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Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

Families walk along a woodland path in February.
On the way to the Woodland Play Area | © James Beck

Anglesey Abbey is full of adventures waiting to happen. Whether you want to play on the new equipment in the Woodland Play Area, build a den in the woods or climb the treehouse, there's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

Shaun the Sheep  

Join us for an adventure this spring at Anglesey Abbey with Wild in Art’s Find the Flock trail from 1 March to 27 April 2025. Pick up a trail map and embaa-rk on a journey around the gardens at Anglesey Abbey in search of twelve ewe-niquely designed Shaun the Sheep sculptures.   

Each super-sized sculpture has been painted by twelve different national and international artists with bright colours and funky, bold patterns. The Find the Flock trail is put on in collaboration with Wild in Art and Aardman animations and is suitable for the whole family. 

The trail is free for visitors to enjoy; please note that normal admission to Anglesey Abbey applies.   

A funky golden painted Shaun the Sheep sculpture stands on a winding garden path.
The Shaun the Sheep sculptures will be at Anglesey Abbey from 1 March | © David Oates Photography

Woodland Play Area

There's an adventure waiting for you in the Woodland Play Area. Nestled away at the end of the woodland path there's something for everyone, from the treehouse and swings to birdwatching and den building. A natural woodland, it offers you the space to have a nature-filled adventure with all the family. 

Den Building Area

Don't forget to check out the den building area near the Woodland Play Area too. Build a den and let your imagination run wild! The den building area was built by the Green Team - a group of volunteers from Cambridge Regional College. These students are currently studying a course that enables adults with additional learning needs to continue their education and gain experience in the workplace. 

Side-on view of two children with blonde hair and pink and brown winter coats are flying high on the swings in the Woodland Play Area.
Having fun in the Woodland Play Area | © James Beck

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Anglesey Abbey:

  • Baby-changing facilities are available at all toilet locations
  • Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site
  • Bikes and scooters are allowed for under-fives only
  • Meals and snacks can be bought from the Redwoods restaurant
  • Sensory toys are available to pick up from our 'Borrow Basket'.

Borrow Basket

Feel free to borrow some fidget toys and things to help you enjoy your visit when you arrive at Anglesey Abbey. We have sunglasses, ear-defenders and other bits and bobs to help you make the most of your day. You can pick these up in the Visitor Centre and drop them back off on your way out.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Anglesey Abbey is the perfect place to have a family adventure and tick off a few of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' at the same time. Here are a few to get you started:

  • No. 4 Build a den: In the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area you’ll find plenty of sticks and flat open space to build a den. Once you’ve built your den, crawl inside and see what you can spot from your secret hiding place

  • No. 18 Create some wild art: See what you can find on the woodland floor in the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area and let your imagine run wild. Try and find things that vary in colour in texture such as leaves, feathers, pine cones or pebbles. There's so much to choose from in the natural world – but make sure you're not making your art from another creature's home

  • No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice – there are all kinds of minibeasts hiding in the Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area. Great spots for searching include under stones and wood, the branches, bark and leaves of trees and in long grass. Once you've found your bugs, remember that you're a giant compared to them, so be gentle with any that you choose to pick up. All bugs appreciate being returned to their homes after you've looked at them so put them back where you found them

  • No. 44 Watch a bird: Head to the bird hide and pond viewing platform and see what you can discover. Pick up a pair of binoculars and stay very quiet – what will you see?

Two people in winter clothes, one pushing a buggy, walk through a garden with pink flowers on bare-stemmed branches
Visitors in the Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/James Beck
Visitors in the Newmarket Corridor at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

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