Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey

Attraction Overview

Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey are located close to Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire. It is a former Benedictine monastery with hands-on displays of medieval art and recreated smithy workshops. The museum tells the 850-year story of farming and life in the Cambridgeshire fens.

They are located in an idyllic rural setting just off the A10. They are a day out for all the family with a museum and former abbey. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was home to Benedictine monks for 10 years before it was handed over to the Knights Templars. A third religious order later occupied the abbey were Franciscan nuns who built many new buildings only the refectory has survived although there is also a substantial abbey building to explore.

As well as the museum there is a 17th-century stone barn which has been carefully restored. Plus there are craftsmen’s workshops with displays including a dairy, Blacksmith’s forge, Fenman’s hut and workshops. You can also look around a traditional farmworker’s cottage from the 1940s. For younger visitors, there is an outdoor play area with a full-scale sit-on tractor, a sandpit, a climbing frame and a slide plus there are some cows to say hello to.

Further Information Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey

Is there food and drink available?

There is a tearoom serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

museum with interactive exhibits, abbey buildings, an outdoor play area, workshops, a farmworker’s cottage and more. There are toilets and a tearoom.

What are the ticket prices?

Entrance is free to English Heritage members on non-event days. Adults are £6, children aged 5-17 £3.50 and children aged under 5 are free. Standard museum admission tickets are annual passes allowing you to visit at no extra cost for the next 12 months.

Is there parking?

There is free parking.

When are they open?

Denny Farmland Museum is open from Thursday to Sunday from the end of March to the end of October. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.