Pollocks Toy Museum is a delicious hidden gem. It takes its name from Benjamin Pollock, the last of the Victorian Toy Theatre printers, and was set up in the 1960’s by Marguerite Fawdry who, after buying up all the stock of Benjamin Pollock, slowly but surely built up one the largest collection of 19th and 20th century toys in the world. The museum is housed in two charming old buildings just north of Soho in London. It’s a fascinating exhibition of miniature theatres, teddy bears, wax and china dolls, board games, mechanical toys and doll’s houses. Today, the museum is still in family hands, and is run by Eddy Fawdry, Marguerite’s grandson who shows Professor Hutton around. The Professor also visits The Royal Society. It was established by the Royal Charter of King Charles ll in 1663 and has been at the heart of modern science for 350 years. Some of the greatest names of our age have been active members, including Sir Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle and Sir Christopher Wren.

• Ronald Hutton