Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

A family all in blue denim walking through the gardens at Anglesey Abbey. A mum, grandma and two girls are all enjoying being out in nature, pointing at a leafy green tree. — There's lots to discover out and about in the gardens | © James Dobson

Anglesey Abbey is full of adventures waiting to happen. Whether you want to play on the new equipment in the Woodland Play Area or build a den in the woods, there's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

May half term trail

Join us at Anglesey Abbey for a fun, family-friendly trail inspired by the book Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Have a go at the wheelbarrow race, plant some seeds and feed the caterpillars by throwing the beanbags into the targets. Full of active and sensory games, the trail will run from 24 May to 1 June. Pick up a trail map at the visitor centre then float and flutter your way around the trail, learning how to grow a butterfly garden of your own as you go.

Find out more

Summer of Play colourful wooden blocks at Anglesey Abbey, a mother is helping her child jump over the hay bales next to it. — Summer of Play in full swing at Anglesey Abbey | © James Dobson

Summer of Play at Anglesey Abbey

Get ready for a beach-themed Summer of Play at Anglesey Abbey, sponsored by Starling Bank. Bursting with energy, we have an activity-packed day suitable for the whole family during the summer holidays. Have a play in the giant sand pit, take part in some seaside arts & crafts and challenge your friends to a game of badminton or volleyball.

In addition to five creative and interactive seaside play zones, why not have a go at some crazy golf and archery in the gardens? You can also enjoy puppet shows, bubble shows, and plenty of refreshments. Head to our event listing to find out more dates and times for these activities.

Let's go!

Woodland Play Area

There's an adventure waiting for you in the Woodland Play Area. Nestled away at the end of the woodland path there's something for everyone, from the climbing frame and swings to birdwatching and den building. A natural woodland, it offers you the space to have a nature-filled adventure with all the family.

Den Building Area

Don't forget to check out the den building area near the Woodland Play Area too. Build a den and let your imagination run wild! The den building area was built by the Green Team - a group of volunteers from Cambridge Regional College. These students are currently studying a course that enables adults with additional learning needs to continue their education and gain experience in the workplace.

Treehouse news

The treehouse at Anglesey Abbey has been well used for over a decade, but sadly it’s come to the natural end of its operational life and the time has come to close it. We know this will come as a disappointment to some of our regular visitors, but safety remains our priority.

We are seeking planning permission to replace the treehouse with a new freestanding structure featuring multiple access points, including a shorter and less steep set of stairs along with other elements including a slide, climbing wall, and cargo net. We look forward to sharing news of this new play structure soon.

We encourage families to continue using the play equipment in the Woodland Play Area as well as the Den Building Area.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Anglesey Abbey:

Baby-changing facilities are available at all toilet locations
Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site
Bikes and scooters are allowed for under-fives only
Meals and snacks can be bought from the Redwoods restaurant
Sensory toys are available to pick up from our 'Borrow Basket'.

Borrow Basket

Feel free to borrow some fidget toys and things to help you enjoy your visit when you arrive at Anglesey Abbey. We have sunglasses, ear-defenders and other bits and bobs to help you make the most of your day. You can pick these up in the Visitor Centre and drop them back off on your way out.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Anglesey Abbey is the perfect place to have a family adventure and tick off a few of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' at the same time. Here are a few to get you started:

No. 4 Build a den: In the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area you’ll find plenty of sticks and flat open space to build a den. Once you’ve built your den, crawl inside and see what you can spot from your secret hiding place
No. 18 Create some wild art: See what you can find on the woodland floor in the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area and let your imagine run wild. Try and find things that vary in colour in texture such as leaves, feathers, pine cones or pebbles. There's so much to choose from in the natural world – but make sure you're not making your art from another creature's home
No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice – there are all kinds of minibeasts hiding in the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area. Great spots for searching include under stones and wood, the branches, bark and leaves of trees and in long grass. Once you've found your bugs, remember that you're a giant compared to them, so be gentle with any that you choose to pick up. All bugs appreciate being returned to their homes after you've looked at them so put them back where you found them
No. 44 Watch a bird: Head to the bird hide and pond viewing platform and see what you can discover. Pick up a pair of binoculars and stay very quiet – what will you see?