Enjoy Spring at Canons Ashby

St Mary's Church with daisies

The weather is getting warmer and the gardens are blooming, so it's the perfect time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy Canons Ashby.

Unfortunately Canons Ashby is currently closed, due to government advice on restricting the spread of Covid-19. Please see the below link for more information.

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

You'll find lots of places open now - over 40 houses, 135 gardens and parks, and hundreds of coastal and countryside sites. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

In the garden

It's a great time of year for a wander around the formal garden. In early spring, enjoy splashes of colour as the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils emerge from the grass around the grounds.

Later in spring, breathe in the floral scents and enjoy the striking navy blue and gold blooms in the formal flower beds. Feast your eyes on the beds of tulips, wall flowers, bellis and polyanthus on the top terrace and the sundial terrace.

Why not put your on your wellies and go a little further afield by taking a stroll around the parkland? Keep an eye out for the new spring lambs, but don't get too close as it may worry their mums. Also please remember to keep any canine friends on a lead.

Wildlife in the garden

Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in our gardens and grounds
Wren singing against a blue sky
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in our gardens and grounds

Here we plant for nature and wildlife, as well as for visitors. We select plants we know our insects and birds will love, which are grown from seed in the local area so we have less of an impact on the environment.

Love nature? Try to spot some of our special spring birds as they return to Britain after migrating over winter. Look out for blackcaps and garden warblers singing in the garden, as well as more common local birds such as blue tits and wrens who are already building nests here on site.

For more information about how we're looking after nature at Canons Ashby have a look here.

Family fun

There are plenty of activities do and things to explore, to keep the family entertained this spring. With the garden, parkland and paddock, we're not short of space for your young adventurers to stretch their legs and blow off some steam.

Have a chat with our team at visitor reception to find out what trails they've got available. There's always something for the kids, as well as adults and older children to do. Remember to keep an eye on our What's On page for upcoming events and activities.

Treat yourself!

Enjoy a cup of tea in the Stables tea-room
Tea in the Stables tea-room
Enjoy a cup of tea in the Stables tea-room

Whilst you’re here, don’t miss the Stables tea-room and the Coach House shop.

We use fresh produce from the garden as much as possible in the tea-room, or you may find produce on the honesty bench by visitor reception.

In the shop you will find gifts, homeware, food, gardening gifts, plants and more. Every penny of profit made in our shop and tea-room stays at Canons Ashby to help care for this special place.