Miniature parks

Hands down probably the best in the world:

http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

DJ

I thought it was supposed to close because of land redevelopment, but according to the website, MiniEurope in Brussels is still open.

and France...

http://www.franceminiature.fr/en

Also a section of LEGOLAND Denmark.

Thanks, everyone!

The Model Village http://www.themodelvillage.com/ at Bourton on the Water in the Cotswolds area of England is world class.

I've been to Madurodam before and after the renovation and MiniFrance. Madurodam is fun, with lots of moving things and street scenes with people. MiniFrance is beautiful with miniatures of every famous castle, abbey, and cathedral in France and the "bonsai" landscaping is gorgeous. I loved it but I think kids would be bored. When I was there (either early June or late September) there were few visitors, most were middle-aged or older.

Agree with DJ, doesn’t matter how old you are Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg appeals to everybody, anyway I liked it too. The scenery is very dynamic and with a frequently change of ambient light and dark gives “eine wunderbare” experience.

There's one of the "famous worldwide landmarks" type in Klagenfurt that I went into because I was bored and found surprisingly interesting. Klagenfurt's a bit out of the way though.

Much appreciated! The one in the Cotswolds truly sounds like a labor of love, although likely they all are. I think these sorts of places have a similar appeal to that of maps, which I know are a draw for many of us.

Also in the UK, and not a million miles from Bourton on the Water, is the original and oldest model village in the world at Beaconsfield near High Wycombe, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, http://www.bekonscot.co.uk/

By the way, Bekonscot is actually 5 villages and 2 railways.

Maybe you can get to both in the UK....

This one has something none of the others have http://www.miniversum.hu/en/intro

Now I've gone and bookmarked about 6 places didn't know I needed to visit. Thanks, I think!