Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

Meet Father Christmas at Anglesey Abbey

Step into a Christmas wish at Anglesey Abbey, where Father Christmas is making a special festive visit this winter.

Join Christmas characters on a magical mini adventure before entering the beautifully decorated Lower Gallery of the house. Here, Father Christmas will share a heart-warming Christmas story, bringing the season to life in one of Anglesey Abbey’s most beautiful rooms. And for children, there’s a special and bespoke gift from Keel Toys to take home.

At the end, there’ll also be an opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas and capture the memory.

Tickets: £24.95 per child, including the special Christmas present and entry for one accompanying adult.

The group storytelling experience is recommended for children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the size of the Lower Gallery, only one adult per child ticket can attend.

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:

• Toilets are located in the visitor centre and near the house. There are no toilets in the woodland play area.
• Baby-changing facilities are available at all toilet locations. 
• Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site.
• Bikes and scooters are allowed for under-fives only.
• Only assistance dogs are permitted in the grounds and house.
• 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.

Where to find food and drink

You’ll find hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals at Redwoods Restaurant in the Visitor Centre. The Garden Office Café, by the house, is open daily from 10:30am, for takeaway hot and cold drinks, snacks and cakes. There is an outdoor seating area for The Garden Office Café in the courtyard. 

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. 

'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?