Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Published:: 26 December 2022

Children looking at roses in the Rose Garden in June at Morden Hall Park, London — 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

Wonderful Wildflowers Trail

24 May - 5 September. Normal admisssion applies and no booking needed.

Explore the paddock and learn fun facts, and flower folklore! As the weather warms up, learn something new on our flower-themed summer trail. Spot the wildflower trail points and learn some fun facts.

Explorer Tuesdays at Canons Ashby

5, 12, 19 and 26 August, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

Bring the kids and enjoy activities connected with nature and the great outdoors. There’s something different to try every Tuesday of August. Each week's activity will be different; try a photography challenge one week, and nature crafting the next!

The Wind in the Willows by Illyria

Saturday 16 August, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Pre booking essential. £18 adults (18+), £10 children (3-17), under 2s years free.

Join Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad on a whimsical journey through the English countryside, where friendship and mischief lead to unexpected adventures!

Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. And Rat likes picnics and just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad, bewitched by the roar of an engine and the screech of burning tyres, pursues his latest in a long line of extravagant obsessions: a fast, red motor-car. Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure.

This is outdoor theatre at its best in the Paddock of Canons Ashby – bring a picnic, rugs or picnic chairs and wrap up warm!

Heritage Open Day with Pawprints and Poo Trail

Sunday 14 September - Free entry on these days only as part of Heritage Open Days. There’s no need to book in advance.

Add some family fun to your day out with our Pawprints and Poo Trail.

Visit Canons Ashby to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the historic house, the medieval church and green outdoor spaces. Canons Ashby is open 10am – closing at 5pm. The house is open 11.30am – last admission at 3.30pm. The Pawprints and Poo Trail will be available between 11am and 2pm.

On Sunday 14 September, come explore our Spinney and find out what evidence the animals who live here leave behind. This activity is outside, so please dress for the weather.

Apple Harvest Weekend

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September, 10am - 4pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

Join us this autumn for a delightful weekend in the countryside as we celebrate the humble British apple. From orchard to table, it’s a seasonal tradition the whole family will love.

Celebrate the annual apple harvest with beautiful decorations, Morris Dancing and traditional seasonal fun. How many types of apples can you name? Have a look at our apple display made by our garden team, and the strange old names for our historic apples.

There will be family craft activities, games for old and young, a tombola, and a select group of stall holders selling their wares. The Morris Dancing displays are at 11.30, 12.30 and 14.00.

Try your hand at the coconut shie, or for younger visitors, try the Apple Lucky Dip - there's a prize every time!

Spot the harvest mice in the house and enjoy beautiful decorations in the church.

Poisons and Plants Trail

17 october - 9 November, 10am - 3.30pm. Normal admission and £2 per trail.

Pick up a Poisons and Plants Trail and learn more about the spooky British folklore surrounding you!

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!

Pumpkin Candle Holder Decorating Workshop

Wednesday 29 October, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and £3.50 per candle holder.

Come get crafty with us this spooky season and decorate your own candle holder! Decorate a ceramic tea-light holder with our team at Canons Ashby- the perfect seasonal touch for your home! All are welcome to join in for this activity.

The Magical Forest Trail

27 November - 24 December, 10am - 3.30pm. Normal admission applies and £3.50 per trail.

Can you help Merlin the Wizard find his way through the magical forest?

Come to Canons Ashby this festive season for our Magical Forest Trail! Help Merlin the Wizard find his way through the forest using your trail clues, and don't forget to pick up your festive prize at the end!

This will be great for those who appreciate audio sensory experiences, as there will be noisy things to interact with.

A Christmas Quest

29 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.

This year our Christmas displays will be inspired by the legends that sparked the imagination of John Dryden, who was a member the Canons Ashby family and the first poet laureate. King Arthur, the semi-opera written by John Dryden and Henry Purcell, has been delighting audiences since 1691.

For little adventurers, pick up the Christmas Quest children’s trail, find all the ingredients on the list, and help Merlin the Wizard complete his spell to make a magical Christmas.

Festive Handbell Ringing in the Church

Saturday 6 December, 11.30am - 12.30pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

Fancy some festive cheer? Come and listen to the Launton Handbell Ringers in the Priory Church!

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell Ringers in the beautiful acoustics of the Priory Church between 11.30am and 12.15pm. Wrap up warm and take a pew to enjoy their beautiful music. Don’t miss the house - which will be all dressed up for an Arthurian Christmas - before or afterwards.