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Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Explore small personal houses, cosy gardens and woodland habitats in the neighbouring counties in the heart of England. There is lots to do indoors and outdoors in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

The garden lodge stood in the early autumn sun behind a bush of Hawthorn berries.
Place
Place

Lyveden 

Set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire, Lyveden is a remarkable survivor of the Elizabethan age.

near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
An autumn view of Canons Ashby with rosehip bushes in foreground
Place
Place

Canons Ashby 

A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart

near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Fully open today
Trees in autumnal colours surround the cottage at Stoneywell, Leicestershire
Place
Place

Stoneywell 

The home of a family who lived and loved the Arts and Crafts

Leicestershire

Closed now
Image shows close up of leaves on a branch of a beech tree.
Place
Place

Ulverscoft Nature Reserve 

Reserve in the care of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

near Loughborough, Leicestershire

Signpost pointing the way to the Priest's House, a stone building with a pitched roof, Easton On The Hill, Northamptonshire
Place
Place

Priest's House 

Small pre-Reformation stone building

near Stamford, Northamptonshire

Family-friendly places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Children doing Halloween craft activities
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Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby 

Discover family-friendly activities and days out with the kids at Canons Ashby, including nature trails, wild play and school holiday events.

Top gardens in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Wander through the gardens and take in the crisp colours, sights and sounds of the season.

An autumn view of Canons Ashby with rosehip bushes in foreground
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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 colour in the garden at Stoneywell, with a red leafy branch framing a distant view of the cottage, with oranges, reds and greens visible in the garden
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Autumn in the garden at Stoneywell 

From a show-stopping rhododendron collection to an 11-acre woodland, find out what you can see in Stoneywell's colourful garden here.

Places to eat in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Enjoy a light lunch, cup of tea or cake with views of gardens or a historic church.

A child enjoying a scone with jam and cream inside a café
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Eating 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.

Girl serving coffee in a cafe
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Eating at Lyveden 

Visit the Grade I-listed Manor to find the recently opened café serving light meals, sandwiches, drinks and cakes.

Get involved

Play a role in preserving and maintaining the history and nature for visitors at the places we look after.

The garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire in February, with neatly trimmed topiary trees and a sundial in the middle of the path, with steps leading up to further gardens and the house beyond
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Volunteer opportunities at Canons Ashby 

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Canons Ashby and how you can join the team to play your part in looking after this historic family home.

Man pointing at a map outside a Shepherds Hut
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Volunteer opportunities at Lyveden 

Find out more about volunteering at Lyveden. By joining the team, you'll help bring to life the stories of this intriguing Elizabethan lodge.

A view of the north end of the cottage at Stoneywell, with the garden sloping upward to the right of the image and sunshine falling over the cottage.
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Volunteer opportunities at Stoneywell 

Volunteers are what make Stoneywell tick. From welcoming visitors to telling stories, driving the bus to pulling weeds, harvesting veg to taking photos - find out more about how you can join the team and play your part.

Visitors looking at the tulips in the garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
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Supporter groups in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire 

Find out about the supporter groups you can join in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. There are three to choose from: members enjoy social outings together like trips and tours, or lectures.

Sustainable Travel

Exterior view of Canons Ashby House and Church in spring
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Sustainable travel in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire 

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Leicestershire & Northamptonshire, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

Upcoming events

Event

Creepy Creatures Trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Pick up a Creepy Creature Trail and have a hoot with your herd. Find out more about the amazing local creatures that you might see in these colder months, and let your little cubs explore the green space and fresh air.

Event summary

on
8 Nov to 10 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Christmas wreath workshop 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Nothing says ‘Christmas is here’ quite like a beautiful hand-made wreath on your front door.

Event summary

on
19 Nov to 20 Nov 2024
at
10:30 to 12:30
+ 3 other dates or times
Event

Merlin's Magical Trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Join together this festive season to help Merlin find everything he needs for his winter spells!

Event summary

on
21 Nov to 24 Dec 2024
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 30 other dates or times
Event

Christmas Wreaths workshop 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Deck your doors with a festive wreath that you made yourself.

Event summary

on
23 Nov 2024
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

A Christmas Quest 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Experience a magical Christmas visit at Canons Ashby with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights, dragons and the wonderful myths that surround them. Running from 28 November - 24 December.

Event summary

on
28 Nov to 24 Dec 2024
at
11:00 to 14:30
+ 26 other dates or times
Event

Merriment and Misrule: A Tudor Christmas Party 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Join us for a season of fun and festive cheer with the Lord of Misrule, from 30 Nov 2024 - 6 Jan 2025.

Event summary

on
30 Nov 2024 to 6 Jan 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 25 other dates or times
Event

Christmas Carols in the Courtyard with Eboracum Baroque 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Singers from Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to Canons Ashby for a festive concert of music through the ages in the atmospheric courtyard.

Event summary

on
30 Nov 2024
at
17:30 to 19:15
Event

Festive Handbell Ringing in the Church 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell ringers in the beautiful acoustics of the Priory Church.

Event summary

on
7 Dec 2024
at
11:30 to 12:15
Man holding a child up in the air as they both smile, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.