Inside the secret members-only Wild West town just outside of London
THERE’S a secret town just outside of London that looks like it belongs in the Wild West of 1800s America.
While the time-warp town, 20 miles from London, is only home to 24 buildings, it has been used as a filming location for a Hollywood blockbuster and other hit TV shows.
Located just 20 miles outside of London, Laredo Western Town was founded in 1971 by John Truder – a western enthusiast.
The Western Town started life as the Laredo Western Club, where John and a like-minded group of friends met to discuss their love of the American Old West.
Over the years, the Laredo Western Club expanded and performed Wild West shows and re-enactments.
The group eventually set about constructing authentic buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a John Wayne film.
Now, Laredo Western Town is home to 24 buildings, including The Silver Palace – a full-size two-story hotel, which took nine years to build.
Other buildings in the town include a Saloon, a Marshal’s Office, a working Blacksmiths, a Livery Stables, a bank, and a Saddlery, to name a few.
The town also has broadwalks, hitching tails, horse troughs, and shop signage strung along a western-style street.
Meanwhile, inside the buildings, the decor is just as authentic with oil lamps, candles, and wood-burning stoves.
Laredo Western Town doesn’t have any running water or electricity either – only adding to its authenticity.
While this may sound like a dream for fans of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, invitations to the town are hard to come by.
Instead of droves of holidaymakers heading to the only Western town in the UK, the town is for members and invited guests only.
The town is run by the late John Truder’s daughter, Jolene Truder, who lives in a house on the site.
In an interview with Atlas Obscura, Jolene said: “My dad always looked like a cowboy, there was nothing you could do about it.”
Despite Jolene Truder being the main point of contact for the town, each of the members has a say at town meetings, and everyone is treated equally.
The members are allowed into the town at any time, with club members meeting every other weekend.
Some of the town’s members have specific roles, including that of a Marshal, a shopkeeper, and a bartender.
While tourists and holidaymakers aren’t permitted into the town, visits from Western groups and other Western enthusiasts are allowed following a request.
The town has also been used as a filming location for movies like Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp.
It’s also been used for TV shows like French and Saunders, Red Dwarf, Midsomer Murders, The One Show, and currently Toast of Tinseltown.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers can visit a Wild West adventure park in Germany, which has been described as the “perfect getaway” by visitors.
Located two hours south of Munich, Pullman City Western Town is home to cowboy shows and a Christmas village.
This UK theme park also has its very own Wild West town – and it’s been voted as one of the best attractions in the country by TripAdvisor.
