Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town

Classic cars, tiny merry-go-rounds & vintage tea sets

Last updated: 30 August 2024  

This hidden museum, which costs just R10 to enter, is a treasure trove of vintage toys. It houses 4 000 model cars, 500 vintage dolls (the oldest is 165 years old), two model railways, and some of the toys are even on sale. See what you can discover at the Warrior Toy Museum, and what else you can get up to in Simon’s Town.  

There’s also toys on sale so you can bring a touch of the museum’s magic home. Image: Saarah Gierdien

4 000 VINTAGE CARS TO ADMIRE  

Warrior Toy Museum has been around since the 1970s and holds endless vintage collectors items from around the world. It’s home to 4 000 vintage cars, with a wide range of toy planes and trains too. 

There’s even a model of HMS Victory (a historic warship that served as the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar, one of the most famous naval battles in British history).

Classic Dinky Toys adorn the endless shelves of the Warrior Toy Museum. Image: Saarah Gierdien 

TINY TEA SETS & 165 YEAR OLD DOLLS

As you walk down the aisles of the museum, you can see a collection of 500 dolls on display. There’s dolls of legendary figures in history, pop culture, and characters from classic fairy tales  like Elvis, Princess Diana, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. The oldest doll in the collection is Renee, who is 165 years old.  

And the dollhouses are tiny marvels. Each room has its own ambiance, complete with furniture, miniature inhabitants, and even tinier detailed dollhouses for the toys to “play with” inside. 

There’s also mini porcelain tea sets, each with its own intricate designs like teddy bears, florals and classic blue and white porcelain. These dainty cups and miniature teapots are timeless, and might make you reminisce about childhood tea parties. 

You’ll marvel in amazement at the detail of the tiny classic collectables. Image: Saarah Gierdien

SEE THE MODEL TRAINS IN ACTION 

The museum features a model railroad with two trains that can be set in motion upon request. 

One of the trains is a replica of South Africa's Trans Karoo Express, which once transported passengers daily between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The other train on display is a cargo train, and they travel alongside each other when they’re in action. 

When you’re not engrossed in the trains running, you can also see the circus diorama, with a red and white striped circus tent, miniature figures of acrobats, trapeze artists and stilt walkers, and a tiny replica of a merry-go-round. 

The toy museum is a treasure trove for model train enthusiasts. Image: Saarah Gierdien 

WHAT TO DO IN SIMON’S TOWN 

If you’d like to make a day trip of it, there’s plenty to do in this quaint coastal town. K and D’s Ice Cream is just a stroll away. Look out for the bright blue and pink decor in St George’s Street. 

You can also learn about Muslim history and culture at the Heritage Museum, which honours former residents displaced during the apartheid era. Set in an old house, the rooms are exactly as they were when people lived there (even the crockery has been there since 1998). 

And of course, the beaches are stunning. There’s plenty to choose from: Boulders, Foxy, Seaforth… Or if you’re up for something a little different, try a Simon’s Town Ghost Walk. 

K and D’s also have a selection of vegan and sugar-free ice cream flavours. Image: Saarah Gierdien

VISIT WARRIOR TOY MUSEUM 

Warrior Toy Museum and Shop is open: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm. Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Find it: 1067 King George Way, Simon's Town, Cape Town
Contact on: 021 786 1395
Cost to enter: R10

By Saarah Gierdien 

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MORE TO DO IN CAPE TOWN 

Discover more old school toys at the Toy and Miniature Museum. 

See our guide of 65+ things to do with kids.

Make the most of your week with our week(end) guide.

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