‘This award gives us even more motivation to keep improving, keep listening, and keep creating something really special for our visitors’
Bondville Model Village has been named Best Visitor Experience at the Best of Bridlington Business Awards(Image: Supplied)
Bondville Model Village has been named Best Visitor Experience at the Best of Bridlington Business Awards. The accolade recognises the attraction’s remarkable transformation, inclusive ethos, and powerful storytelling that has captured national attention.
Owner, Rachel Hill, undertook a significant personal and financial risk to bring the site to life. She has turned Bondville Model Village into a place that celebrates community, inclusion, and real human stories told through miniature scenes.
In recent months, Bondville has gone viral for its Motor Neurone Disease (MND) awareness scene and a moving veterans tribute, both of which have resonated deeply with visitors and online audiences alike. These displays have been praised for their sensitivity, authenticity, and ability to spark conversation — proving that small scenes can tell big stories.
Rachel said: “This award means the world. Taking on Bondville was a huge leap of faith. To be recognised for the visitor experience — and for the values behind it — makes every challenge worthwhile. Bondville is about inclusion, support, and telling stories that matter, and I’m so proud of what it’s becoming.”
Bondville has become known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, appealing to families, disabled visitors, veterans, older generations, and tourists alike. Visitors regularly describe it as nostalgic, comforting, and uplifting — a place where people feel seen and represented.
Beyond its gates, Bondville is helping to put Bridlington and Sewerby firmly on the map as destinations for meaningful, experience-led tourism. The award reflects not just visitor numbers, but emotional connection, community impact, and the quality of the experience offered.
Rachel has ambitious plans to continue evolving Bondville, with new themed scenes, awareness-led displays, and visitor experiences already in development. She said: “We’re only just getting started. This award gives us even more motivation to keep improving, keep listening, and keep creating something really special for our visitors.”