Skip to content

Important Notice

We are currently experiencing issues which are impacting our website and Supporter Services Centre. As a result, you may experience intermittent issues when attempting to Join, Donate or Renew via our website. If you experience these issues, please try again later. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while this issue is resolved.

back to Canons Ashby

Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Published:
26 December 2022
Visitors in the natural play area in winter at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
Enjoy seasonal activities this autumn at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Embrace the magic of autumn with fun-filled activities for all ages. From colourful outdoor adventures to cosy family moments, there are countless ways to make memories together this season.

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 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 

From trails for the little ones to evening music and wreath making, find out all about events at Christmas. 

Christmas at Canons Ashby
Visitors in the garden at sunset at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. Two people hold hands in the foreground. The house at Canons Ashby in the background.

Discover more at Canons Ashby

Find out when Canons Ashby is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

You might also be interested in

Upcoming events at Canons Ashby 

See all the events we have coming up to help you plan your visit

Visitors at Leigh Woods, Bristol

Eating and shopping 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.

A selection of notecards with autumnal designs.

Visiting 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.

Autumn sunset over the Paddock at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire.

Visiting Canons Ashby house 

Explore the historic house at Canons Ashby with grand rooms, stunning tapestries and plasterwork which contrasts with the servants' quarters. Find out more about what you can see.

The interior of the kitchen at Canons Ashby house in Northamptonshire. The room has a stone flagstone floor with a large range over and servants bells on the wall.

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

A family plays near the sun sculpture in the centre of the parkland, Lacock Abbey. It is summer, the sun is shining and the children smile towards the camera.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Children bug hunting amongst coastal grass.

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.