Family-friendly things to do at Canons Ashby

Published:: 26 December 2022

Visitors looking at a sundial in the garden of Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire — Enjoy seasonal activities this winter at Canons Ashby | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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?

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

A Christmas Quest

28 November - 24 December, 11am-2.30pm. Normal asmission 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. For little adventurers, pick up the Christmas Quest children’s trail, find all the ingredients on the list, and help Merlin complete his spell to make a magical Christmas.

Christmas Carols in the Courtyard with Eboracum Baroque

Sat 30 November, 5.30pm - 7.15pm, Adult £18.50 and Child £11. Pre-booking essential. More information here.

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.

A hot drink and mince pie is included.

Festive Handbell Ringing in the church

Saturday 7 December, 11.30am - 12.15pm, no pre-booking needed and normal admission applies.

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell ringers in the beautiful acoustics of Priory Church. Wrap up warm and take a pew to enjoy their beautiful music.

A Knight Before Christmas

Friday 13 December, 6pm - 7.10pm & 7.30pm - 8.40pm, £16 per person, booking in advance essential. Find out more here.

Join us for a special after-hours tour around the festive house as a fascinating Christmas treat. The Arthurian decorations, full of knights, wizards and dragons, are sure to be even more atmospheric in the evening. Our experienced guide will show you around some of the main show rooms, tell you some fascinating facts, and we’ll finish with mulled cider or hot chocolate and a mince pie by the light of the Christmas Trees.