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.
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.
Children's block printing workshop
30 November, 11, 1.30 and 3pm
Join local artist Grace Coombes from Linnet Workshops to hand print your own Christmas gift wrap with festive lino blocks.
£9 per child to include all materials. Booking essential.
Naturemake
7 and 8 December, 10, 12 and 2pm
Christmas is approaching and it's time to join Naturemake in creating some Christmas magic!
£15 per child, booking essential.
Viking cooking
14 and 17 December, 11-3
Join the team of historic cooks in the Abbey kitchen and learn more about the food and drink enjoyed by Vikings.
Normal admission applies.
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?
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