Family-friendly things to do at Buckland Abbey

To find Buckland Abbey, follow brown tourist signs from the A386 Plymouth - Tavistock road. Do not follow sat nav.

There is a free car park with accessible spaces around 150 yards from Visitor Welcome. There is usually a buggy service operating between the car park and Abbey buildings.

Members and under 5s enter free of charge.

Dogs on leads are welcome in all areas except the house and the Kitchen Garden.

Phone reception is poor in most areas, but you should find a signal up at the car park.

You'll find baby changing facilities alongside the accessible toilet in the courtyard outside Visitor Welcome, and the toilet in the Ox Yard.

We welcome breastfeeding everywhere at Buckland Abbey. If there is anything you need such as a quiet space or hot water for bottle warming, please speak to a member of staff.

High chairs and children's pick and mix lunches are available in the cafe, along with ice creams, cakes, snacks and hot lunches.

In the shop, you'll find a great selection of pocket money gifts, books, toys and sweets. You can also get your National Trust passport stamped here!

The shop and cafe are both accessible for buggies.

You will be invited to leave buggies, large bags and baby carriers with the volunteer at the entrance door. There are a lot of stairs in the house, please ask the volunteer on the door if you would find it easier to be shown an adjusted route.

If you prefer a quieter environment, the best times in the Abbey are at the beginning and end of the day. Sound reducing headphones are available to borrow at the entrance door of the house and Visitor Welcome.

Some rooms have items in them which you can touch - please ask a volunteer guide or look out for the blue tablecloths.

Costumes are available to try on in the Lifetimes gallery at the top of the house.

During school holidays, look out for free trails around the Abbey. Visitor Welcome will provide you with any trail sheets or information you may need.

There are seats you may use in every room in the house - please avoid sitting in any chairs with scrolls placed on the seat.

There's plenty to see and do in the garden and on the estate all year round, with trails during the school holidays. Visitor Welcome will give you all the information you need about what's happening on the day of your visit.

Please ask at Visitor Welcome to discover the step free routes around the garden - be aware that most paths are gravelled or slightly uneven with slopes.

Some parts of the yellow estate route (approximately 1 mile) are suitable for robust pushchairs.

The natural play area is not accessible for buggies - we'd recommend that you use a baby carrier instead.

We have a Tramper and wheelchairs available to hire should anyone in your party require them - please call us on 01822 856045 for more information.

You're welcome to picnic in the gardens or on the estate. You'll find benches dotted around or you can bring a blanket to find your own special spot. Please remember to take all rubbish away with you.

19 July - 31 August, 10am-5pm daily

Join us for the Quest of King Arthur's Round Table!

This summer, visitors are invited to learn how to joust, sword fight and fire an arrow like a Knight of the Round Table. Maybe you'd like to make a potion in Merlin's nature kitchen? Next you can build your own castle in our loose parts play area - giving it the best defences.

After all this you can relax in the Book Nook, or head down to the Cider House Garden to learn some dance moves.

Archery demonstrations will take place on selected days, check back for further details.

Normal admission fees apply, free for members. No additional charge for activities.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

25 and 27 July, 11am-3pm

As you reach the ground floor of Buckland Abbey, you may smell an open fire and something cooking!

Our volunteer historical cooking team will be whipping up a spread.

This event is a living history display that brings the Abbey to life. The food will not be available for visitors to eat but we will provide recipe cards for you to take away and try at home.

Visitors may be able to assist with some simple tasks such as grinding spices.

Normal admission applies, no need to book.

7 August, 10-11.30am

Join us in a crown making workshop where you'll be guided through the steps to create your own regal crown completely out of willow!

This workshop is great fun for adults and children alike but please could all under 12 year olds be accompanied by an adult as weaving does require a good amount of dexterity.

The workshop takes approx. 1.5 hours and everyone taking part will take home their very own crown by the end of the workshop.

All materials and equipment is provided and no weaving experience is needed as you'll be guided through every step.

£12 per person, booking essential

11 August, 11am and 1pm

Join local artist Grace Coombes from Linnet Workshops to create and decorate your own mythical creature to take home.

Designs include Dragons, Phoenixes and Unicorns. Use cardboard, collage materials, pastels, pencils and pens to create colourful magical beasts.

All materials provided. Suitable for ages 4 - 16. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the session.

£9 per child, booking essential