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Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

A woman and two children, dressed in warm coats and bobble hats, walking through fallen leaves with autumn trees and a garden statue in the background
Exploring Anglesey Abbey on an autumn walk | © National Trusts Images / James Dobson

Anglesey Abbey is full of adventures waiting to happen. Whether you're visiting for an exhibition, a special event or want or build a den in the woods, there's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

Paint a pumpkin this half term

From Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, join us at Anglesey Abbey to get creative and decorate a ceramic pumpkin.

Under the cover of outdoor tents, children and adults alike can have fun painting with colourful, mess-free acrylic paint pens. Each session lasts 45 minutes and you can take your creation home at the end, in time for Halloween.

Book online to avoid disappointment. Just £4 per pumpkin. 

A sweeping rainbow of dahlias in oranges, purples and pinks against a curved hedge
The Dahlia Garden dazzling with 60 varieties of dahlia this autumn | © Mike Selby

Three Cheers for Pooh!

Story Trail
3 October 2026 to 3 January 2027

Wander through the gardens and encounter classic characters from A.A. Milne’s much-loved Winnie-the-Pooh stories in a family-friendly activity trail. From Pooh with his honey-pot to Tigger bouncing through the landscape, you’ll find family fun and enchanting moments this autumn. Enjoy the trail as part of normal admission to Anglesey Abbey. Perfect for children (and grown-ups) of all ages.

Winnie the Pooh Centenary Exhibition

3 October 2026 to 3 January 2027
(Closed Monday 2 to Sunday 15 November 2026)

Step into the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in this anniversary exhibition that spotlights some of the much-loved bear’s most memorable adventures. Featuring extracts from A.A. Milne’s classic stories and E.H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations, the exhibition will uncover the creation of Pooh, his friends and the Hundred Acre Wood. Created in collaboration with HarperCollinsPublishers celebrating 100 years of Pooh and his friends.

A colour illustration showing Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger
Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends | © Copyright © The Trustees of The Pooh Properties, E.H.Shepard LLP / Estate of E.H.Shepard and HarperCollinsPublishers Limited

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.

Close up of Father Christmas smiling and waving, Christmas decorations in the background.
Father Christmas comes to Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © 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:

  • 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. 

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Three Cheers for Pooh! Winnie-the-Pooh comes to Anglesey Abbey 

Celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh at Anglesey Abbey this autumn with our family-friendly story trail and centenary exhibition. Follow Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and friends through woodland paths, discover Poohsticks Bridge and enjoy playful activities along the way. Inside the house, explore original books, E.H. Shepard’s iconic illustrations and the real-life stories that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood.

Published:
18 September 2026
A woman and child play Pooh sticks on a bridge at Mottisfont in Hampshire

Celebrate Christmas at Anglesey Abbey 

Christmas is an enchanting time at Anglesey Abbey, with the house decorated for all to enjoy and the wider estate offering walks around the sensory winter garden, festive shopping and wintry adventures in the woodland play area.

Man holding baby looking at Christmas tree in the Library at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

A family plays near the sun sculpture in the centre of the parkland, Lacock Abbey. It is summer, the sun is shining and the children smile towards the camera.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Children bug hunting amongst coastal grass.

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.

Parents and children walking along an autumnal path in the woods