Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Published:: 26 December 2022

Visitors walking through the church doors at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire — Enjoy seasonal activities this winter Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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

Bugs and Beasties Trail

7 February - 27 March, 10 am - 3pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

As part of your visit to Canons Ashby, wrap up warm and get outside in the fresh air for our Bugs and Beasties Trail. Pick up a free trail at Visitor Reception and enjoy some nature fun whilst making memories with your little ones.

Snowdrop Stories

7 February - 7 March, 10am - 3pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

Snowdrops bring the hope of spring, looking ahead to light and warmth whilst it’s still cold outside. On your visit to Canons Ashby, stop to admire the bright white blooms and discover some new stories. Suitable for families or story-loving adults.

Plant a Sunflower

2 - 4 May, 11am - 2pm.. Normal admission applies and £1 per sunflower. No booking needed.

Plant a sunflower seedling in a compostable pot to take home and grow at home! At home, you can plant your sunflower outside in the ground, or in a bigger pot. Come back later in the summer to see how big our sunflowers in the garden are getting.

Canons Ashby Book Fair

23 - 31 May, 10am - 4pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

Our books speak volumes! Come to the medieval Priory Church and browse a wide selection of books which have been donated by our supporters. Head over to the medieval Priory Church and browse a wide selection of donated books. We have all genres from crime to cakes, new and old. Stock up for your summer holidays whilst raising funds for our special place.