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Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Explore small personal houses, little 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

Lyveden's garden lodge surrounded by green grass stands tall in the spring sun.
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
A long distance view of canons Ashby House and the Priory Church with the formal gardens in bloom for summer including hedges and mixed colours
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
Yellow daffodils cover the meadow beside a stone cottage nestled in the hillside.
Place
Place

Stoneywell 

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

Leicestershire

Fully open today
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

Fully open today

Family-friendly places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

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

A mother and daughter enjoying themselves sat in the shade in Lyvedens orchard.
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Family-friendly things to do at Lyveden 

From making friends with a bug to adventures in the great outdoors, there's something for everyone at Lyveden.

Top gardens in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Wander through the gardens and take in the beauty of spring

The south front of Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
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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.

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 

The café in the Grade I-listed manor serves a range of hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes to keep you refreshed during your visit. Take a seat indoors or enjoy your cuppa in the outdoor seating area.

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.

A staff member giving a talk to visitors in the garden at Greenway Devon
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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.

A  close-up of two house guides pointing out something in a pamphlet to two visitors
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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

Wonderful Wildflowers Trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Explore the paddock and learn fun facts, and flower folklore! The trail will be running from late May until early September.

Event summary

on
2 Jun to 5 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 95 other dates or times
Event

Family trail: Little Naturalists 

Stoneywell, Leicestershire

A naturalist is someone who observes and studies the natural world. Do you have what it takes to become one?

Event summary

on
2 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
Event

Guided visits to the Priory Church and Medieval Stew Ponds 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Scratch your medieval history itch with a guided visit of the priory church and the restored medieval stew ponds: an area not accessible to the public without a guide. There are 20 spaces on this walk to sign up on the day.

Event summary

on
5 Jun to 25 Sep 2025
at
14:00 to 14:45
+ 12 other dates or times
Event

The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I - Outdoor Theatre by Three Inch Fools 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Join the Three Inch Fools for a comedy like no other, featuring Elizabeth I herself. Within the Elizabethan grounds of Lyveden Manor, this is not a show you will want to miss!

Event summary

on
6 Jun 2025
at
18:30 to 20:30
Event

Monthly Guided Walk at Lyveden 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Join our Guided Walk leaders for a monthly social walk, beginning at Lyveden and then heading off into the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.

Event summary

on
7 Jun to 13 Jul 2025
at
10:15 to 12:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Classical recorder performance in the Priory Church 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Enjoy beautiful classical recorder music in the Priory Church, performed by the Nene Consort. There’s no extra charge or formal ticketing: feel free to pop in and out as you wish or take a pew and enjoy the whole hour. Normal admission applies.

Event summary

on
8 Jun 2025
at
14:00 to 16:30
Event

Soundbathing Experience with Equanimity Yoga 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Enjoy a calming and relaxing after-hours soundbath in this led experience.

Event summary

on
13 Jun 2025
at
17:00 to 18:30
Event

Foraging workshop 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Discover seasonal wild foods and learn to forage safely while still leaving plenty of Mother Earth's bounty for nature.

Event summary

on
14 Jun to 11 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 13:30
+ 2 other dates or times
Image shows three women enjoying a walk through the woodland on a summer's day.

Where will you visit next?

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