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Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

An adult and child sit at a picnic table in a children's play area with piles of logs behind them at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Children's play area at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © 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 or build a den in the woods, there's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

Summer of Play supported by Pokémon

18 July to 31 August, every day

Join us this summer on a journey back through the decades. Each zone in our Summer of Play will take you back to a different decade, celebrating the past 100 years here at Anglesey Abbey. We'll be bringing back some of your favourite activities - including the sand pit - and introducing some fun new ones. Plus you can get creative every Wednesday in drop-in craft workshops.

Ready to unleash your energy? On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers!

Two young girls racing along a course, marked out by straw bales, towards a string of colourful bunting
Children enjoying the Summer of Play at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

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 Redwoods Restaurant, the Garden Office Café and various pop-up trailers around the gardens.
  • 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.

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 was well used for over a decade but, sadly, it came to the natural end of its operational life in 2025 and has now been removed from the gardens. 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. We look forward to sharing news of this new play structure soon. We hope you will keep enjoying the play equipment in the Woodland Play Area as well as the Den Building Area.  

Two children sitting on a log in front of a den in the woods at Anglesey Abbey
Den building at Anglesey Abbey | © Antonia Gray

'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?

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