World War II: Soldiers & Spies

Visitors to Audley End House and Gardens, aka Station 43, this August bank holiday must prepare to take cover as the explosive, action packed World War II: Soldiers & Spies event will propel them straight back into wartime Britain.

From the Trooper of the D-Day landings to the kitchen maid dishing out meagre wartime rations, families can witness the theatre of war from all aspects and as any good WWII spy will know, it’s important to know your allies from your enemies – spectacular arena displays will help visitors tell the difference.

Bazookas and dynamite will ensure the bank holiday goes with a bang as a vast arsenal of weapons will be in action and soldiers and agents will be put through their paces in some compelling training exercises. But, it’s not all just about ground combat - witness marine tactics as soldiers take to the water in a spectacular amphibious assault from the River Cam.

Eager young recruits can join Corporals as they train for battle and bark their orders in the army obstacle course and follow the ARP warden on his rounds tackling everything from gas masks to incendiary bombs.

There will also be the chance to witness the make-do-and-mend lifestyle of the homefront with plenty of 1940s music and dance to enjoy, comedy sketches, fashion displays and cookery demonstrations and the opportunity to wander around a range of living history encampments.

This weekend will also reveal more about the house and gardens’ secret wartime history as during the Second World War, this spectacular Jacobean mansion was a secret training station for Polish soldiers, unique to the Special Operations Executive, before they parachuted into occupied Europe. A total of 527 agents passed through Audley End between 1941 and 1945 and now some of the rooms they occupied will be opened up on a series of free guided tours.

Little may be known about the secret agents but did you know that birds also contributed to the war effort? Visitors can find out more at the Wartime Falconry displays, where they can meet Para-Pigeons and discover The Animal Rescue Squad.