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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

Autumnal view of the lodge at Lyveden, Northamptonshire
Place
Place

Lyveden 

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

near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Closed now
Two visitors and a dog walking in the formal gardens at Canons Ashby in winter with the house behind
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

Closed now
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

Closed now

Christmas in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

There's plenty of festive fun to be had with all the family across the places we care for in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. From Christmassy trails, a chance to meet a special visitor from the North Pole to special evening tours and events sure to get you in the festive spirit.

Green Father Christmas reads a story book while sitting in an armchair next to the Christmas Tree.

Father Christmas at Lyveden 

Lyveden will be welcoming back a very special guest from the North Pole this festive season.

Family around a Christmas Tree

A Tudor Christmas Party at Lyveden 

Enjoy the decorated Manor and learn all about Tudor Christmas with our new Feasting Table and Lord of Misrule trail.

Red toy dragon with sparkly gold horns with green Christmas tree branches in background

A Knight Before Christmas at Canons Ashby 

A special after-hours tour around the festive house as a fascinating Christmas treat.

Experience a magical Christmas visit at Canons Ashby with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights, dragons

Merlin's Magical Trail at Canons Ashby 

Help Merlin find everything he needs for his winter spells at Canons Ashby. Find all the clues outside, then, when you've finished, pick up a small magical token from the shop or visitor reception to take home!

Family-friendly places to visit in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

Father holding his young daughter in his arms as they walk through
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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 beauty to be found in the winter season

Visitors in the garden at sunset at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. Two people hold hands in the foreground. The house at Canons Ashby in the background.
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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 

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.

A volunteer is busy making an arrangement of greenery on a windowsill.
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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 staff member giving a talk to visitors in the garden at Greenway Devon
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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

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
27 Dec 2024 to 6 Jan 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 9 other dates or times
Event

New Year Guided Walk 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Step into the New Year with a Guided Walk through beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. Led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, the walk will last roughly 90 minutes and will start and end at Lyveden. Please wear appropriate clothing and...

Event summary

on
5 Jan 2025
at
11:30 to 13:15
Event

Discover wassailing at Lyveden 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Keep the festive feeling going beyond Christmas and step into the quirky world of wassailing.

Event summary

on
10 Jan to 10 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 19 other dates or times
Event

Starry Night needle felting 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Dive into the world of needle felting with Something Less Boring's enchanting Starry Night workshop.

Event summary

on
25 Jan 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
Event

Wassail | Guided experience into the world of Wassailing 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Discover the quirky traditions of wassailing in the Orchard.

Event summary

on
25 Jan to 26 Jan 2025
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 3 other dates or times
Event

Snowdrop Stories trail 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Wander through Canons Ashby and discover what people have believed about these delicate and beautiful blooms through the years.

Event summary

on
3 Feb to 21 Mar 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 46 other dates or times
Event

Robin's Wassail | family trail 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Join Robin on an adventure to discover the tradition of Wassailing and join our celebration of nature.

Event summary

on
15 Feb to 23 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Outdoor Tuesday 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Get outdoors this February half term at Lyveden and create something to help nature.

Event summary

on
18 Feb 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

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