Pecorama
Beer, Devon, United Kingdom
Pecorama sits on a steep hillside above Beer, a quiet fishing village on Devon's Jurassic Coast, combining two distinct attractions: the Beer Heights Light Railway, a…
What it's like here
Pecorama sits on a steep hillside above Beer, a quiet fishing village on Devon's Jurassic Coast, combining two distinct attractions: the Beer Heights Light Railway, a working 7¼-inch gauge steam railway that has run since 1975, and the PECO Model Railway Exhibition with detailed layouts across several gauges. The railway itself is a serious piece of engineering — coal-fired locomotives at third scale haul passengers over bridges, through cuttings and a long tunnel across a mile of grounds, while the gardens are laid out in themed rooms with unobstructed views south across Lyme Bay. The whole site is owned by PECO, the model railway track manufacturer, whose factory occupies the same grounds.
What makes Pecorama distinctive is that it sits at the intersection of genuine engineering craft and horticultural landscaping. This is not a theme park. The model railway exhibition indoors shows the depth of the modelling hobby at full scale, and the miniature railway operates with automatic colour-light and semaphore signalling you'd find on real railways. The gardens — including the Millennium Celebration Garden with its five celestially themed rooms — give the visit a secondary focus beyond the trains themselves. There's also a model shop, outdoor play areas and the Wildway walk through the grounds.
Important note: opening has changed significantly. As of 2026, Pecorama no longer operates as a general daily visitor attraction. In November 2025, PECO announced it would cease that model due to sustained losses. Access is now available only through booked Experiences, Tours, Special Events, or on selected General Admission days — you cannot simply turn up. Gala events have run with tickets around £27.50 per person, including 10% off at the model shop, typically operating 10:00–17:00 with the last train at 16:30. Entry requires advance booking online, though tickets are also sold at the gate on open days. The site is cashless (card payment only).
A visit works best as a half-day outing, and it suits couples, families and friends with an interest in railways, gardens or model engineering. Photography is allowed throughout. Facilities include parking, toilets, a café and a playground. Because opening is now event-driven rather than seasonal, check the website before travelling — pecorama.co.uk has the current schedule. The village of Beer itself, just below, offers a shingle beach and traditional fishing charm if you want to extend the day.
Highlights
- The Beer Heights Light Railway, a working 1-mile 7¼-inch gauge line with coal-fired steam locomotives running since 1975
- The PECO Model Railway Exhibition with detailed layouts across several gauges housed indoors
- Themed garden rooms including the Millennium Celebration Garden with views across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast
- Automatic colour-light and semaphore signalling on the railway, plus the Harburn Hobbies model shop on site
- Outdoor play areas and the Wildway walk, plus a café and parking
Good to know
Pecorama is not open daily in 2026 — access requires advance booking for an Experience, Tour, Special Event, or a selected General Admission day. Tickets for Gala events are around £27.50 per person including 10% off at the model shop. The site is cashless (card payment only). Always check pecorama.co.uk before travelling, as opening is event-driven. A visit typically takes half a day.
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Questions people ask
Can I just turn up without booking?
No. As of 2026, Pecorama is no longer open as a general daily visitor attraction. You must book an Experience, Tour, or Special Event in advance, or visit on a selected General Admission day.
Why did the opening change?
PECO announced in November 2025 that the attraction had been operating at a loss and could no longer be supported by the parent company as a daily operation.
Is the railway still running?
Yes, the Beer Heights Light Railway operates on selected opening days and events, though no longer as a daily service.
Attributes & facilities
Facilities
Experience
Features
Time
Last verified: September 7, 2026