The layout depicts the railway at a small-to-medium sized town on a secondary main line. The station consists of three platforms and a bay, normally used for parcels traffic. Nearby is a stabling point for the station pilot and for the layover of other locomotives. There is also a small goods/coal yard where shunting is usually in progress. All rolling stock is provided by club members and comprises mainly proprietary items but with some kit-built models. The operating day is generally split into two sessions each covering a different period of the railway era in Britain.

The layout is 12' x 8' in size, constructed on eight 4' x 2' boards. Essentially it is a double track oval with scenery on three sides and could be considered a suitable design for a layout in the home. Trackwork is Peco Streamline (Code 100 Rail) with point control by electric motors. Three controllers supply the power independently to the two main lines and the goods yard but with limited switching to allow movement through certain sections of track to be carried out by either of the main controllers.

Sparkford has been a popular exhibition layout for many years, and its popularity continues. It has also featured in two TV programmes, ‘My Hero’ and ‘The Brief’.