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.

Festive fun at Buckland Abbey

A Viking Yule

30 November - 31 December (except 25 and 26 December), 10-4

As you step into the Great Barn you will be transported through a forest and into a Viking Long Hall to celebrate Yule! As you walk through you'll be immersed in Viking traditions until you reach the top of the Great Barn where you will be greeted by Odin and the Northern Lights.

The Abbey will be decorated with medieval winter traditions, some you'll recognise from modern traditions.

Normal admission applies.

Storytelling in the Abbey

8, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and 29 December, 1.30-2.30

Join one of Father Christmas' elves to enjoy a festive tale in the Abbey.

Normal admission applies, no need to book.

The storytelling is subject to volunteer availability - please call ahead to check before making a special trip.

Naturemake

22 December, 10 - 3

Christmas is approaching and it's time to join Naturemake in creating some Christmas magic!

These are drop in sessions with no need to book but please be aware that they could be very busy at peak times.

What's great for...

Toddlers and preschoolers:

Join one of Father Christmas' elves to enjoy magical storytelling in the Abbey - dates coming soon!

Primary aged kids:

Why not take part in one of the crafty workshops on offer over the festive season, and create your own wrapping paper or magical model?

Older children:

Discover what life was like for Vikings as you experience historic cookery in the Abbey, or imagine enjoying a feast in the Mead Hall.

 

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?