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Family-friendly things to do at Buckland Abbey

A family sit on a stone floor beside an open wooden door, playing with colourful streamers. The mother wears a long blue dress and is holding rainbow ribbons up for a toddler who is reaching for them. A baby boy is sitting behind on the father's lap.
Summer fun at Buckland Abbey | © Barry Mitchell

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the cafe, there's something for all the family to enjoy at Buckland Abbey this summer.

Your visit at a glance

A young boy stands in the centre of the image with a toy lance. Another child is facing towards him, slightly out of focus, in the foreground, and colourful flags run alongside the children
Learn to be a knight at Buckland Abbey this summer | © Steve Haywood

What's on for families

A child stands on wooden balance beams in the play area
Fun for all the family at Buckland's natural play area | © Steven De'Ath

The Natural Play Area

The play area at the start of the red walk on Buckland's estate is a fantastic place for little adventurers to explore and let off steam.

Complete with stepping stones, balance beams, climbing logs and much more, all of the timber used in creating this playground was reclaimed from fallen trees on the estate, and crafted by the Ranger staff and volunteers.

Why not bring a picnic too?

The area can be used by children of all ages, although little ones might need a bit of help with some of the equipment and we would ask that children are never left unsupervised.

It's a bit tricky getting a buggy to the play area, so you might prefer to bring a baby carrier if you're planning to head up there on your visit, and please be aware that the nearest facilities are back at the main property. 

50 things to do before you're 11 3/4

Here are some of the activities you might be able to complete at Buckland Abbey. Have you ticked any more off the list?

A father lifts up their small child so they can reach fruit growing on a tree. The background is hazy with mist on an autumnal day.
Admiring apple trees | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

No.1 Get to know a tree

There are thousands of trees on the estate, including some awesome oaks, beautiful beeches and fabulous firs. Can you guess how old some of them might be, and imagine what stories they could tell?

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The exterior of Abbot's tower at Buckland Abbey in the evening light

Discover more at Buckland Abbey

Find out when Buckland Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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