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
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.
Autumnal adventures at Buckland Abbey
Baby Dragon Trail
19 October - 3 November, daily 10-4
Baby Dragons have hatched and are taking over Buckland Abbey. They've made their first hoards using objects found at Buckland, can you come and help track them down and discover some dragon secrets along the way?
You can also cosy up with an autumnal read in the Book Nook. Storytelling will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the trail.
Admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust members.
Tudor cooking
26 and 29 October, 11-3
As you reach the ground floor of Buckland Abbey, you may smell an open fire and something cooking!
Our Tudor cooking team, in full costume, will be whipping up a spread fit for a Tudor household. Their menu will be tailored to the time of year and may reflect events in the Tudor social or religious calendar.
This regular 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. Cooking will take place from 11am - 1pm, from 1pm to 3pm the cooks will be around to talk about what they have cooked and answer any questions about Tudor life.
Visitors may be able to assist with some simple tasks such as grinding spices.
Normal admission to the Abbey applies.
What's great for...
Toddlers and preschoolers:
Can you find all the baby dragons hiding with their hoardes? Which is your favourite, and what would you collect for your own treasure?
Primary aged kids:
Come along and take part in a craft activity or two.
Older children:
Discover more about life as a Tudor cook during half term, or grab those wellies and enjoy a longer walk around the beautiful autumnal estate.
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?
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