The Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition
Full steam ahead for our next exhibition on 15th November 2025
Each November, the South Hants Model Railway Club hosts the annual Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition. The venue is the Admiral Lord Nelson School on Dundas Lane, Portsmouth, between 10:30 and 16:30.
Not only is this the longest running model railway show in the area, but it is rapidly gaining a national reputation as an exhibition that shows the very best of this fascinating hobby.
Each exhibition has a carefully chosen selection of top-class model railway layouts and demonstrators. We are supported each year by a loyal band of traders and ‘gauge’ societies.
Refreshments are provided by the school catering department – please note: the servery closes at 1pm. However, snacks and drinks are available all day from the snack bar close to the hall. Additionally there are food outlets over the road in the Ocean Park shopping centre.
How to find us
Admiral Lord Nelson School is on Dundas Lane (PO3 5XT) opposite Ocean Park (Homebase, Curries PC World, McDonalds, Costa, M&S Foodhall etc.). The venue is always well signposted.
How to find us by car…..
From the North (A3(M)) and East (A27), take the A2030, and head South towards Southsea. and look for the signs to the exhibition.
From the Southampton direction (M27 – A27) – do not take the Portsmouth City Centre and (Ferries) exit but continue to the A2030 exit.
Once on the A2030, you are 5-10 minutes from the school. Follow the signs to the exhibition.
There is free parking at the school. You may also park in the Ocean Park shopping complex. There are no current time limit restrictions or charges , but please check before you park. There is also a free municipal car park five minutes walk away.
If you are coming by bus from Portsmouth, Gosport or the Isle of Wight
Firstbus route 2 operates at approximately 15 minute intervals from the Hard Interchange (for the Isle of Wight and Gosport Ferries) and calls at Commercial Road for Portsmouth and Southsea Station. For up-to-date information, check the Firstbus website.
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/portsmouth-fareham-gosport.
Stagecoach route 21 also operates at 15 minute intervals from Portsmouth (the Hard or Commercial Road). For up-to-date information, check the Stagecoach South website.
For both routes, alight at Copythorn Road (near the Star & Garter traffic lights). Walk to the lights and turn into Burrfields Road (approximately 10-15 minutes walk to the school). We advise checking this information before making your journey as bus timetables are liable to change.
Stagecoach also operate an hourly service 19 from Portsmouth to Ocean Retail Park (bus stop is right next to the Admiral Lord Nelson School).
If you are coming by rail….
Hilsea station is about a 15 minute walk. For the first time we shall be offering a free vintage bus service between Hilsea Station and the exhibition. The service is provided by the City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot (CPPTD).
If you are coming from the Isle of Wight….
Take the catamaran from Ryde pier to Portsmouth Harbour and catch a 2 or 21 bus as above.
Disabled access
There will be designated disabled parking spaces at or near the tennis courts as close to the hall as we can make them. Access to the school is level, as is the exhibition itself.
Admission prices
There is a standard adult admission charge of £8 (no concessions) but accompanied children (16 and under) will be admitted free.
If you are bringing small children please note that some exhibits are quite high and a small stool might be helpful.
We have a few stools and periscopes which can be borrowed – there is a £2 deposit which is refunded when you return them.
