Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Published:: 26 December 2022

Three children running and playing on the grass — Enjoy seasonal activities this summer at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Come out and play at Canons Ashby. There are lots of activities to keep the whole family entertained and help you create great memories together. What adventures will you have next?

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

Hop, Skip and Soar Play Trail, Summer of Play

18 July - 6 September, 10am - 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Stretch your wings in the warm air and zoom around the paddock, or kick up your heels and gallop. Find out what creatures live at Canons Ashby in the summer whilst getting active with the family. Then fuel up in the tea-room or treat yourself to an ice-cream!

Nature Explorer Tuesdays

4, 11, 18 and 25 August, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies.

Bring the kids and enjoy activities connected with nature and the great outdoors. Whether it’s wild art, or wildlife spotting, there’s something to try every Tuesday of August.

Coming up in Autumn

Heritage Open Day with Clarinet Ensemble Performance

Saturday 12 September, 11.30am - 3pm. 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 Saturday enjoy live clarinet music outside or in the Priory Church.

Heritage Open Day with Nature Curiosity Table

Sunday 13 September, 10.30am - 2pm. 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 come to see what’s on our nature table from 10.30am-2pm to look through our collection of nature curiosities, and handle some real treasures of the natural world.

Apple Harvest Weekend

26 and 27 September, 10:30am - 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Celebrate the apple harvest with traditional seasonal fun. There will be Morris Dancers, family craft activities, games for old and young, a tombola, and a select group of stall holders selling their wares.

Poisons, Potions and Plants Trail

17 October - 8 November, 10am - 4pm. Normal admission applies and £3 per trail.

Come to Canons Ashby this Autumn and discover the spooky stories behind seemingly innocent blooms! From Deadly Nightshade to Witch Hazel there will be something new for everyone to learn. Feel free to dress to impress in your best Halloween outfit, and don't forget your wellies if it is wet outside!

Spooky Storytime

Tuesday 27 October, 10.15am - 10.45am. Normal admission applies.

Bring your littlest monsters to listen to spooooky stories in the Second-Hand Bookshop. Take a seat in the circle for several stories for under 5's.

Decorate a spooky candle holder

Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and £3.50 per child.

Bring the whole family to decorate a bat or hedgehog tea-light holder with our team at Canons Ashby - the perfect seasonal touch for your home!

Coming up for Christmas

Merlin's Magic Christmas Trail

18 November - 24 December, 10am - 3pm. Normal admission applies and £3.50 per child.

Help find all of the ingredients for Merlin to cast his Merry Christmas Spell. Look around the paddock and get active with the family - and don't forget your wellies! When you've found everything, collect your little christmas gift to take home with you.

A Christmas Quest

28 November - 24 December, 11am - 3.30pm. Normal admission applies.

Experience a magical Christmas visit at Canons Ashby with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights, dragons and the wonderful myths that surround them. For little adventurers, pick up the Christmas Quest children’s trail, find all the ingredients on the list, and help Merlin complete his spell to make a magical Christmas.

Carols in the Courtyard with Eboracum Baroque

Saturday 28 November, 5.15 - 7.15pm. Adults £19, Children £12. Pre booking essential.

Singers from Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to Canons Ashby for a festive concert of music through the ages. There will be a chance to join in with well-known Christmas carols and tunes along the way, as well as enjoying professional singers performing music from medieval times through to more recent festive arrangements.

Festive Handbell Ringing in the Church

Saturday 5 December, 11.30am - 12.30pm. Normal admission applies.

Fancy some festive cheer? Come and listen to the Launton Handbell Ringers in the Priory Church. Wrap up warm and take a pew to enjoy their beautiful music.