Exclusive Behind-the-scenes House Tour with Afternoon Tea
Ever wondered what's behind the closed doors of Canons Ashby? Seize the opportunity to be exclusively shown some of our best kept secrets and to learn more about how we conserve our place and collection.
- Booking essential
Get behind-the-scenes in the fascinating mansion, see items normally kept in the conservation store, look through closed doors, and find out how we look after this special place.
Our house and collections officer and experienced house guide will lead you on a tour around the historic mansion once we have closed to the public. They will tell you more about the conservation work we do, show you some secret hidden spaces, and show you some special items normally kept in our conservation store.
Then, enjoy a small afternoon tea in the Stables Tea-Room including sandwiches, scones, and mini bakes.
Please note there are steps and stairs throughout the house. Some areas of the house are also poorly lit. Please wear sensible flat shoes due to uneven and fragile floor surfaces. Please note that this tour does not cover the parts of the house that are usually open to the public – this is stuff you WOULDN’T see on a normal visit to the house.
Pre-booking is essential and spaces are limited. Please be sure to let us know of any dietary restrictions using the booking form. £27 per person.
If you want to visit the Coach House Shop, please go before the tour begins, it will be closed when this event finishes.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All BTS Tour & Tea | £27.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 03442491895
- Suitability
This tour is aimed at adults. Older children booking with adults are welcome.
- Meeting point
Head to Visitor Reception who will direct you.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the weather as the house can be cold when it is cold outside. The house and tea-room are all a short walk from the car park.
- Accessibility
There are steps and stairs throughout the house, and two steps up into the tea-room. Please contact us via phone or email to discuss your access needs if you have any concerns: 01327 861900 or canonsashby@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Other
If you are very unfamiliar with Canons Ashby, we would recommend you visit the house as a normal visitor beforehand to see the rest of the property. This tour will be focussing on the unseen parts and extra interesting facts.
Upcoming events
Merlin's Magical Trail
Join together this festive season to help Merlin find everything he needs for his winter spells!
A Christmas Quest
Experience a magical Christmas visit at Canons Ashby with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights, dragons and the wonderful myths that surround them. Running from 28 November - 24 December.
Festive Handbell Ringing in the Church
Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell ringers in the beautiful acoustics of the Priory Church.
A Knight Before Christmas
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.