Skip to content

Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

Adult and two children in coats and bobble hats facing away pointing at red plants in winter garden
Family adventures at Anglesey Abbey | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

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

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.

Winter Lights

An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ is a beautiful, sensory after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life in all their wonder.

Fun for all the family. Join us for an enchanting, magical celebration of the natural world, weekends from Friday 17 November to Sunday 10 December.

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 treehouse 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. Head down and let your imagination run wild.

'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?

Family walking along the canal at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire in winter
Family walking along the canal at Anglesey Abbey | © National Trust Images/Rachel Tarkenter
Visitors in the Newmarket Corridor at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Discover more at Anglesey Abbey and Lode Mill

Find out when Anglesey Abbey and Lode Mill are open, how to get here, the things to see and more.

You might also be interested in

Silver birch trees in The Winter Walk at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire.
Article
Article

Explore the gardens at Anglesey Abbey 

Find out more about Anglesey Abbey’s glorious gardens, from the seasonal highlights to the history and design behind them.

The South Front of Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Article
Article

Explore the house at Anglesey Abbey 

Discover the many layers that Anglesey Abbey has to offer. A Jacobean priory, once home to Lord Fairhaven.

Family walking along the canal at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire in winter
Article
Article

Lode Mill at Anglesey Abbey 

Discover how the Lode Mill was rescued from being derelict for many years and restored by the new owner Lord Fairhaven.

Afternoon tea with fruit scones, clotted cream and jam in the restaurant at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Anglesey Abbey 

Visit Redwoods Restaurant for a bite to eat, browse the plant centre and shop for a gift or discover a bargain in the second-hand bookshop.

Metal gilt and enamelled musical tower clock in chinese taste, fashioned as 4-tier pagoda. Known as the Pagoda clock at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Article
Article

Anglesey Abbey’s treasures 

Discover more about five of the most important treasures within the collection at Anglesey Abbey.

A man and child explore the ruins of Fountains Abbey. The man is holding the little girl as they look up at the stone walls of the abbey.

Family-friendly places to visit 

There are lots of things to do when you visit one of our family-friendly places. Find inspiration for days out and discover a range of activities for everyone.

Children playing in the woodlands at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.

Visitors at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire with windmill behind them.

Family-friendly places in Cambridgeshire 

With gardens, countryside and historic buildings across Cambridgeshire, discover a selection of places to enjoy a great family day out, rain or shine.