Pecorama Gardens and Grotto

One of Devon’s leading visitor attractions located high on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer , PECORAMA is home to the famous PECO Model Railway Exhibition and the Beer Heights Light Railway. The Exhibition hall displays wonderful detailed layouts in many different scales, some with push button controls enabling children to operate the trains.

For 2008 the Loft layout is being completely rebuilt, with an exciting and unusual design featuring a modern image city scene, together with underground trains and a tram system. Work is well in hand but construction will not be complete until towards the end of the year. In the meantime, trains are running giving some movement. Also new for 2008 are improved facilities at the T & Ice Shop, where you can T-off for Crazy Golf or enjoy light refreshments from our new shelter alfresco style. Open by May 23rd.

The Gardens are also home to the 7¼" narrow gauge passenger carrying line, powered by a fleet of miniature steam and diesel locomotives, winds its way along exciting cuttings and embankments, through a long purpose built tunnel, at the same time giving wonderful views of the village of Beer and Lyme Bay.

PECO Millennium Garden

PECORAMA is also well known for its attractive flower filled Gardens, and in recent years the Millennium Garden has become an important feature.

Completed in July 2000, a series of celestially themed garden rooms are linked by scented walkways, special water features, and stunning stonework.

The individual garden names of Sun, Moon and Rainbow reflect the nature and the colour of the flowers, shrubs and trees to be found. A 60 seat Lecture Theatre completes this special project, and here PECO staff give talks and demonstrations at designated times on both the Gardens and model railways. The top of the theatre is designed to look like a ruined castle and here we demonstrate how a flat roof garden can look, as well as a derelict moat surrounding part of it.

Sun Garden

Rainbow Garden

Roof Garden

Looking towards the Moon Garden

Moat Garden

The Grotto in the Moon Garden

Six years after the official opening of the Millennium Garden the extensive work within the Grotto was completed and an official opening took place on 23rd July 2006. The Grotto is predominantly constructed with sea shells and features a Dolphin sculpture leaping out of the sea, trying to touch the moon. The mythological sea theme is most enchanting and a masterpiece of work. Do not miss this special feature within the moon Garden when you next visit.

For the Children

PLAY AREA

Safety surfaced children’s activity areas feature play equipment ranging from toddlers swings to a wooden maze, cable slide and challenging climbing frame, whilst adults can test their skill and stamina on the Crazy Golf course and Fitness Trail.

FACE PAINTING

FACE PAINTING is offered free of charge to all visitors when available – most days during the school summer holidays.

THE ADVENTURES OF TEDDY MAC
Children's Story Books

Storyboards are located around the site, allowing children to take part in a fascinating trail. Questionnaire sheets are available from the Ticket Office.

For further information about the Teddy Mac children's books please click here.

THE TOP SPOT GARDEN THEATRE

Here we host a variety of summer entertainment ideally suited for the family. The highly skilled entertainers include jesters, clowns and magicians who always perform whatever the weather under the cover of our own ‘Big Top’.

2008 Entertainment Programme

Shows take place at the Top Spot Garden Theatre.

MAY Mon. 5th Juggler Ben Cornish Sun. 25th Spangles the Clown Mon. 26th Spangles the Clown Tues. 27th Elfic the Jester Wed. 28th Juggler Ben Cornish Thu. 29th Elfic the Jester Fri. 30th Spangles the Clown	JUNE Sun. 1st The Wizard Ozz Sun. 8th The Wizard Ozz Sun. 15th Juggler Ben Cornish Sun. 22nd The Wizard Ozz Sun. 29th The Wizard Ozz

JULY Sun. 6th Juggler Ben Cornish Sun. 13th to Tues. 15th Mr Puff the Magician Wed. 16th to Fri. 18th The Wizard Ozz Sun. 20th FireStone Folk Dancers Sun. 20th Spangles the Clown Mon. 21st Juggler Ben Cornish Tues. 22nd Spangles the Clown	Wed. 23rd & Thur. 24th Elfic the Jester Fri. 25th Juggler Ben Cornish Sun. 27th The Wizard Ozz Mon. 28th & Tues. 29th Spangles the Clown Wed. 30th Juggler Ben Cornish Thur. 31st Elfic the Jester

AUGUST Fri. 1st Elfic the Jester Sun. 3rd to Tues. 5th Spangles the Clown Weds. 6th Juggler Ben Cornish Thur. 7th to Fri. 8th Elfic the Jester Sun. 10th Elfic the Jester Mon. 11th Gary the Clown’s Magic Garden Show Tues. 12th Gary’s Country and Western Show Wed. 13th Gary the Clown’s Circus Spectacular Thur. 14th Gary’s Mystical Magical Show Fri. 15th Gary’s Party Time Sun. 17th Spangles the Clown Mon. 18th Gary the Clown’s Magic Garden Show Tues. 19th Gary’s Country and Western Show Wed. 20th Gary the Clown’s Circus Spectacular	Thur. 21st Gary’s Mystical Magical Show Fri. 22nd Gary’s Party Time Sun. 24th at 11.00 Steve & Ben’s Circus Skills Workshop at 2.00 Circus Berzercus at 3.15 Songs from the Shows with Sidmouth Arts Club Operatic Society Mon. 25th at 11.00 Steve & Ben’s Circus Skills Workshop at 2.00 Circus Berzercus at 3.15 To be announced Tues. 26th Spangles the Clown Weds. 27th Juggler Ben Cornish Thur. 28th to Fri. 29th Elfic the Jester Sun. 31st Elfic the Jester
SEPTEMBER Sun. 7th Juggler Ben Cornish
Performances start at 2.30pm except: 14th – 18th July, when shows start at 12 noon. On 20th July, *PECO GARDEN DAY* - Show starts at 2.00pm. 24th & 25th August, BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND - Three shows – see list above.

REFRESHMENTS

ORION PULLMAN CAR

A glimpse into the past when luxury travel was available on our railway system. Orion serves tea and coffee, with a selection of home made cakes and cream teas, for which Devon is famous.

GARDEN ROOM RESTAURANT

Conveniently situated in the centre of the Gardens is this Swiss chalet style restaurant, offering an extensive menu of hot and cold dishes including meals especially for children and vegetarians.

All dishes are prepared to order and a small selection of the menu includes:

Paninis with our own range of fillings, including a salad garnish

A choice of Sandwiches

Locally produced Bangers & Mash with Onion Gravy & Peas

Home made Steak & Ale Pie, using the local Branscombe Brewery Beer

Specials of the Day

Home made Pasta & Mushroom Bake

A wide choice of children’s dishes, with healthy options

Devon Cream Tea

A wide selection of home made cakes and biscuits.

HOW TO GET TO PECORAMA

BY CAR: Follow the brown official Tourist Board direction signs (stating “Pecorama”) from the Beer turning on the A3052, or from the sea front at Seaton.

BY BUS: There is a useful bus service to Beer. For details please telephone Devon Bus Service on (01392) 382800

BY TRAIN: The nearest train station to PECORAMA is Axminster, being on the Waterloo-Exeter main line. The station is approximately 9 miles from us and you can either catch a bus or take a taxi. Taxis would need to be booked in advance – Axminster Taxis 01297 34000

Site Map and Track Plan

Click picture to see larger scale map

For full details of opening times and charges, see the 'Opening Times' section of this website.

Pecorama