Brighton Toy and Model Museum

If you're looking for something different near the station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum is worth checking out. It’s an independent attraction located right beneath the Brighton train station concourse, specifically housed within four of the Victorian railway arches on Trafalgar Street (52-55 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4EB). The museum has been a fixture in the city since it officially opened on August 10, 1991. The idea for the museum, which was founded by avid collector Chris Littledale, began a few years earlier in 1988, eventually achieving charity status before opening its doors to the public.

The space itself covers four thousand square feet, dedicated to housing a collection that totals over ten thousand items—some sources even suggest more than twelve thousand. The museum is known for focusing heavily on what is often called the 'Golden Age of British and European toy manufacturing,' primarily covering the first half of the 20th century. While they do have items dating back to the mid-18th century, the core exhibits showcase this specific era. You can find a rare collection of antique model trains, including a detailed Märklin model of the Leipzig station, alongside Steiff plush toys, Victorian dolls, dollhouses, and a large display of die-cast vehicles from brands like Dinky, Spot-on, and Corgi.

This collection is considered one of the most important public collections of toys and models globally. Beyond being a public attraction, the museum also serves a wider function. It undertakes restoration and research work of national and international significance, maintains a large online encyclopedia, and even functions as a venue for events and conferences, capable of holding up to 70 people standing.

If you plan a visit, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (with the last admission at 4:30 pm). Note that it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Adult admission is £8.00.