Family-friendly things to do at Anglesey Abbey

Three children building a den with big logs and sticks at Anglesey Abbey — Den building at Anglesey Abbey | © Mike Selby

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.

Summer holidays

Get ready for an action-packed Summer of Play at Anglesey Abbey from 20 July to 1 September, sponsored by Starling Bank. See who has the best dance moves in the disco den, curl up with a story from the book nook and jump some hurdles in the games zone. Make sure you check out the lawn games and water play in the creative corner on East Lawn and don’t miss the trundle track in a special area for under-5s.

As well as these activities, there will be a story time session every Monday, a lunchtime disco every Wednesday and bubble shows or craft activities each Friday throughout the summer holidays. These activities are free for all to enjoy, normal admission applies. For more details, head to our upcoming events page.

Tell me more

Crazy golf time!

Join us for a game of crazy golf at Anglesey Abbey this summer every day from Saturday 27 July to 11 August. Complete the 9 hole course in the Arboretum, keep score, and see if you can get a hole in one! Pre-booking is essential so secure your space now.

Visitors taking part in gardening activities in the kitchen garden at Osterley Park, London — Under 5's gardening club | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Little Gardeners' Club

Brand-new for this season, we will be hosting an Under 5’s Gardening Club, starting up from 3^rd June on weekdays in the Orchard. Enjoy some sensory garden play, do some digging and make some new friends. It's free to participate and will be a self-led activity so bring your little ones along.

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.

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. Head down and let your imagination run wild.

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'.

'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?