Audley End

England is rife with manor houses that, courtesy the National Trust and English Heritage Foundations, have been preserved and opened for the pleasure of the likes of family Smith Barnes. Audley End was recommended by a friend and it is indeed a splendid spot for an afternoon (the renovated stables where you can get up and personal with the pampered horses and try on the livery costumes), the manicured gardens, the house tour (which we skipped this time), the duck and swan pond and the ubiquitous cafe and playground.

And what should be right  next door to Audley? A miniature railway of course--  a 1.5 mile track that wends it way over the River Cam, through a forest dotted with teddy bears and back to the station. We rode the tiny diesel, next time it's the puffing and chuffing steamie, says Harry.

The grandparents arrive in a few days(!!) We think perhaps they'd enjoy a visit.