Get in touch with history: Festival of Archaeology
Get in touch with the past at Canons Ashby by holding history in your hand. Can you put a long-broken pot back together? Have a chat with the team about what's been found all around us and what that might mean.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Get in touch with the past at Canons Ashby by holding history in your hand. Can you put a long-broken pot back together? Have a chat with the team about what's been found all around us and what that might mean. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join us, in the Priory Church, between 10.30am and 2.30pm. At 1pm, our archaeologist will be leading a short walk to the abandoned medieval village in a neighbouring field. There may be cattle present and the ground will be uneven and may be muddy. Spaces are first come first served – please sign up at reception. Please gather outside the house entrance at 1pm. No extra charge. Normal admission prices apply.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Families are very welcome
- Meeting point
This will take place in the Priory Church
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the weather. This space is unheated and access is across the paddock in the open air
- Accessibility
This area is accessed over uneven grass, over a public road, through a small gate, and up a ramp. The church is echoey and has low lighting. The floor is uneven stone.
- Other
You don't need to book. If you want to go on the archaeology walk please sign up at visitor reception as soon as you arrive - spaces are first-come-first-served. Assistance dogs only for this event. Children must be supervised by their adults at all times at Canons Ashby.
Upcoming events
Canons Ashby Book Fair
Our books speak volumes! Come to the medieval Priory Church and browse a wide selection of books which have been donated by our supporters.
Guided visits to Priory Church and medieval Stew Ponds
Find out more about the medieval history of Canons Ashby with a guided visit to the church, and then to the restored medieval stew ponds: an area not accessible to the public without a guide. There are 30 spaces on this walk to sign up on the day.
Classical Recorder Music in the Church
Enjoy classical recorder music with a French theme in the Priory Church, performed by the Nene Consort. There’s no extra charge or formal ticketing: feel free to pop in and out as you wish or take a pew and enjoy the whole hour.
Guided countryside walks
On the third Thursday of the month from May to October, come and explore our surrounding countryside on a 6-mile walk, enjoy the fantastic views and get out in the fresh air with our walking guides.