How a family day out at Audley End Enchanted Railway supports learning & development
Discovering Audley End Enchanted Railway through the eyes of child psychologist Dr. Sara Baker
At Audley End Enchanted Railway, we’ve always believed that childhood should be filled with wonder, imagination and the freedom to explore. At the heart of everything we do is a simple idea: that little ones, like little acorns, given the right care and space, can grow into mighty oaks. It’s this belief that led us to work with Dr. Sara Baker, a developmental psychologist from the University of Cambridge, and to reflect more deeply on the experience we offer families.
Many families visit us looking for an easy, enjoyable day out with their babies, toddlers and young children. With Dr. Baker’s insight, we wanted to look beyond enjoyment alone and understand how time spent at the railway can also support children’s learning and development, without losing any of the magic or sense of escape that makes a visit special.
Dr. Baker’s Observations
Dr. Baker spent time exploring the railway through a child’s eyes, watching how children move through the space, respond to the woodland setting and interact with the people around them. Her observations were both thoughtful and reassuring. She recognised that many aspects of the railway already offer young children the conditions they need by awakening the senses and building meaningful connections with their adults.
She highlighted the small, intentional details designed with children in mind, for example the child-size entrances alongside the adult sized entrances around site. From the magical fairy walk, to the train ride, the day out is full of moments of surprise and delight. Whether children are spotting woodland creatures from the train, discovering tiny fairy houses or encountering a dancing character along the way, their imaginations are constantly being sparked, and they check if their grownups have noticed the magic too.
Dr. Baker noted how naturally the experience brings children and their grown-ups together. Reading fairy poems on the Fairy & Elf Walk. Making wishes at the wishing tree or sharing a woodland picnic all create opportunities for connection. These shared moments help children build confidence and feel closely connected to the people around them.
She also highlighted the way the railway engages children’s senses without overwhelming them. The experience offers rich but gentle sensory stimulation. It’s well suited to babies, toddlers and preschoolers, allowing children to explore at their own pace. The natural world is full of opportunities to awaken the senses.
A Screen-Free Day Out
As an organisation, we’re especially proud that families often tell us how refreshing it feels to spend time immersed in nature here. With no screens or technology competing for attention, children are free to slow down, to climb wooden structures, listen to birdsong, watch the trees move in the breeze, or simply pause and look around. These moments may seem small, but they can leave a lasting impression. Dr Barker stated, “With screens everywhere these days…it is so refreshing to see an attraction that engages visitors without resorting to a lot of technology.”
Not only is being outside good for children, but it’s an important reminder to all of us to take a moment, she said “Spending time with babies and young children in a natural environment also remind us what it feels like to slow down and unwind away from the pressures of our busy lives.”
What Matters Most
Working with Dr. Baker has reaffirmed what matters most to us, while also encouraging us to think carefully about how we can continue to grow and evolve. Her insights are already shaping our ideas for the future, always guided by our belief that nurturing young imaginations today helps children grow with confidence and curiosity.
Whether you’re planning a day out with toddlers, looking for baby-friendly outdoor activities, or hoping to enjoy screen-free family time in nature, Audley End Enchanted Railway offers an experience that feels both joyful and meaningful, loved by children and trusted by parents.
This collaboration has reminded us that Audley End Enchanted Railway is more than just a day out. It’s a place where little acorns are nurtured, memories are made, and the magic of childhood is quietly celebrated.
We’re excited to share what’s next. Come and experience it through your child’s eyes, we think you’ll love it too.
