Enjoy February half term

Children walking between the trees — Get out and about in the fresh air

After a long dark winter, February half term is a great time to get back outside and stretch your legs. Let the kids run around outdoors, enjoy the open spaces, fresh air and early spring sunlight.

When you arrive, parking for all our visitors is free. You'll be welcomed by our visitor reception team who sell admission tickets (see the prices here) or scan membership cards, and help you begin your day at Canons Ashby.

You will find an amazing historic house to explore, medieval church, formal garden, a green paddock and parkland, a small spinney full of interesting family-friendly features, and a small natural play corner.

Bugs and Beasties Trail

15 - 23 February

When your family arrive, pop into visitor reception and pick up a Bugs and Beasties Trail. Find out more about some of the tiny creatures that live at Canons Ashby and get out in the fresh air together. Bring your wellies! It may be a squelchy adventure. When you've finished pop into the shop to collect your sticker.

This trail is free to join in any time during open hours, although normal admission prices apply.

An adult and a child looking for insects in some rotting wood — See what natural marvels you can find on your day out

Make a bird feeder

Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February, 11-2pm

Join us to make a pine cone bird feeder to take home for the little birds who live near you. Be prepared to get your hands slightly messy. There will also be some wooden bird feeders to decorate if you prefer those.

£1 each (or £3 for the wooden bird feeders) and normal admission prices apply

A child making a pine-cone bird feeder — Make something to feed your feathered friends

Archaeology handling, and kids’ clay making

21 February, 11-2pm

Have a look at some real archaeological objects and chat with our volunteers, and try putting some of our historic pots back together: an archaeological 3D jigsaw for kids or adults.

For younger visitors they can try making something special out of clay to take home for £1. Normal admission prices apply.

Outdoor explorers

For younger visitors why not pick up a spotting trail and start searching. Explore the spinney whilst you’re there. Look out for the bug hotels and count how many creepy crawlies you can see.Want to stretch your legs a little more? Pop out into the parkland! Roam far and wide and see what you can discover.

A child hugging a tree — Explore our outdoor spaces

Inside the house

Explore the ancient building and its secrets. At this time of year it will be open 11am untl last entry at 2.30pm. Don't miss the rocking horse in the nursery - younger visitors are very welcome to have a go!.

Treat yourself

Child enjoying a scone with jam and cream — Treat yourself in the tea room!

When you're ready for a break, treat yourself to something tasty from the Stables tea-room or pick up a momento in the Coach House shop. Every penny spent in our shop or tea room helps us raise funds to continue to look after Canons Ashby for the future.