Collectors and dealers alike all agree that if you are serious about buying or selling quality toys and models, then there is only one show to visit above all else - Sandown Park.

The quality and variety of collectables on offer is breathtaking, with more than 500 tables of toys and models for sale. Visitors and exhibitors travel from all over the UK and Europe to visit each event.

Collectors of diecast model cars, buses and aeroplanes are spoilt for choice. Autosport Models, Rockertron Toys, Patrick Trench, The Matchbox Forum, Pitstop, Peregrine Models, Dalesman Diecast, Much Ado About Toys, Jos Souren, J.M. Toys and St. Martins Accessories are just some of the dealers specialising in diecast models. Diecast models by Dinky, Corgi, Spot-On, Solido, Minichamps, Tekno, EFE, Maisto, Norev and Sunstar are just a few of the brands for sale at the show.

Sci-fi, film and TV related toys and models always feature strongly at Sandown. Jim "Mr Star Wars" Stevenson always brings with him a large stock of rare James Bond, Star Wars, Doctor Who and other cult collectables, as do Movie Zone, TV and Film Memorabilia, Andy Foley of TV Toy Zone and Time Trek.

There are dozens of stalls selling toy trains, with all the well known names attending, such as Chris Graebe, Train Time, Peter Dunk, John Neale, Golden Age Models, Graham de Chastelain and Mike Brown. There are two working 0 gauge train layouts running throughout the day, courtesy of ACE Trains and Darstead. Hornby, Bassett-Lowke, Marklin, Lima, Bachmann, Heljan, Tri-ang, Trix and Fleischmann are just a few of the makes of trains sold.

Collectors of tinplate toys can always find plenty of stalls to interest them at Sandown. David Pressland of The Art of The Tin Toy is a regular trader, as are Ken Simmons, Louren Bas, John Haley, Alquin Mitchell, Dawn Allan, JC Collectables and Guy Steeds.

The thousands of different collectables for sale at Sandown include teddy bears, lead soldiers, tractors and farm toys, display cases, model railways, diecast and tinplate toys and models, jigsaws, games, books, Action Man, Thunderbirds, Star Wars, Disneyana, Scalextric, model ships and boats, kits, Bayko, Meccano and much, much more.

If you are looking into buying or selling toys or trains at auction, then Sandown is a great place to start. Vectis Auctions, Bonhams, Wallis and Wallis and Toymart.com all stand at each Sandown Fair showcasing a selection of models to be sold in future specialist auctions. Representatives from these auction houses are always keen to speak to prospective clients and are happy to offer up free advice and valuations.

Refreshments selling hot and cold snacks, meals and drinks are open throughout the day in the Food Court. There are three ATM machines in the entrance foyer and two at the opposite end of the hall for buyers in need of more cash!

Esher Railway Station is a short walk from Sandown Park and has trains running every hour to and from London Waterloo Station.

Nearby Hotels for visitors to Sandown Park -

The Sandown Park Lodge is situated within the Sandown Park complex itself and offers bed and breakfast accommodation at very reasonable rates.
All the rooms do usually sell out well in advance of each Toy Fair, so it is advised to book early.
The Telephone number for the Sandown Park Lodge is 01372 462 637
From outside the UK dial 0044 1372 462 637

The Hilton National Hotel at Cobham is 5 miles from Sandown Park.
This 4 star rated hotel has excellent facilities and is very close to junction 10 of the M25 motorway

The Telephone number for the Hilton National Hotel is 01932 864 471
From outside the UK dial 0044 1932 864 471

Cobham Lodge is an independent hotel located just 3 miles from Sandown Exhibition Centre.
Mention you are visiting the Toy Fair for special room rates.

The telephone number for Cobham Lodge is 01932 864 602
From outside the UK dial 0044 1932 864 602
The hotel has a website which can be found at www.cobhamlodge.co.uk

More than 500 Stalls of Collectable Toys, Trains and Models
Don't Miss Britain's Best Loved Toy Show