Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, it will help keep this site up and running!In my opinion, Castle Ashby Gardens are one of Northamptonshire’s treasures. I have been numerous times and never get bored of them.
The gardens are made up of different sections, each with their own points of interest.
Castle Ashby gardens…
The Italian Gardens and Orangery…
No to be missed is the Orangery, filled with lush plants and a large pond with over 100 fish. My boys love to say hi to fish and I love the orangery for its tranquil feel.
Outside of this are the spacious and well-manicured Italian gardens with a large gravel path that runs down the middle
The Maltese cross and rainbow border…
A beautiful area of colourful wildflowers.
The arboretum and nature trail…
My boys love exploring the nature trail with its huge trees, views across the countryside and the bridge across the river where you can see lots of big and little fish. Their favourite feature is the huge Weeping willow tree that you can explore and the surrounding trees they love to climb.
There are also a couple of picnic benches alongside to stop for a bit of lunch plus some cute fairy doors attached to trees to spot.
If you like this post then check out my review of Castle Ashby Deli
Butterfly and secret garden…
The butterfly garden is full of plants and flowers that specifically attract bees and butterflies. There is also a cute Grade 1 listed greenhouse known as the Fushia house.
From the butterfly garden, you can discover the secret garden that is full of beautiful Lavender and other colourful flowers.
Castle Ashby gardens menagerie…
We always end our walk around the gardens with a trip to Menagerie. The kids love this area as it homes some adorable marmosets, a giant rabbit, ducks, meerkats, birds, a tortoise, guinea pigs, a tiny horse, pigs and chickens.
Tea Rooms and play area…
On your way in/out of the gardens are some tea rooms serving snacks and light meals and an adjacent good size play area. We love stopping in here for ice cream in the Summer!
(Please note, due the tearooms have not yet reopened after lockdown.)
Conclusion of Castle Ashby Gardens…
Castle Ashby gardens is a great day out with or without the kids with lots of space to run around and the animals to visit. Aside for along the nature trail, there is very little shade so bear this in mind on a hot/ rainy day. The gardens are pram/wheelchair friendly and there are toilets at the entrance/exit.
For more information you can check out Castle Ashby Gardens website here.
Have you been to Castle Ashby gardens? What is your favourite area? Let us know in the comments below!
