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

See all we have going on for half-term and halloween

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

19 - 22 November 10am - 3.30pm, 26 November - 24 December 10am - 4pm and 28 December 1 January 10am - 3.30pm. 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! The whole site will be closed from Monday - Wednesday throughout November. Check the opening times before arrival.

Christmas Wreath Making at Canons Ashby

24 and 25 November, (10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm), £45 per person and pre - booking essential.

Nothing says ‘Christmas is here’ quite like a wreath on your front door. Spend a few hours with our talented team who will help you craft your own festive wreath using greenery from the grounds of Canons Ashby. Includes a hot drink to keep you going whilst you’re perfecting your creation.

A Christmas Quest

18 November - 24 Dec, 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. The whole site is closed on selected dates in November, open throughout December. Check the website for exact dates.

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 Dec, 11:30am - 12:30pm. Normal admission applies.

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

The Knight Before Christmas Evening Tour

Friday 11 December, 6pm -7.10pm and 7.30pm - 8.10pm, £16 per person, pre-booking essential.

Join us for a special after-hours tour around the house when it is decorated for Christmas. Inspired by Arthurian legend come and see the decorations which are full of knights, wizards, and dragons. They are even more atmospheric in the evening!

Decorate a Christmas Crown

Saturday 12 Dec, 11am - 2pm. Normal admission applies, £1.50 per crown.

Bring your little princes and princesses to decorate a gold crown with festive stickers and gems and then go to see the decorations based on the legends of King Arthur.

Christmas Storytime

Tuesday 15 Dec, 10:15am - 10:45am. Normal admission applies.

Bring your little elves to listen to festive stories in the Second-Hand Bookshop. Take a seat in the circle for several stories for under 5's between 10.15am - 10:45am.