Apple Harvest, Bat Walks and Foraging Fun at Canons Ashby

Canons Ashby has three brilliant events landing this September, and if you love an autumn day out with a bit of history and nature thrown in, this is the trio to pop in the diary. From spotting bats at dusk to hunting hedgerow treats and celebrating the apple harvest with Morris dancers, there’s something here whether you fancy a free family potter or a proper booked activity.

Canons Ashby is a National Trust property near Daventry, and normal admission charges apply to visit the house and grounds unless stated otherwise below. Here’s what’s on.

Apple Harvest Weekend

This one is free to join (normal admission to the venue applies) and no booking is needed, which makes it an easy one to add to the weekend plan. Expect Morris dancers, family craft activities, games for all ages, a tombola and a small selection of stallholders. Keep an eye out for the harvest mice hiding in the house, and take a look at the seasonal decorations in the church too.

• Dates: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
• Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
• Cost: Free event, normal admission prices apply
• Booking: Not needed
• Good to know: Bring cash if you want to buy from the stallholders, as card reception can be patchy in the paddock. The activities take place on grass which can be uneven or muddy, so wellies are a good shout.

Harvest Foraging Walks

If you’ve got older kids who love being outdoors, this guided walk with local foraging expert Lizzy is a lovely one to book. You’ll be shown how to spot wild fruits, herbs, mushrooms and plants, along with tips on good foraging practice and what to look out for in the months ahead. It’s aimed at adults, but children aged 12 and over can join too as long as they’re with an adult.

• Dates: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
• Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
• Cost: £16 for adults and children aged 12–17
• Booking: Essential, either online in advance or in person at Visitor Reception if tickets remain
• Good to know: It’s a short walk over uneven countryside ground, so wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Worth bringing a notepad if you want to remember what you’ve learned.

If your family loves this sort of thing, my free Nature Scavenger Hunt is a great way to keep the foraging spirit going on your next woodland walk together.

Bat Walk

An evening event for families who fancy something a bit different, the Bat Walk is a guided talk and walk around the grounds with bat experts and volunteers from the Oxfordshire Bat Group. It’s a lovely way to see the estate at dusk and find out more about the bats that call Canons Ashby home.

• Dates: Friday 5 and Saturday 19 September
• Time: 5 September, 7:15pm – 8:45pm / 19 September, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
• Cost: £14 adults, £11 children up to 17 years
• Booking: Essential
• Good to know: Bring a torch and wear sturdy footwear, as the walk covers slopes and uneven ground. It’s not suitable for dogs other than assistance dogs, and it will go ahead in poor weather unless conditions are unsafe.

Good to know before you go

For the two booked events, I’d recommend reserving your spot in advance rather than hoping for availability on the day, especially for the Bat Walk given the smaller group size. Normal admission charges apply for anyone visiting the wider house and grounds, so it’s worth checking current prices before you go.

Fancy more days out like this across Northamptonshire? Have a browse of my full guide to things to do in Northamptonshire for families, or sign up to my weekly newsletter so you never miss what’s happening near you.

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.