Gardens For All: Special

From the collection of

The Box

Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Gardens For All: Special (Gardens For All)

Babbacombe's miniatures come to life

TSW presenter Terry Underhill visits Babbacombe's model village for this special episode of Gardens For All. Terry talks to the proprietor Tom Dobbin about the history of the site, the models, the gardens and about the work behind the scenes. Babbacombe model village has been open for 58 years, it has around 426 miniature buildings, 13,178 figures and around 400 shrubs and conifers. Each building has a twin, so when cleaning or restoration takes place which can take up to 12 months the second model is used in its place. So there is never a gap, or anything missing from the small world. The water courses, the roads, the evergreens and gardens are just as important to help realism and scale. Topiary in this world is therefore is an art form.

The Babbacombe model village was opened by Tom and Ruth Dobbin in 1963, they had previously opened a model village in Southport in 1957, not to be confused with the Southport Model Railway Village which was started in 1995. Babbacombe's model village covers around four acres with various models, train tracks, mechanical parts and rivers. The buildings are based on humorous puns of brand names, British scenery and television shows. Including Marks and Sparks, Woolies, Stonehenge and the EastEnders set. The village is often seasonal with various new displays and illuminations.

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From the collection

Our South West

The South West has a unique identity. Discover what makes us 'Us'.

As you explore these archive videos of the South West, you'll quickly get a sense of the people, places and events that have shaped this area's identity over time. The South West has always maintained a strong sense of identity and independence. With its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, it's no wonder that the region continues to be a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. So join us on a journey through the archives to discover what makes the South West so special.

16 videos in this collection

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Wrens Join HMS Brilliant

  • Devonport
  • 1980
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In Their Element

  • St Just
  • 1980
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Minack Theatre: Under the Stars

  • Porthcurno
  • 1989
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Gardens For All: Special

  • Babcombe
  • 1984
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This Scept'red Isle

  • Westminster
  • 1990
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A Dartmoor Evening pt 1

  • Dartmoor
  • 1982
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A Dartmoor Evening pt 2

  • Dartmoor
  • 1982
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A Price on Life

  • Chivenor Airfield
  • 1988
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Cathedral Cities: Truro

  • Truro
  • 1988
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Hot Pennies

  • Honiton
  • 1986
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Too Little Too Late

  • Newquay
  • 1987
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Again Too Little Too Late

  • Liskeard
  • 1987
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Holiday Fatigue

  • Treliske
  • 1988
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Devonshire Dialect

  • Woolfardisworthy
  • 1986
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The Hotel on Burgh Island

  • Burgh Island
  • 1988
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Ghosts Ghoulies and Things That Go Bump In The Night

  • Totnes
  • 1989
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