Discover more at Buckland Abbey
Find out when Buckland Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Buckland Abbey
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.
Your visit at a glance
-Free entry for under 5s
-Baby changing facilities
-Step free routes around the garden - please be aware that most paths are gravelled or slightly uneven with slopes
-Pocket money gifts in the shop
-Children's lunches available in the cafe
-High chairs available in the cafe
-Some parts of the yellow estate route are suitable for robust pushchairs
Father Christmas
Father Christmas is unable to join us at Buckland Abbey this year as he's very busy up at the North Pole. Why not join us for festive storytelling with his elves instead?
Winter wonders
A Tudor Frost Fair
2 - 31 December, 10-4
You are invited to step back in time to the Tudor era and immerse yourself in our 'Frost Fair'. Find out about the history of these events, and wander through the frosty trees and icy décor used to recreate this magical time. The barn will be filled with trees and twinkling lights to create a beautiful display.
Choirs will perform in the Great Barn throughout December, and the Abbey will also be dressed for a very frosty Christmas for all to see.
Please note that this is a historical and Christmas tree display, all stalls will be displays and not have goods for sale.
Normal admission applies.
Christmas storytelling
9, 10, 19 and 21 December, 12 - 3pm
Join Father Christmas' elves for some festive storytelling on the top floor of the Abbey.
Normal admission applies - please check at Visitor Welcome for exact times. There is no need to book this event.
Christmas crafts with Naturemake
Sunday 17 and Thursday 21 December, 11-3
Join Naturemake to create your own magical festive elf houses or animals from natural materials.
No need to book.
Normal admission plus a fee for your choice of craft - please note that Naturemake can only accept cash.
Wassail
Sunday 7 January, 1-4
Join Dartmoor Border Morris to scare away evil spirits in the orchard and ensure a good harvest this year at our Wassail - remember your pots and pans to make lots of noise. The event starts with a Mummer's play in the Great Barn, and will then process to the orchard for the Wassail itself.
Normal admission applies
To check opening times, please click here and scroll down to admissions.
What's great for...
Toddlers and preschoolers:
Visit the Barn and Abbey to admire all of the sparkly decorations and lights, or pop those splash suits on and head off on the yellow walk for a wintery walk. How many birds can you spot on your travels?
Primary aged kids:
Feeling crafty? Why not join in with the block printing or Naturemake workshops and make some magical festive souvenirs to take away or give as a special gift? Don't miss the storytelling sessions with our Christmas elves too (dates TBC).
Older children:
Learn more about Tudor Frost Fairs as you explore the Great Barn, and discover what life was like at the time when the Thames would freeze over the winter.
Woodland closures
Please note that the red and blue walks are currently closed for woodland works. The yellow route and the play area remain open during normal property opening times.
The Natural Play Area
Newly reopened for summer 2023, 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 brilliant playground has been reclaimed from fallen trees on the estate, and created by our amazing team of Ranger staff and volunteers.
Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the views across the Tavy Valley while you eat 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 at Buckland Abbey
With hundreds of acres of woodland to explore, there are so many activities to try out at Buckland. Here are a few of our favourite ideas:
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?
No.6 Go welly wandering
Raining? No problem. Grab your wellies and splash through some puddles, or listen to the raindrops on the leaves overhead.
No.34 Discover wild animal clues
The woodland at Buckland is home to all kinds of wonderful wildlife. Can you look for footprints and listen for calls? Maybe if you are very lucky you'll even spot some of the beautiful animals and birds yourself.
No.48 Keep a nature diary
Now you've had an adventure, why not record your discoveries in a special notebook? You could draw what you have seen and heard, maybe even find a special leaf or stick to remind yourself of your amazing day?
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