Denny Abbey and the Farmland Museum 

Denny Abbey has a unique and fascinating history. Founded in 1159 as a Benedictine monastery, it then became a retirement home for elderly Knights Templars. After the Templars’ suppression for alleged heresy in 1308, it next passed to the Countess of Pembroke, who converted part into a house and established in the rest a convent of ‘Poor Clare’ Franciscan nuns. This in turn was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539, whereafter the buildings became a farm until the 1960s, with the nuns’ great refectory as its barn. Among its tenants was Thomas Hobson, the horse-hirer whose refusal to allow customers to select their mounts gave rise to the expression ‘Hobson’s choice’.

All these changes are still traceable in the building: they are now interpreted for visitors by new graphic panels illustrated by local artist Anne Biggs, together with a time-line tracing the site’s history from 4000 BC, a new viewing platform and displays of site-finds. New family-friendly activities include imaginative hands-on interactives about medieval tiles, stained glass and arches.

Denny’s later farming story is continued by ‘Walnut Tree Cottage’, furnished as a labourer’s home of the 1940s. The site’s Farmland Museum also features a fenman’s hut, blacksmith’s and wheelwright’s workshops, a village shop display and many other aspects of Cambridgeshire rural life.

What are the opening times?

Dates	Opening Times	Opening Days
1 Apr-31 Oct	12pm-5pm	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

How much does it cost?

Adult:

£4.00

Children:

£1.70

Concession:

£3.00

English Heritage Members:

£2.40

Other:

Family Ticket: £10.00

Details:

Children under 5 Free. Museum Charge: EH Members and OVP £2.40.

How do I get there?

Address:

Cambridgeshire - CB25 9PQ

Road Access:

Located 6 miles N of Cambridge on A10

Train Access:

Waterbeach 3 miles

Bus Access:

Stagecoach in Cambridge 9, X9 Cambridge-Ely

Telephone:

01223 860489/860988

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:

Facilities Details:

Toilets: Adapted WC in museum.
Shop: Level access.
Refreshments: Available from museum at weekends. Picnics welcome.

Access:

Access to abbey and museum: Threshold step to the entrance of the abbey (assistance is recommended), then tarmac and grass paths. Ground floor has level access; staircase to first floor.
Grounds: Level access on grass and gravel surfaces. Benches available.

Parking:

In grounds next to abbey/museum, 20-50m from entrance.

Further Info

Disabled access (museum and abbey ground floor only).

The shop and tearooms open at weekends only. Dogs on leads in restricted areas.

Managed By: Farmland Museum Trust - www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk