Skip to content

Group visits to Canons Ashby

A group of visitors on a garden tour at Standen in West Sussex on a sunny summer day
A group enjoying Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Canons Ashby is the perfect place for a group day out. Explore the atmospheric and homely 16th-century Elizabethan manor house, formal terraced gardens and the 12th-century Augustinian priory church.

Group visits

Canons Ashby welcomes group visits throughout the year, Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays, during school or public holidays or on event days. Discounted rates are available for any non-members in pre-booked groups of more than 15 people.

All groups should book in advance, including smaller groups arriving by coach or minibus, in order to guarantee entry and a coach parking space.

Planning your visit

  • Because we are a small site, we ask you to split yourselves into smaller sized groups during your visit so that you have the best time here.
  • There is limited seating in the tea-room. You may not be able to all eat at the same time. If you’re planning to come in the morning, pre-ordered morning refreshments may be available. Note we do not take bookings for the tea-room.
  • An average visit length is approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • There will be a chauffeur driven access buggy to help visitors who need a lift get from the car park to the main house and tea-room area.
  • If members of your groups are wheelchair users or may not be able to manage the seven steps into the house, please contact us to discuss their access needs.

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

A family group of five people sit on the grass chatting at Morden Hall Park in the summer. Patches of sunshine break through the mature tree canopy.
Enjoy a tour with your group at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

During your visit

When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of the Visitor Reception team, who will scan your group’s membership cards or take payment through the till. They will give your group leaflets and directions to begin your visit.

During busy periods we operate a timed-ticket entry system into the house. If this is the case you’ll be given your tickets on arrival.

All visits are self-guided unless otherwise organised. There are volunteer room guides throughout the house who can tell you all about the house and answer any questions you have.

What can your group enjoy on your visit?

• A stroll around the beautiful garden, paddock and parkland

• Explore the fascinating historic house

• Discover St Mary's Church– built on the foundations of the medieval monastic buildings

• A light lunch or refreshments in the Stables Tea-room

• Pick up a souvenir from the Coach House Shop, or pop into the second-hand bookshop.

Education group visits

Self-led educational visits are allowed on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to plan your visit, please contact us using the email address below.

Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

Get in touch about bringing a group to Canons Ashby

If you would like to book a group visit please email us at canonsashby@nationaltrust.org.uk for information and to request a group booking form.

For further information please call 01327 861900.

Visitors walking along a grass path through the garden at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. There are summer flowers in bloom on the right and neatly clipper topiary can be seen in the background with the house behind.

Discover more at Canons Ashby

Find out when Canons Ashby is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

The interior of the kitchen at Canons Ashby house in Northamptonshire. The room has a stone flagstone floor with a large range over and servants bells on the wall.
Article
Article

Visiting Canons Ashby house 

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.

An autumn view of Canons Ashby with rosehip bushes in foreground
Article
Article

Visiting 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.

A child enjoying a scone with jam and cream inside a café
Article
Article

Eating and shopping 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.

A group of male and female people in a large room that has a black and white tiled floor and exhibition panels saying Vita in the background
Article
Article

Education Group Access Pass 

If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.

Visitors exploring the garden at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Article
Article

Explorer Pass 

If you're planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.

Visitors on a tour of the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole, Kent
Article
Article

Group visits frequently asked questions 

Visiting us with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.