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.

In 2008 the Loft layout was completely rebuilt, with an exciting and unusual design featuring a modern image city scene, together with underground trains and a tram system.

The Gardens are also home to the 7¼" narrow gauge passenger carrying line, powered by a fleet of miniature steam and diesel locomotives. The route 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 for visiting groups 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’.

2010 Entertainment Programme

Shows take place at the Top Spot Garden Theatre.


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Performances start at 2.30pm except: PECO PLAYGROUPS WEEK 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th July. Shows start at 12 noon. PECO OPEN GARDEN DAY 18th July. Show starts at 2.00pm. AUTUMN HALF TERM 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th October.

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 2009 Pecorama Leaflet

Click picture to see larger scale map

Click here to download 2010 Pecorama Leaflet

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

Pecorama