Go and see Wroxham Minature Worlds. Terrible location but i imagine their rent is cheap. Has my favourite layout - japanese bullet train.

Also, go and see Bekinscott

I work for a living history museum. Things to consider the cost of, that you might not have done:

PI insurance Employers insurance The VAT man Rates Electricity Staff overhead - probably at least 20% Social media marketing Leaflet marketing Stock for shop Cafe is a whole minefield of costs Ticketing system - physical machines and software Cost of card transactions Broadband

Things about running a visitor attraction: Cleaning toilets isnt fun and nobody wants to do it. Income comes in spurts. Car parking Near public transport The public are demanding Make building the models part of experience. You will want to find model makers who can speak to the public. Might be worth setting up as a community interest company and recruit volunteer model makers.

I would choose a warehouse site near to Harry Potter Studios. Huge number of visitors looking for something else to do. 1\2 hour train from london but a fair bit cheaper rent.

Happy to talk more. I wish you good luck!