Family-friendly things to do 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

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.

May half term at Buckland Abbey

Historic food trail 

17 May - 1 June, 10-4 daily

Discover the different types of food grown and eaten at Buckland Abbey through the ages!

Normal admission prices apply, free for members. No booking necessary.

Historical cooking

25 and 26 May and 7 June, 11-3

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.

What's great for...

Toddlers and preschoolers:

Head off on an adventure to the natural play area and see what you can discover on the way. Why not take a picnic to enjoy too?

Primary aged kids:

Join in with the historical food trail and learn all about the types of food that would have been grown and cooked at the Abbey in times past.

Older children:

Why not discover more about Tudor cookery in the Abbey kitchen - you may even be able to take part and help out.

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 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?