Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

Parents and children walking along an autumnal path in the woods — Autumn adventures | © 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, build a den in the woods or climb the treehouse, there's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

October half term at Anglesey Abbey

Embark on a Halloween trail this October from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November.

Brave the haunted woods to help the witch lift the spell. Explorers will be given a torch to find hidden clues, and there will be some spooky challenges along the way, including a bat cave, a cauldron and some magic mirrors. Are you up to the challenge?

Trails are £6 per child, which includes a clue card to fill in as you go, as well as a prize at the end. Please note that normal admission applies.

Book now

The artist is smiling and looking up at her bear to her left. The big blue bear sculpture is smiling too. — 10 life-sized bears make their way to Anglesey Abbey | © David Oates Photography

Coming up this winter...

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Splish-splosh! Join us for an adventure this winter at Anglesey Abbey with Wild in Art’s Bear Hunt trail from 19 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Enjoy tiptoeing through the woods, gardens and grass with the whole family in search of the ten life-sized bear sculptures.

The trail is inspired by Michael Rosen’s beloved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and published by Walker Books. Each bear has been creatively painted by ten national and international artists. Along the trail, there will be interactive stations with grrr-eat games and challenges for children to have a go at.

Let's catch a big one!

Meet Father Christmas

Brand new for 2024, Father Christmas is heading to Anglesey Abbey and will be staying in the House for the first time this winter.

Get ready for a magical, festive encounter with Father Christmas every Friday to Sunday from 29 November to 22 December, with the added bonus of Monday 23 December. Santa's reindeer will also be in the gardens from 21 to 23 December!

Make and decorate a wish with Pepper Mint the Elf, enjoy a story time with Father Christmas, get a present and have fun taking photos together. Anglesey Abbey is working with The Walking Theatre Company to put on this festive, immersive Santa experience inside the House.

Please note that normal admission to Anglesey Abbey applies and is not included in this ticket. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Book now

Father Christmas strolls down an avenue of autumnal trees — Father Christmas is coming to Anglesey Abbey this winter | © Rebecca Hughes

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.

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?