Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Canons Ashby:

• There are baby-changing facilities in the area outside the unisex accessible toilet and the ladies toilet. These are available to all.
• High chairs available - Please ask the team for help with your baby food if it needs to be heated.
• Pocket money books and games are available in the Coach House shop
• You're welcome to picnic in the Paddock and Parkland, but not the formal gardens
• Family trails can be picked up from visitor reception
• The grass can be uneven and boggy in some areas of the wider parkland and may not be suitable for pushchairs
• The garden has loose gravel paths that may not be suitable for some pushchairs and there are steps and slopes throughout.

Family-friendly events

Heritage Open Day with Nature Table Activity

Sunday 15 September. Activity takes place between 10.30am - 2pm. No need to book and free entry as part of Heritage Open Days.

Visit Canons Ashby to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the historic house, the medieval church and green outdoor spaces. On Sunday 15 September, come to see what’s on our nature table from 10.30am-2pm to find out what evidence the animals who live here leave behind.

Apple Harvest Weekend

Sat 28 & Sun 29 September, 10.30am - 4pm. Normal admission prices apply, with small additional charges for some activities. No pre-booking needed.

Celebrate the annual apple harvest with beautiful decorations, Morris Dancing and traditional seasonal fun.

There will be family craft activities, games for old and young, a tombola, and a select group of stall holders selling their wares. Spot the harvest mice in the house and enjoy beautiful decorations in the church.

Creepy Creatures Trail

26 Oct - 3 Nov, 10am - 3pm. No booking needed. Normal admission and £4 per trail.

Pick up a Creepy Creature Trail and have a hoot with your herd. Find out more about the amazing local creatures that you might see in these colder months, and let your little cubs explore the green space and fresh air, looking for pumpkins, owls, bats and more. (And don’t be the silly goose who forgets their wellies!)

Decorate a Halloween pumpkin candle holder

Wednesday 30 October, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and £3.50 per child.

Embrace the darker evenings by decorating your own ceramic pumpkin tea-light holder, to add a spooky glow to your home. Children or adults are welcome to join in, using paints, paint stamps, or ink stamps.

Make a Peg Witch or Ghost

Thursday 31 October, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and £1 per child.

Bring your little spooks and make a little witch or ghost to take home with you this Halloween.