The Hamilton Toy Museum & Collectors Shop

About the museum

The Hamilton Toy Museum is privately owned by the Hamilton family, who describe their collection as 175 years of combined toy collecting. Most of the exhibits have been bought by the family over the past 67 years. It is one of the largest privately owned toy collections in the UK and is shown on two floors on Main Street in Callander, alongside a collectors shop.

Each family member has a different focus. Philip Hamilton has collected toy soldiers for decades, together with civilian figures, model aircraft, tanks and battleships. His wife Patsy collects vintage dolls, bears, puppets, dolls' houses and Action Man, and their son Cris collects toy cars and model trains, including electric slot racing cars and Raleigh Choppers, and has built the museum's working model and garden railways. Other relatives have added toys found at school fairs and jumble sales and a large group of science fiction and comic toys.

The museum has themed areas that include cars, a science fiction room, an Edwardian nursery, dolls and bears, and soldiers. The family also runs the Callander Toy Fair in partnership with Leven Valley Trains.

Highlights

• One of the largest privately owned toy collections in the UK
• Toy soldiers, model aircraft, tanks and battleships throughout the building
• Vintage dolls, bears, puppets and dolls' houses
• Toy cars, electric slot racing and model trains with working railways
• Science fiction and comic-related toys

Permanent exhibitions

• Toy soldiers – Toy soldiers, civilian figures, model aircraft, tanks and battleships displayed throughout the building.
• Dolls and bears – Vintage dolls, bears, puppets, dolls' houses and Action Man figures.
• Sci-Fi Room – Science fiction and comic-related toys, many linked to television and film.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Hamilton family

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The collection is on two floors, so the museum is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Dogs are not allowed except guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

A family ticket covers two adults and two children, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Callander on the main A84, opposite the Co-op. The postcode for satnavs is FK17 8BQ.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A collectors shop is part of the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit