Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
A historic Jacobean house and 114 acres of seasonal gardens with a working watermill, perfect for families, garden lovers, and history enthusiasts.
A grand Jacobean-style house set within 114 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire offers a rich blend of history, art, and nature. Once a 12th-century Augustinian priory, it was transformed in the 20th century into a country estate with a working watermill, seasonal gardens, and a fine collection of paintings, furniture, and clocks. The estate is now cared for by the National Trust and is a popular destination for families, garden lovers, and history enthusiasts.
A brief summary to National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
- Quy Rd, Cambridge, Lode, CB25 9EJ, GB
- +441223810080
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit in winter to experience the sensory Winter Garden and the Snowman sculpture trail, or in spring for snowdrops and daffodils.
- Check the National Trust website for seasonal events, special exhibitions, and any planned closures before your visit.
- Arrive early in the day to avoid the busiest crowds, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the estate is large and involves a lot of walking on gravel and grass paths.
- Bring a dog lead if visiting with a dog; dogs are welcome in the gardens but must be kept on leads.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From central Cambridge, follow the A14 and then local roads towards Lode. Anglesey Abbey is well signposted from the main routes. The journey takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a large car park on site with Blue Badge parking and accessible facilities nearby.
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Public Transport
From Cambridge railway station, take a local bus towards Lode or Quy. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, and the stop is a short walk from the estate entrance. Check local timetables as services can be less frequent on weekends and evenings.
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Cycling
Anglesey Abbey is accessible by bike from Cambridge via quiet country lanes and shared paths. The ride takes about 30–45 minutes and there are bike racks near the visitor centre. Bikes and scooters are allowed for under-fives only within the gardens.
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Walking
From nearby villages like Lode or Quy, it is possible to walk to Anglesey Abbey along footpaths and quiet roads. The walk from Lode takes about 20–30 minutes on a mix of pavements and country paths, suitable for sturdy footwear.
National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
A Grand House with a Rich Past
Anglesey Abbey’s house is a striking Jacobean-style mansion that once belonged to Lord Fairhaven, a passionate collector and 20th-century aristocrat. Inside, the house feels like a carefully preserved time capsule, filled with fine furniture, rare clocks, silver, and an impressive collection of paintings and books. Rooms such as the Oak Room, with its early 17th-century panelling, and the vaulted Dining Room, originally the monks’ parlour, reflect centuries of history layered into one elegant home. The interiors are richly furnished yet lived-in, giving a sense of how the house was used for entertaining and country life in the 1930s.Seasonal Gardens and Landscaped Grounds
The estate’s 114 acres of gardens are a highlight, designed to offer beauty in every season. The Winter Garden is a sensory delight, with bright stems, scented shrubs, and textures that shine in the colder months, culminating in a grove of ghostly silver birches. In spring, snowdrops and daffodils carpet the grounds, while summer brings the Rose Garden into full bloom with over 60 varieties on display. The wider estate includes winding paths, tree-lined avenues, and open lawns, making it ideal for leisurely walks and photography.A Working Watermill and Historic Layers
Near the house stands Lode Mill, an 18th-century watermill that has been restored from a derelict state. Visitors can explore the ground floor to see traditional milling machinery and learn about the mill’s history and its role in the local landscape. The site’s story stretches back to the 12th century as an Augustinian priory, and traces of that monastic past can still be felt in the estate’s atmosphere. Lord Fairhaven’s vision transformed the run-down property into a country retreat that combined historical charm with modern comfort.Family-Friendly Estate and Seasonal Events
The estate is well suited to families, with a woodland play area featuring a climbing frame, swings, balance beams, and den-building opportunities. Seasonal events add extra appeal: a Snowman sculpture trail in winter, Easter trails with Shaun the Sheep, and Christmas festivities with Father Christmas in the house. The grounds also host themed exhibitions and specialist tours, such as snowdrop and daffodil walks, which give deeper insight into the garden’s plant collections and design philosophy.Practicalities for a Visit
The house is open daily with limited hours, while the gardens are accessible for longer each day. Facilities include a restaurant, café, shop, plant centre, and second-hand bookshop, all within easy reach of the main house and gardens. The estate is well served by the National Trust’s accessibility provisions, with step-free routes, accessible toilets, and mobility vehicle hire available. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads, and there are picnic areas for those who prefer to bring their own food. Admission is charged, with discounts for National Trust members, and booking is recommended during busy periods and special events.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
