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Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Explore small personal houses, cosy 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

Autumnal view of the lodge at Lyveden, Northamptonshire
Place
Place

Lyveden 

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

near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
Sunset over the house and garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
Place
Place

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
The south front of Stoneywell, Leicestershire.
Place
Place

Stoneywell 

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

Leicestershire

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

Ulverscoft Nature Reserve 

Reserve in the care of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

near Loughborough, Leicestershire

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

Priest's House 

Small pre-Reformation stone building

near Stamford, Northamptonshire

Fully open today

Top gardens in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Wander through the gardens and take in the crisp colours, sights and sounds of the season.

Visitors in the garden near a tree with manor house in background at Canons Ashby Northamptonshire
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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.

Lyveden manor in the autumn sunshine
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The garden at Lyveden 

Explore the garden to discover all its highlights, including the orchard and the labyrinth.

Places to eat in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

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

A child enjoying a scone with jam and cream inside a café
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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.

Girl serving coffee in a cafe
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Eating at Lyveden 

Visit the Grade I-listed Manor to find the recently opened café serving light meals, sandwiches, drinks and cakes.

Family-friendly places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Visitors at Leigh Woods, Bristol
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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.

The feet of visitors in the Kitchen Garden at Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
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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.

Get involved

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

Sunset over the house and garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
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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.

Man pointing at a map outside a Shepherds Hut
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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 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.
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Volunteer opportunities at Stoneywell 

There are lots of ways to volunteer at Stoneywell, from hosting in the cottage and gardens to providing a warm visitor welcome – find out more about our current opportunities now.

Visitors looking at the tulips in the garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
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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.

Sustainable Travel

Exterior view of Canons Ashby House and Church in spring
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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.

Upcoming events

Event

Merlin’s Enchanted Tree Trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Bring your little elves and enjoy the enchanted trail through out outdoor spaces, enjoying some decorations and finding out all about the magical trees all around us.

Event summary

on
1 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 26 other dates or times
Event

A Christmas Quest 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Experience a magical Christmas visit at Canons Ashby with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights, dragons and the wonderful myths that surround them. Running from 30 November - 24 December.

Event summary

on
1 Dec to 24 Dec 2023
at
11:00 to 14:30
+ 23 other dates or times
Event

'Game of Goose' family trail 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Get outside this winter and discover a favourite Tudor board game - Game of Goose.

Event summary

on
1 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 24 other dates or times
Event

Story time with Father Christmas 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Hear a magical story from Father Christmas this festive season.

Event summary

on
1 Dec to 22 Dec 2023
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 11 other dates or times
Event

Board games in the café 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Cosy up in our festive café and indulge in a favourite Tudor pastime - playing board games!

Event summary

on
2 Dec to 16 Dec 2023
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Festive Handbell Ringing in the church 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell ringers in the beautiful acoustics of Priory Church.

Event summary

on
2 Dec 2023
at
11:30 to 12:15
Event

Advent crafts 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Get crafty in the run-up to Christmas with a Tudor Christmas-inspired activity.

Event summary

on
3 Dec to 17 Dec 2023
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

The Knight Before Christmas – candlelit tour 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Join us for a special after-hours tour around the festive house as a fascinating Christmas treat. The Arthurian decorations, full of knights, wizards and dragons, are sure to be even more atmospheric in the evening.

Event summary

on
8 Dec 2023
at
18:00 to 19:10
+ 1 other date or time
Visitors at the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Where will you visit next?

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