A dedicated Doctor Who superfan has realized a lifelong ambition by constructing a meticulously detailed, full-size replica of the iconic TARDIS control room in his garden. Brendan Sheppard, 49, invested over £30,000 and two years of effort, collaborating with a team of skilled craftsmen, to bring the 1983 version of the Doctor’s time machine console to life with remarkable accuracy.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
The impressive 10-meter by 5-meter set is now housed in a purpose-built studio at Mr. Sheppard’s home in South Kyme, Lincolnshire. The project, fueled by a childhood dream sparked by watching Tom Baker regenerate into Peter Davison in 1981, has culminated in a space that not only satisfies his personal passion but is also open to the public for immersive visits.
Upon the project’s completion, Mr. Sheppard described his emotional reaction: “I was quite emotional – a bit teary-eyed. The sound, the look, being able to flick buttons. I was really overwhelmed and emotional. Joy is the theme that has run through this whole project. It’s like bringing my childhood to life.”
The TARDIS, a time machine and spacecraft famously disguised as a blue British police box, is central to the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who, which first aired in 1963. The alien Time Lord protagonist travels the universe in this vessel, which is known for being significantly larger on the inside.
Meticulous Recreation Process
Mr. Sheppard’s journey toward building his TARDIS began years ago when he worked on the show’s DVD range. Approximately five years prior, he commissioned a full-size police box from prop maker Simon Nash. This initial step paved the way for their ambitious collaboration: to recreate the specific console room featured in the 1983 special, The Five Doctors.
To achieve the necessary space for the studio, Mr. Sheppard relocated to Lincolnshire. In November 2024, he reconnected with Mr. Nash to move the project forward. Their meticulous planning involved consulting the original TARDIS designer and BBC production staff, taking precise measurements, and sourcing original panels and fibreglass molds. Apprentice carpenters then played a crucial role in constructing the walls and pillars.
The intricate lighting, controls, and the central time rotor were recreated by electronics specialist Darryl Harrison. He dedicated three months to painstakingly studying old episodes frame by frame, ensuring that every light sequence and operational detail matched the original onscreen appearance.
From Private Passion to Public Attraction
Initially, Mr. Sheppard considered using the TARDIS set as his personal office. However, he soon realized that such a unique creation was too special to remain private. “I realised that I couldn’t keep it to myself – I wanted to open it to the public,” he stated.
Visitors can now step through the iconic police box door and embark on a 20-minute interactive adventure within the control room. The experience includes elements featuring Peter Davison’s Doctor, puzzles, and encounters with familiar characters. The attraction, which cost between £30,000 and £40,000 to build, opened in early July and has proven immensely popular, with bookings sold out for the initial months and reservations extending into the following year.
The response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are telling us it has been a childhood dream to walk through those doors. One guy was quite teary when he visited,” Mr. Sheppard shared.
A Special Opening
The official opening ceremony was attended by Sophie Aldred, who famously portrayed Ace, the companion to Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor. Ms. Aldred, dressed in her character’s signature badge-covered black bomber jacket, a look synonymous with the companion’s rebellious spirit during the show’s classic era, inaugurated the attraction.
Mr. Sheppard expressed the significance of her presence: “It meant so much to have the last Doctor Who companion who worked on that set see the finished product.”
Challenges and Triumphs
While the overall construction involved significant expenses, particularly for elements like the roundels and the gleaming time rotor, one of the seemingly simplest details presented the greatest challenge: the curved door handle. After exploring various options, including repurposing a basketball hoop, Mr. Sheppard sourced copper piping and enlisted the help of another fan to bend it into the correct shape.
“It was probably the simplest sounding thing that proved the hardest part,” he reflected.
Looking back at his younger self, Mr. Sheppard, who hails from Belfast, imagined the reaction: “I think the younger me would have wet himself. You probably wouldn’t see him for three days – he’d be in the Tardis.”
A New Era for Doctor Who
Mr. Sheppard’s TARDIS replica opens as the Doctor Who franchise itself stands on the cusp of new developments. With showrunner Russell T Davies having departed and a 2026 Christmas special reportedly scrapped, production is undergoing changes. Undeterred, Mr. Sheppard humorously offered his services: “I’ll take it on! I think Doctor Who will outlive us all.”
Meanwhile, the iconic police box motif briefly appeared elsewhere in the news this week, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla seen waving from a TARDIS during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prior to the event’s commencement the following day.
