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Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Explore small personal houses, little gardens and woodland habitats in the neighbouring counties in the heart of England. There is lots to do indoors and outdoors in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Lyveden 

Set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire, Lyveden is a remarkable survivor of the Elizabethan age.

near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
Lyveden's garden lodge surrounded by green grass stands tall in the spring sun.

Canons Ashby 

A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart

near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
An autumn view of Canons Ashby with rosehip bushes in foreground

Stoneywell 

The home of a family who lived and loved the Arts and Crafts

Leicestershire

Fully open today
Cottage and woods in autumn light at Stoneywell Leciestershire

Ulverscoft Nature Reserve 

Reserve in the care of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

near Loughborough, Leicestershire

Image shows close up of leaves on a branch of a beech tree.

Priest's House 

Small pre-Reformation stone building

near Stamford, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
Signpost pointing the way to the Priest's House, a stone building with a pitched roof, Easton On The Hill, Northamptonshire

Family-friendly places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby 

Discover family-friendly activities and days out with the kids at Canons Ashby, including nature trails, wild play and school holiday events.

A girl playing with leaves in the autumn

Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden 

From making friends with a bug to adventures in the great outdoors, there's something for everyone at Lyveden.

A mother and daughter enjoying themselves sat in the shade in Lyvedens orchard.

Camp Lyveden 

Join the team at Lyveden as they venture back in time with a week jam packed with historical themed activities.

a young girl with blonde hair is running through long grass waving a stick with ribbons attached to it

Explorer Tuesdays at Canons Ashby 

Bring the little ones and enjoy activities connected with nature and the great outdoors. There’s something different to try every Tuesday throughout August at Canons Asbhy.

Two young girls hugging a brown cockerpoo dog whilst sitting on the grass. Deckchairs can be seen in the background

Top gardens in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Wander through the gardens, meadows and open spaces in the great outdoors and take in the beauty of summer.

The garden at Canons Ashby 

The garden provides plenty of space for the family to have a great day out and enjoy the fresh air. You can also stretch your legs with one of the walks in the wider grounds.

The south front of Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire

Places to eat in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Enjoy a light lunch, cup of tea or cake with views of gardens or a historic church.

Eating at Canons Ashby 

Grab a bite to eat in the tea-room, and find a souvenir to remember your visit in the Coach House shop. Head to the old brewhouse where you will now find a second-hand bookshop.

A pink throw and floral cushion displayed on a sage green sofa beside a fireplace from the 2025 autumn/winter collection

Eating at Lyveden 

The café in the Grade I-listed manor serves a range of hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes to keep you refreshed during your visit. Take a seat indoors or enjoy your cuppa in the outdoor seating area.

Girl serving coffee in a cafe

Get involved

Play a role in preserving and maintaining the history and nature for visitors at the places we look after.

Volunteer opportunities at Canons Ashby 

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Canons Ashby and how you can join the team to play your part in looking after this historic family home.

The garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire in February, with neatly trimmed topiary trees and a sundial in the middle of the path, with steps leading up to further gardens and the house beyond

Volunteer opportunities at Lyveden 

Find out more about volunteering at Lyveden. By joining the team, you'll help bring to life the stories of this intriguing Elizabethan lodge.

A staff member giving a talk to visitors in the garden at Greenway Devon

Volunteer opportunities at Stoneywell 

Volunteers are what make Stoneywell tick. From welcoming visitors to telling stories, driving the bus to pulling weeds, harvesting veg to taking photos - find out more about how you can join the team and play your part.

A view of the north end of the cottage at Stoneywell, with the garden sloping upward to the right of the image and sunshine falling over the cottage.

Supporter groups in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire 

Find out about the supporter groups you can join in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. There are three to choose from: members enjoy social outings together like trips and tours, or lectures.

A  close-up of two house guides pointing out something in a pamphlet to two visitors

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire 

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Leicestershire & Northamptonshire, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

Exterior view of Canons Ashby House and Church in spring

Upcoming events

Snifftober 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Snuffle your way through autumn at Lyveden with your four-legged friend

Event summary

on
13 Oct to 17 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 4 other dates or times

Clay Café at Lyveden 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Discover the calming, creative joy of working with clay in our cosy café. No experience or artistic skills necessary.

Event summary

on
15 Oct to 12 Dec 2025
at
10:30 to 12:00
+ 2 other dates or times

Poisons and Plants Trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Pick up a Poisons and Plants Trail and learn more about the spooky British folklore surrounding you!

Event summary

on
17 Oct to 9 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 20 other dates or times

Fairy Door Trail at Stoneywell 

Stoneywell, Leicestershire

Wander through the gardens and uncover hidden fairy doors tucked in secret corners. A whimsical adventure for children and families to enjoy the sights and colours of autumn.

Event summary

on
18 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 9 other dates or times

Introduction to Watercolour day course 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Discover the fundamentals of watercolour painting with Something Less Boring.

Event summary

on
18 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 15:00

Guided countryside walks 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Fancy some fresh air? Join us once a month from July to October to explore our surrounding countryside on a guided 6-mile walk.

Event summary

on
23 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 13:00

Gunpowder, Tresham and plot | Exhibition 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Remember, remember the fifth of November? But how about the part the Treshams played in the plot?

Event summary

on
25 Oct to 9 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 12 other dates or times

Hallowtide | Family trail 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Discover a natural and thoughtful way to celebrate the transition from autumn to winter.

Event summary

on
25 Oct to 9 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 12 other dates or times
A group of four women along a path, in the background, down a hill is a reservoir

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.