A lifelong Doctor Who fan has achieved a remarkable feat by constructing a full-scale, highly accurate replica of the 1983 Tardis console room within his own back garden. Brendan Sheppard, based in South Kyme, Lincolnshire, alongside a dedicated team, spent two years meticulously recreating the iconic interior, first seen in the 1983 Doctor Who episode, 'The Five Doctors'.
Sheppard, a former BBC director who also contributed to the Doctor Who DVD range, stated that this is the first time in nearly four decades that this particular console room has been rebuilt with such precision. The immersive attraction allows visitors to step through a full-size police box, explore the hexagonal console with its recreated buttons and switches, and even interact with a scanner screen and other props from the series. Notable inclusions are K-9, the Doctor's robot dog, and various infamous enemies, enhancing the authentic experience.
The attention to detail extends to a collection of replica costumes, featuring Tom Baker's distinctive scarf, Peter Davison's coat, and Sylvester McCoy's umbrella. Adding to the authenticity, actor Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor, recorded a special audio episode exclusively for visitors to enjoy. Actress Sophie Aldred, known for her role as Ace in the series, officially opened the unique experience to the public on Monday, 15 July 2026.
Sheppard emphasised the interactive nature of the replica, differing from many museum exhibits. "When you go to museums or experiences you're never able to touch these things," he explained, adding, "I believe you connect to an object by really touching it, feeling it, pressing those buttons and making sure it makes all those sounds." He highlighted that this custom-built structure houses the only such experience in the country where fans can truly engage with the console and feel as though they are setting off into time and space.
The project was a collaborative effort, with Simon Nash crafting the exterior Tardis police box and Darryl Harrison bringing the electronics and interactive elements to life. The replica is now open to visitors on weekends, offering a 45-minute experience for £25 per person. Sheppard noted that this fee was the lowest possible to reflect the significant time and effort invested in creating this unique piece of Doctor Who history.