Enjoy Spring at Canons Ashby

Please be aware that our opening hours have changed. If you are planning to visit the house please check our opening times (on the homepage) before travelling.

In the gardens and grounds

Have a wander around the formal garden. Enjoy this year's display of colourful plants beginning to flourish, as well as the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils springing from the grass around the 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.

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.

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.

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.

What's on in the house?

Discover more about the life of Sir Henry Dryden as you explore the house. Look out for all the ways he recycled old things into new positions: from upside-down old door locks to repurposed windows from the medieval priory.

Got little ones with you? Try the children’s trail: Stolen! Canons Ashby has been hit by a crime wave and we need your help to help us find the missing objects throughout the house. Just ask for your free “Stolen” trail and get exploring.

Every time you visit us, you are helping us to continue our conservation work of the house and grounds. Thank you for supporting us.

Treat yourself!

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

We make delicious seasonal fare in the Stables tea-room every day, so pop in and treat yourself to a light lunch or some fresh baking eaten in the open air courtyard surrounded by flowering bedding plants.

There are plenty of beautiful gifts and mementoes available in the Coach House shop as well. Have a look at our new Wimpole Meadowgrass selection or pick up some new plants for your spring garden.