Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes house tour with Afternoon Tea
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. Then enjoy a small Afternoon Tea in the Stables Tea-Room.
- 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, after we have closed to the public, to 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. Please wear sensible flat shoes due to uneven and fragile floor surfaces. You won’t see every single part of the house that would you see on a normal visit – 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 | £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, the house can be cold in cold weather. Also you will be walking from the car park, to the house, and then the tea-room.
- Accessibility
There are steps and stairs throughout the house, and then two steps up into the tea-room. Please contact us to discuss your access needs if you have any concerns.
- Other
If you are very unfamiliar with Canons Ashby, we would recommend you visit the house as a normal visitor before or after, to see the rest of the property. This tour will be focussing on the unseen parts and extra interesting facts.
Upcoming events
Flutterby butterfly trail
As the weather warms up, delight in Canons Ashby’s ‘Flutterby Butterfly’ summer trail, running from late May until early September.
Guided visits to Priory Church and medieval Stew Ponds
Find out more about the medieval history of Canons Ashby with a guided visit to the church, and then to 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.
Purcell and a Picnic, with Eboracum Baroque
Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to the beautiful gardens of Canons Ashby for a programme of music featuring works by Henry Purcell, using historic musical instruments.
Guided countryside walks
On the fourth Thursday of the month from May to October, come and explore our surrounding countryside on a 6-mile walk, enjoy the fantastic views and get out in the fresh air with our guides.