, apart from toilets and the gift shop, so suitable clothing and precautions need to be taken
We will pre-book your visit for you and your entry charges will be paid directly by Education Destination. All you need to do is show up at the agreed time, line the kids up outside, identify yourselves to staff and you'll be through the gate in no time!
Most groups spend a couple of hours on site, and many will take the time whilst in this 'chocolate-box' village to trek up to see the church on the hill which in itself is worth of a visit but also affords stunning views across the island in all directions.
There are a few picnic benches plus a lawned area where you can eat a packed lunch. There's also a snack bar on site selling drinks and ice creams too.
There are some picnic tables and lawns available for use
It is virtually impossible to stop safely outside the model village, so it is highly likely that your coach driver will use a public car park nearby.
From the car park to the model village is a 5 minute walk, and there are a few possible routes. The safest route, however, involves crossing a playing field accessed at the far end of the car park. There is an unmade track that you can easily follow and this leads to the pavement on the main road close to the model village. Turn left and walk for around 100m. You will now be opposite the model village entrance. Prepare the students for crossing the road, then two teachers should stop the traffic momentarily whilst the students are signalled to cross.
The other option is to make your way through the old village shops however this will mean a short stretch walking on the live roadway (25m or so) which we do not recommend for obvious reasons.
Check in at the ticket desk and follow instructions from site staff.
Apart from a small gift shop, this is an outdoors attraction, so go prepared according to the forecast.
The model village itself has wide, flat hard footpaths throughout with only very gentle inclines in a couple of places.
Hand sanitiser available at the entrance, toilets and gift shop
Yes - there is a toilet block close to the entrance/exit. It's not a huge site so even from the farthest point you're only a few minutes walk away.
The following The Model Village, Godshill educational resources are FREE to use when you book your trip with Education Destination. Some include pre or post-visit classroom work, others are on-site activities. All are accompanied by detailed Teacher Notes and some even have sample lesson plans!
Prepared by our expert team of teachers with local Island knowledge, each resource addresses a specific National Curriculum topic. Click on any image for full details.
... but thinking about a different destination? Check out:
Head of Travel & Tourism with a group of 17 KS4 students
KS2 Teacher with a group of 26 Lower KS2 students
