Miniatura - The Great Big Show for Tiny Things
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
The Miniatura Show takes place in Hall 3, Stoneleigh National Agricultural Exhibition Centre (NAEC) on 14-15 March 2026. Doors open from 10am-4pm.
Preview
The hobby of miniatures has never been bigger!
With TV programmes such as the BBC’s The Marvellous Miniature Workshop, presented by Sara Cox, and The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge presented by Sandi Toksvig in 2022, there’s lots of interest in dolls house miniatures.
For Miniatura, they've loved dolls house miniatures since 1983, when Miniatura was founded by Bob and Muriel Hopwood. These days it's successfully run by their son, Andy. And on the 14 – 15 March, Miniatura will be bringing hundreds of world class miniaturists all together under one roof, including many of those we’ve already seen in action on the TV. In fact, on the Saturday immediately after the official end of show, there will be a Q & A Panel event featuring three of the miniaturists from The Marvellous Miniature Workshop. The event is free to attend with your normal admittance ticket, but places are limited, so book your seat soon!
With over 120 exhibitors, you will find a wonderful array of dolls house miniatures in scales ranging from 1:12 down to 1:48 (and even smaller). That goes for the actual dolls houses too. You will be amazed by the incredible craftsmanship, skills and creativity on display. Whether you’re looking for glassware, porcelain, artwork, furniture, figures, flowers, kitchenware… you will find everything, including the kitchen sink!
As for the style of miniature you’ll be spoilt for choice: Modern, Tudor, Medieval, Retro; sophisticated and elegant, quirky and grimy! Food that looks good enough to eat; fabulous fashion, hats, boots and handbags. There’s the whimsical and fantasy, cottages and castles!
There are stands run by experts in their field, so if you need help with putting in electrics, or making outside walls look weathered, there will be someone happy to show you how. And you will definitely find all the materials, tools and equipment you need for your own projects. Additionally, there will be a variety of workshops going on, so browse the programme and see what you fancy! Plus there will also be inspirational stands displaying amazing miniature projects.
Here’s a few basic pointers, but check out the Miniatura website for the full details.
The Show Guide is just £1, showing a floor plan and contact details of every exhibitor – which is invaluable between shows.
Workshops begin around midday, so plenty of time to browse and shop before trying your hand at something new!
Strollers Café within the hall will have hot food, sandwiches and drinks. Or if you prefer, the Farmers Fayre Café and shop is about 100 yards away.
There are accessible toilet facilities and plenty of public seating inside the hall if you need to rest your legs!
Disabled visitors can hire a scooter (£35 for the day) by pre-arranging with Miniatura at least a week ahead of the show. There are no scooters on site and have to be brought in specially. Aisles are wider than usual for everyone’s comfort.
Buying miniatures from the exhibitors is normally done by cash or credit card (if the exhibitor has a card reader). There are no cash machines at the venue so please come prepared!
Photography at the show – please follow the simple rule and always ask permission. Also be aware of any children that might appear in your pictures (check with parents/guardians). When sharing on social media, use the hashtag #theminiaturashow. There will be five official Miniatura photographers and film makers in attendance. If you don’t want your image shown on social media let the Miniatura team know on arrival.
Travelling to the venue: If coming by train there is a free shuttle bus service from Coventry Railway Station, catch this at the BUS INTERCHANGE which is a short walk (100 yards) from the station. If coming by car, there is free parking at Stoneleigh NAEC, use Post Code CV8 2LH.
Check the website for advanced discount tickets; you can also pay on the door providing capacity hasn’t been reached. For tickets and full information please go to: https://miniatura.co.uk/
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