Brendan Sheppard, a devoted Doctor Who fan, has invested more than £30,000 (approximately $50,000 USD) and two years of work to construct a full-size replica of the TARDIS control room in his garden. The 10m by 5m set, located in South Kyme, Lincolnshire, is a meticulously accurate recreation of the 1983 version seen in "The Five Doctors" special.
Sheppard, 49, collaborated with a team of craftsmen to achieve the exacting detail, consulting with original designers and BBC production staff. They sourced original panels and fiberglass molds, while apprentice carpenters constructed the walls and pillars. Electronics specialist Darryl Harrison spent three months recreating the console's lights, controls, and time rotor, meticulously studying old episodes to ensure the sequences matched.
"Joy is the theme that has run through this whole project. It's like bringing my childhood to life," Sheppard said upon completion, describing the experience as emotional and overwhelming. He was inspired by a childhood memory of watching Tom Baker regenerate into Peter Davison in 1981.
The replica TARDIS, which includes elements like the K9 robotic companion, has been opened to the public as an attraction. For £20, visitors can experience a 20-minute interactive adventure within the console room, featuring puzzles and interactive controls. The attraction has proven popular, with bookings sold out for the initial months and extending into the following year.
The project was initiated five years ago when Sheppard commissioned a full-size police box from prop maker Simon Nash. The build officially began in November 2024 after Sheppard moved to Lincolnshire for the necessary garden space. The total cost ranged between £30,000 and £40,000, with the roundels and time rotor being among the most significant expenses. One of the most challenging elements to replicate was the curved door handle.
Sophie Aldred, who played the companion Ace alongside Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor, officially opened the attraction. Sheppard expressed that it was meaningful to have a companion from the era of the recreated set present for the unveiling.
In unrelated news, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were also recently seen in a TARDIS during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.