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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
Exterior view of Canons Ashby House and Church in spring
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.

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

Tresham College | Reimagine 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Head to the common room to see the new exhibition from the students at Tresham College.

Event summary

on
28 Apr to 30 Apr 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 2 other dates or times
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
1 May to 25 Sep 2025
at
14:00 to 14:45
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Plant a Sunflower 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Brighten up your weekend by planting a sunflower seedling in a compostable pot to take home and grow!

Event summary

on
3 May to 5 May 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Labyrinth opening ceremony 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Join us to celebrate the start of the growing season when our meadow labyrinth is starting to wake up for the summer.

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on
4 May 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
Event

Axe Throwing 

Lyveden, near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Put your skills to the test with some safe, family-friendly axe throwing.

Event summary

on
5 May 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
Event

Spring Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea with the Head Gardener 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Experience the beauty of springtime in the garden with a tour from our Head Gardener!

Event summary

on
7 May 2025
at
15:15 to 17:30
Event

Spring Foraging Walk with Tellus Mater 

Canons Ashby, near Daventry, Northamptonshire

Get back in touch with nature as the spring bulbs appear! Find out what and where to forage on our guided foraging walk.

Event summary

on
8 May 2025
at
10:00 to 13:00
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
11 May to 7 Jun 2025
at
10:15 to 13:30
+ 1 other date or time
A family in the garden in spring surrounded by daffodils at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire

Where will you visit next?

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