We visited Audley End Miniature Railway and this is what we thought

Nestled just outside Suffolk (but only a short drive away) is Audley End Miniature Railway, which has to be one of the most magical family experiences out there.

The attraction exudes a gentle charm, with old-fashioned activities sure to keep children enchanted for hours.

With a seasonal menu of themed events – visits are well worth it for special events at Hallowe’en and Christmas – there are few more magical seasons at Audley End than its enchanted fairy and elf walk, which opened on Saturday.

The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly a trip along the 1.5-mile miniature railway.

From queueing at the station and seeing our train chug in ready for boarding, to handing over tickets, finding our own little carriage for our family of three and then the anticipation and excitement building before setting off on our journey, it really is a unique experience.

And while you might wonder how a gentle ride through the woods could be so magical, there are a few little surprises along the way – from wildlife to World War Two relics to teddy bears _ which you are invited to tick off in the activity booklet included in the ticket price.

Five-year-old Clara spent time reading the booklet as we waited for our little steam engine to set off and then cheering as we spotted items on the route.

After a trip through the woods on the railway, it was time for us to meet a real-life elf and venture into the fairy and elf walk to find the tiny inhabitants of the small wooden tree houses dotted along the route.

Along the route Clara visited Christabelle the wishing fairy (and made her own wish for a new Rainbow High doll) and gave Gormley the troll a wide berth as she walked past his bridge, refusing to even pose for a picture in his wooden 'jail'.

Meanwhile, she also took delight in searching for Honey the bee fairy, who is a new resident of the enchanted woods for 2022.

Half-way along the walk Clara enjoyed meeting a real life fairy to make her own fairy wand (which gave her magical powers to see the little creatures) and then looking through her activity booklet to tick off each fairy and elf (and to discover the traits) as she found it.

After the magical fairy and elf walk Clara let off some steam at the adventure playground.

This is where you might need your Wellington boots if visiting following rain. Luckily, it had not rained for weeks before this visit but we know from experience just how muddy children can get when clambering through tunnels, zooming down slides and generally playing on the wooden station platform and train-themed play area.

By this time, mum and dad were in need of some sustenance and Clara (reluctantly) needed a little sit down, so we visited the attraction's Woodland Café, within the picnic area.

It offers home-made and locally-sourced food and drink – with ice cream made just 500 metres away from the railway sold during the summer months.

Dad enjoyed his minted lamb burger, my falafel and houmous salad was delicious, while Clara happily munched her way through her lunchbox (£6 for a choice of ham/cheese/jam roll, crisps, snack bag, fruit and drink).

While eating at the picnic area Clara spotted Isla the fairy making bubbles. It was all we could do to contain her at the picnic table long enough for us to finish our meals before the was off.

From chasing little bubbles to making her own giant bubbles using rope and wands, she was entranced.

Then it was the turn of Twig the elf to entertain. He challenged Clara to stack as many stones as possible (she managed a pile of three) and make a campfire out of rustic sticks.

Several hours after arriving, having stayed much longer than anticipated, we left for the 40-minute drive home following a brilliant day – imaginations fired up, full bellies and just a little bit tired.

Tickets to Audley End Miniature Railway include a ride on the miniature steam or diesel train, the fairy and elf walk, the chance to meet the fairy and elf family, the adventure play area and the nature corner.

The Enchanted Fairy and Elf walk is open throughout the 2022 season, excluding special events for Hallowe'en and Christmas.

For more information and to book, go to www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

- We have teamed up with Audley End Miniature Railway to offer a prize of four tickets to the attraction's annual Summer Festival.

The festival runs from July 23-September 4, so it is a perfect activity for the school summer holidays.

Tickets go on sale on May 23, but our competition winner can be sure of snagging their tickets with our fantastic prize of four tickets, worth up to £60.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply buy a May 5/6 edition of the Newmarket Journal, Haverhill Echo, Suffolk Free Press or Bury Free Press and see our Culture supplement for entry details.