A friend first told us about a hidden gem of a place in Waterbeach, a few miles north of Cambridge.
Denny Abbey and The Farmland Museum is a lovely mix of a child friendly museum, with ample outdoor space to roam and plenty of play opportunities. This is now one of our ‘go to’ places! Read on to find out more about visiting Denny Abbey and The Farmland Museum with your explorer kidz!
It’s a long name! What exactly is Denny Abbey and The Farmland Museum?
Well, the farmland museum tells the story of farming and life in the Cambridgeshire Fens, over the last several hundred years. There are lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits for kids, such as shops and workshops to go inside, as well as machinery to look at for your vehicle enthusiasts! The museum is set in the grounds of Denny Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery, which you can also go in and explore. Worth mentioning – the abbey is an English Heritage property.
Sounds good. What is there for kids to do?
Lots! Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the different areas of the museum. The exhibits are all very interactive, which is perfect for kids! You won’t find much hidden away behind glass here. There are a series of little shops to go inside, such as the blacksmiths and the village shop. They will enjoy exploring the farmworker’s cottage to find out how a family might have lived in the age before television! My children were amazed at the outdoor toilet!
There’s also a little play area, with a real tractor they can climb on. Plus a play shed with toys and games for children of all ages. There’s a lovely big green space next to the abbey – a perfect spot for a picnic or a run about. Then you can have a wander around the abbey itself. In the school holidays there are often special themed weekends, with kids crafts and trails around the museum on offer.
What’s your favourite bit?
The grounds of the abbey are so peaceful. I love sitting on the grass with a cuppa while the kids have a play and a wander! The kids love the little play areas and the different games and activities that are put out at different times of year.
Please tell me there’s a cafe??
Yes! There is a extremely good cafe, called the Docky Box, which I can recommend if you fancy treating yourselves to lunch or just coffee and a cake! There’s indoor and outdoor seating available.
Wow, how much is it?
Tickets at time of writing are £6 per adult and £3.50 per child, or £17 for a family ticket. Children under 5 are free. The best bit? A standard admission ticket will get you admission all year. YES THAT’S ALL YEAR LONG! I told you it was a hidden gem! If you’re already an English Heritage member you can visit the abbey and museum with your membership card.
I’m interested! When should I go?
The museum is open seasonally – from end of March to end of October. It opens from 10am-4pm, Thursday – Sunday. It’s also open for some special events outside of these days/times of year. So do check the website for up to date information.
If you have school age kids I can recommend going during school holidays for a day out as there are often crafts, trails and events on for children. If you have younger children you might like to go during the term time when it is likely a little quieter. I have to say, even in busy season this place never feels too crowded.
Where did you say it is? Can I park there?
Denny Abbey and The Farmland Museum is around 30 minutes north east of Cambridge, off the A10, near Waterbeach. Post code for the old sat nav is: CB25 9PQ. There is ample free parking on site – woop!
We’re going! Where can I find out more?
For more information on visiting check out the Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum website. We really recommend this place as a fun outdoor adventure, with history mixed in too!