Exploring History and Nature Together
Brayshaw Heritage Park is a community-based heritage park located at 26 Arthur Baker Place in Blenheim, Marlborough. Established in 1968, the park was inspired by the late Norman Brayshaw and created as a place to preserve Marlborough’s historic buildings, collections, machinery, and heritage activities while offering natural beauty and spaces for relaxation.
Today the park is home to a range of volunteer-run organisations and societies that collectively showcase many aspects of Marlborough’s history and community life. These include museums, vintage machinery and vehicle collections, woodworking groups, railway enthusiasts, modelling clubs, and historical displays.
The park provides visitors with the opportunity to experience working displays, heritage exhibits, restored buildings, and special events throughout the year.
Brayshaw Heritage Park continues to grow through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and community support.

Major Highlights of Brayshaw Heritage Park
- Brayshaw Heritage Park, founded in the late 1960s, safeguards Marlborough’s history while offering natural beauty and spaces for relaxation.
- The park is home to the Beavertown Replica Village, recreating Blenheim’s historical street scenes for an immersive visitor experience.
- Community volunteers play a vital role in preserving heritage, enhancing educational initiatives, and fostering local engagement.
- Scenic pathways, open lawns, and shaded picnic spots provide a welcoming environment to enjoy both nature and history.
- The park’s dedication to conservation ensures Marlborough’s historical legacy endures for future generations to appreciate.

Founding and Establishment
Brayshaw Heritage Park was established in the late 1960s, inspired by the vision of Norman Brayshaw, who conceived the idea in the 1950s. His goal was to preserve Marlborough’s heritage, a vision brought to life with the support of the Marlborough Historical Society, incorporated in 1955.
Located at 26 Arthur Baker Place in Blenheim, the park’s site was selected to house historical collections. Construction started in 1960, laying the foundation for a significant cultural hub. Officially opened in 1968, it soon became a center for societies like the Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery Society.
These groups have enriched the park’s offerings, highlighting its historical importance. Over time, it expanded to include the Marlborough Museum, keeping it engaging for all visitors. The dedication to preserving regional heritage remains evident in every corner of the park.
As you explore Brayshaw Heritage Park, you’ll feel the impact of Norman Brayshaw’s original vision, a testament to the community’s commitment to history in Blenheim.

Beavertown Replica Village
Nestled in Brayshaw Heritage Park, Beavertown Replica Village offers a glimpse into Blenheim around 1900. Built in the 1960s by the Marlborough Historical Society, this village recreates historical street scenes with authentic commercial buildings and shops.
You’ll see establishments positioned as they once were, immersing you in the era’s daily life. The village reflects the community’s past, providing an educational experience for all ages visiting Blenheim.
A two-foot gauge railway offers a scenic ride, enhancing your journey through history. The replica Fire Station showcases early firefighting equipment, adding to the village’s authenticity.
Volunteers from the Marlborough Historical Society maintain Beavertown, ensuring its historical accuracy. Exploring Beavertown is a must for anyone interested in Blenheim’s heritage.

Community Engagement
Community engagement flourishes at Brayshaw Heritage Park, where local volunteers breathe life into history. Numerous opportunities exist to get involved through societies like the Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery Society and the Marlborough Woodworkers Guild.
These groups manage the park and host workshops, inviting you to learn traditional skills. Annual events like Heritage Day celebrate pioneer crafts, offering hands-on demonstrations by passionate volunteers in Blenheim.
Special events during school holidays provide further chances for public interaction with local history. The park’s collaboration with multiple societies creates a lively community atmosphere for like-minded individuals.
Regular society meeting days ensure there’s always activity, making it easy to join in. By participating, you help maintain the park, strengthening community ties in Blenheim.
Key Attractions and Exhibitions
Discovering the key attractions at Brayshaw Heritage Park reveals Marlborough’s history in vivid detail. The Marlborough Vintage Car Club displays a remarkable collection of restored vintage vehicles, open on specific days for visitors.
The Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery Museum showcases an impressive array of historical machinery, with many pieces in working condition for demonstrations during events in Blenheim.
For rail enthusiasts, the Blenheim Riverside Railway offers a charming ride on a two-foot gauge track to Beaver Station. The Marlborough Associated Modellers also delights with detailed model trains and miniature rail rides.