
Discover more at Canons Ashby
Find out when Canons Ashby is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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?
Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Canons Ashby:
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.
Wednesday 30 July, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies and £2 per person, no pre booking needed.
Try your hand at the ancient craft of weaving during the Festival of Archaeology at Canons Ashby. Weaving is one of the oldest crafts in the world, with the tradition being traceable to over 12,000 years ago! Weaving can be done with lots of different materials, and was used to make fabrics. In this workshop we will be having a go at basic weaving technique. Volunteers will be on hand to help!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find out when Canons Ashby is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
See all the events we have coming up to help you plan your visit
Create some vibrant Easter eggs from natural ingredients by following this step-by-step guide and video tutorial. Use them in your Easter egg hunt or as handmade Easter decorations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.