Anglesey Abbey & Gardens

Anglesey Abbey sits 6 miles northeast of Cambridge as one of the National Trust's finest gardens. The property combines a Jacobean house with 98 acres of formal and informal gardens, including herbaceous borders, a winter garden with evergreen plants, and an orchard with sculpture pieces by contemporary artists. The house displays the owner's art collection and original furnishings spanning centuries. This is one of the most visited National Trust properties in the region, offering both horticultural interest and architectural heritage in a single afternoon. Best for garden enthusiasts and National Trust members. This is a easy activity lasting 5 hours. Group size: max 25. You meet at Cambridge city centre. Key highlights: 98 acres of landscaped gardens with winter walk featuring year-round greenery, Herbaceous borders with seasonal blooms from spring through autumn, Orchard with contemporary sculpture collection integrated into the landscape.

Price: £42

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 25

Best for: garden enthusiasts and National Trust members

Best time: May to July for herbaceous borders at peak bloom; April-June and September-October for pleasant weather with fewer crowds; winter visit for the winter garden display

Meeting point: Cambridge city centre

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Morning departure Coach departs from central Cambridge location - Approximately 20-minute journey to Anglesey Abbey estate.

Late morning Arrival and orientation at the estate - Guide explains the layout of the 98-acre property and history of the Jacobean house and gardens.

Late morning to midday Guided walking tour of gardens - Walk through herbaceous borders, orchard, winter garden, and see contemporary sculpture placements throughout the grounds.

Midday Self-guided exploration of Jacobean mansion interior - Visitors tour the house at their own pace, viewing period rooms, furniture, and the owner's accumulated art collection.

Early afternoon Free time for lunch and café - National Trust café on site serves tea, light meals, and pastries; gardens can be re-visited.

Return journey Coach departs back to Cambridge city centre - Approximately 20 minutes back to starting point.

The whole experience takes 5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Cambridge city centre.

• 98 acres of landscaped gardens with winter walk featuring year-round greenery
• Herbaceous borders with seasonal blooms from spring through autumn
• Orchard with contemporary sculpture collection integrated into the landscape
• Jacobean house with period furnishings and an extensive private art collection
• National Trust facilities including café and gardens shop
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground floor of house and main garden paths; some areas of the estate have uneven terrain. Mobility scooters available at visitor reception for garden exploration.

What is included: Coach transport from Cambridge city centre, Professional tour guide for garden orientation and history, Entry to Anglesey Abbey house and gardens, Access to National Trust facilities (café, gift shop, restrooms).

Not included: Meals (though café on-site), Parking charges (for self-drivers), Photography permits for commercial use. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for garden paths, Hat and sunscreen for spring and summer visits, Waterproof jacket (gardens are exposed to weather), Camera for garden photography, Spending money for café or gift shop. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to July for herbaceous borders at peak bloom; April-June and September-October for pleasant weather with fewer crowds; winter visit for the winter garden display.

Tip: Free entry with NT membership

Tip: Best visited spring through autumn

Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground floor of house and main garden paths; some areas of the estate have uneven terrain. Mobility scooters available at visitor reception for garden exploration..

Operator: National Trust Tours | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Cambridge University Botanic Garden (10 min from Cambridge city centre walk)
• Fitzwilliam Museum (15 min from city centre walk)

This activity is run by National Trust Tours.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; cancellation within 48 hours subject to 50% charge.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground floor of house and main garden paths; some areas of the estate have uneven terrain. Mobility scooters available at visitor reception for garden exploration..

Best time to go: May to July for herbaceous borders at peak bloom; April-June and September-October for pleasant weather with fewer crowds; winter visit for the winter garden display.

What is included in the Anglesey Abbey tour price?

The £42 price includes round-trip coach transport from Cambridge, a guided garden tour, and entry to both the gardens and the Jacobean house interior. The National Trust café and gardens shop are also accessible at no additional charge. However, National Trust members with valid membership receive free entry to the property.

How long do you spend in the gardens versus the house?

The guided garden tour typically lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours, covering the 98-acre estate. You then have approximately 1.5-2 hours for self-guided exploration of the house interior and remaining gardens. Total time on property is usually 4-5 hours depending on your pace.

What is the best season to visit the gardens?

Spring through autumn (April-October) offers the best garden displays, with May-July featuring peak herbaceous border blooms. The winter garden is worth visiting November-February for evergreen plantings and winter flowers. Summer weekends can be crowded; visit on a weekday if possible.