Family-friendly things to do at Lacock

A piece of photographic history

Borrow an interactive discovery backpack in the abbey, where the photographic negative was invented in 1835. Full of hands-on activities to help children explore colour and light, two important elements of photographic image making. Use the prompts and props as you walk around the abbey rooms and imagine how Victorian inventor, Henry Fox Talbot, felt when he was experimenting with early photographic techniques. 

Exploring the house and gardens

While the house is closed for the winter clean the woodlands and garden provide a good place for a welly walk and nature discoveries. Follow the woodland paths to the walk-in Camera Obscura near the parkland whilst spotting signs of the season underfoot and overhead. The Bothy in the Botanic Garden is usually open during the Christmas period for self-lead crafts and activities. 

At the Abbey explore the medieval Cloister which is open all year, this is the oldest part of the abbey with nearly 800 years of history to soak in. Film fans will be familiar with the Cloister walks and rooms - especially the mini witches and wizards who always wanted to go to a certain school of witchcraft and wizardry. 

Christmas at Lacock

There's something for all the family at Lacock for Christmas, where lights will twinkle on trees in every corner. The Great Hall steals the show with traditional decorations, mini christmas scenes,  a ceiling-high tree and dressing up for both children and adults. Father Christmas has parked his sleigh in the Courtyard with the willow reindeers, pose for a photo and then visit the Courtyard tea-room for a mince pie and hot chocolate. Mother Christmas brings her popular storytimes back to the Lacock Christmas grotto, includes a gift, with Toddler Time sessions on Friday for little ones. 

Book Mother Christmas Storytime here
Book Toddler Time with Mother Christmas here

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Lacock Abbey:

• Baby-changing facilities are available in access-friendly toilets in the courtyard at the Abbey and in the Red Lion car park toilets
• A children's menu is available in the Stables Café, including ice creams 
• We welcome breastfeeding everywhere at Lacock, including in our cafe and we can provide hot water for making up baby bottles. 
• Picnics are allowed in the grounds (the orchard is a great place for a picnic) and there are picnic benches in the Pound by the play area in the village
• Pushchairs are admitted in the garden, but not in the Abbey or cloister
• Children’s scooters and bikes (including self-propelled or balance bikes) are not permitted in the garden.