Exclusive Behind-the-scenes House Tour with Afternoon Tea
Ever wondered what's behind the closed doors of Canons Ashby? Seize the opportunity to be exclusively shown some of our best kept secrets and to learn more about how we conserve our place and collection.
- Booking essential
Get behind-the-scenes in the fascinating mansion, see items normally kept in the conservation store, look through closed doors, and find out how we look after this special place.
Our house and collections officer and experienced house guide will lead you on a tour around the historic mansion once we have closed to the public. They will tell you more about the conservation work we do, show you some secret hidden spaces, and show you some special items normally kept in our conservation store.
Then, enjoy a small afternoon tea in the Stables Tea-Room including sandwiches, scones, and mini bakes.
Please note there are steps and stairs throughout the house. Some areas of the house are also poorly lit. Please wear sensible flat shoes due to uneven and fragile floor surfaces.
Please note that this tour does not cover the parts of the house that are usually open to the public – this is stuff you WOULDN’T see on a normal visit to the house.
Pre-booking is essential and spaces are limited. Please be sure to let us know of any dietary requirements using the booking form. £27 per person.
If you want to visit the Coach House Shop, please go before the tour begins, it will be closed when this event finishes.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All BTS Tour & Tea | £27.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 03442491895
- Suitability
This tour is aimed at adults. Older children booking with adults are welcome.
- Meeting point
Head to Visitor Reception who will direct you.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the weather as the house can be cold when it is cold outside. The house and tea-room are all a short walk from the car park.
- Accessibility
There are steps and stairs throughout the house, and two steps up into the tea-room. Please contact us via phone or email to discuss your access needs if you have any concerns: 01327 861900 or canonsashby@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Other
If you are very unfamiliar with Canons Ashby, we would recommend you visit the house as a normal visitor beforehand to see the rest of the property. This tour will be focussing on the unseen parts and extra interesting facts.
Upcoming events
Wonderful Wildflowers Trail
Explore the paddock and learn fun facts, and flower folklore! The trail will be running from late May until early September.
Guided countryside walks
Fancy some fresh air? Join us once a month from July to October to explore our surrounding countryside on a guided 6-mile walk.
Guided visits to the Priory Church and Medieval Stew Ponds
Scratch your medieval history itch with a guided visit of the priory church and the restored medieval stew ponds: an area not accessible to the public without a guide. There are 20 spaces on this walk to sign up on the day.
Festival of Archaeology- Craft Session
Try your hand at the ancient craft of weaving during the Festival of Archaeology at Canons Ashby!