A dedicated Doctor Who superfan has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by constructing a full-size replica of the iconic TARDIS control room in his garden. Brendan Sheppard, 49, invested over £30,000 and dedicated two years to meticulously recreating the 1983 version of the Time Lord’s time machine console, ensuring unparalleled accuracy.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
The impressive 10-meter by 5-meter set is now housed in a custom-built studio at Mr. Sheppard’s home in South Kyme, Lincolnshire. The project, driven by a deep sense of nostalgia and joy, has allowed him to bring his childhood fascination with the TARDIS to life. “Joy is the theme that has run through this whole project. It’s like bringing my childhood to life,” Sheppard shared upon the completion of the build, admitting to feeling emotional and teary-eyed at the sight and feel of his creation.
Sheppard’s passion for the TARDIS dates back to 1981, when he witnessed Tom Baker regenerate into Peter Davison. This pivotal moment sparked a dream of owning his own console. His connection to the show deepened when he later worked on its DVD range. Around five years ago, he commissioned a full-size police box replica from prop maker Simon Nash. This commission evolved into a grander vision: to recreate the specific console room featured in the 1983 special, The Five Doctors.
Meticulous Reconstruction
To achieve the highest level of authenticity, Sheppard relocated to Lincolnshire to secure adequate space for the project. In November 2024, he reconnected with Simon Nash to bring their ambitious plan to fruition. The team consulted original designers and BBC production staff, gathered exact measurements, and sourced original panels and fibreglass moulds. Apprentice carpenters were instrumental in constructing the walls and pillars, while electronics specialist Darryl Harrison painstakingly recreated the intricate lighting, controls, and the central time rotor. Harrison spent three months meticulously studying old episodes frame by frame to ensure every flashing light and sequence was historically accurate.
The sheer scale and detail of the project meant significant investment. Sheppard indicated that the total cost ranged between £30,000 and £40,000, with the distinctive roundels and the gleaming time rotor being among the most expensive elements. Even seemingly minor details presented considerable challenges. The curved door handle, for instance, proved surprisingly difficult to source or replicate. After considering unconventional solutions, Sheppard eventually acquired copper piping and enlisted the help of a fellow fan to bend it into the correct shape over a bollard.
Opening the Doors to Visitors
Initially, Sheppard considered using the TARDIS set as a personal office. However, he soon realized that such a unique and special creation was too significant to keep private. “I realised that I couldn’t keep it to myself – I wanted to open it to the public,” he stated. The replica TARDIS now offers visitors an immersive, 20-minute interactive adventure, complete with puzzles, familiar characters, and the chance to engage with the console’s controls.
The attraction, priced at £20 per visit, opened in early July and has seen immediate success, with bookings sold out for the initial months and reservations already being taken for the following year. Visitors have expressed profound emotional responses to the experience. “People are telling us it has been a childhood dream to walk through those doors. One guy was quite teary when he visited,” Sheppard reported.
A Special Opening
The official opening ceremony was conducted by Sophie Aldred, who famously portrayed Ace, the companion to the Seventh Doctor. Aldred, wearing her character’s iconic badger-covered bomber jacket, inaugurated the TARDIS replica. Sheppard expressed how meaningful it was to have a companion who had actually worked on the original set witness the finished product. He noted that Ace’s jacket, a symbol of the rebellious companion from the show’s classic era, added a special touch to the opening.
A Nod to the Show’s Future
Sheppard’s dedication to Doctor Who extends to his thoughts on the show’s ongoing evolution. With the series undergoing changes behind the scenes, including showrunner transitions and shifts in production, Sheppard humorously offered his services. “I’ll take it on!” he joked when asked about the show’s future. He expressed a firm belief in the enduring legacy of Doctor Who, stating, “I think Doctor Who will outlive us all.”
The opening of Sheppard’s TARDIS coincided with other notable police box appearances, including a ceremonial one during the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla waved to the crowd from a similar structure.
Reflecting on the personal significance of the project, Sheppard imagined his younger self’s reaction. “I think the younger me would have wet himself,” he said, envisioning a three-day period of pure immersion in the TARDIS. The creation stands as a testament to the enduring power of fandom and the ability of dedicated individuals to bring beloved fictional worlds into tangible reality.
