Cambridge Model Engineering Society miniature railway

Watching a steam locomotive no bigger than a garden shed pull a train of passengers along narrow-gauge track is properly absorbing, even if you've never given model railways a second thought. The Cambridge Model Engineering Society runs this miniature railway from their site just outside the city, and it's the sort of place where grown men in high-visibility vests take their work with genuine seriousness.

You'll see working scale locomotives - some steam, some diesel - hauling open carriages around a circuit that takes about fifteen minutes to complete. The engineering is intricate; these aren't toys. The volunteers who run it have spent years building and maintaining them, and that craftsmanship shows. Kids love the novelty of riding something so small, though toddlers might find the journey a bit slow if they're expecting theme-park thrills.

It's free to watch from the sidelines, though a ride will cost you a few quid. Allow an hour if you're just passing through; twice that if someone in your group is genuinely keen. Best to phone ahead or check their website before visiting - opening times aren't fixed, and they often run only on weekends and bank holidays.

If you're staying at Bounds C&CC Certificated Site nearby, this makes a decent rainy-day diversion or a quirky afternoon when you fancy something different from the usual park attractions. It won't blow your mind, but it's a proper slice of English hobbyist culture.