Pumpkin Hunt 2026
Our Pumpkin Hunt is back! Every autumn, the Good Witch uses the Golden Pumpkin's magic to turn the leaves gold and ripen the pumpkins in time for Halloween. But this year, the jealous Wicked Witch has placed a terrible curse upon it and only PUMPKIN POWER can break the spell. We need your help! Follow the Pumpkin Hunt through Castle Ashby Gardens, find the hidden pumpkins and draw each pumpkin face you discover on your trail sheet. Every face creates more Pumpkin Power and with this Pumpkin Power we can break the Wicked Witch's curse, restore the Golden Pumpkin and help the Good Witch save Halloween! As a thank you the Good Witch has left some Halloween gifts that children can collect at the end of the trail. Book early to avoid disappointment and help the Good Witch save Halloween! Our Early Bird tickets are now on sale until Monday 19th October at 9am when tickets will increase by £1. Pre-order a Kids Spooky Lunch Box , which includes a ham, jam or cheese sandwich, crisps, satsuma, a Halloween-themed cupcake and drink. You can also pre order a Toffee Apple. Seasonal snacks, hot, cold food and drinks will be available at the Garden Kitchen, Pergola and in the Walled Garden. Please note that our premises are not a nut-free environment. Although we take reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any food or area is completely free from nuts or traces of nuts. The Pergola will be open for Drinks and Snacks from 9.30am until 4.30pm and the Garden Kitchen will be open from 10am with the kitchen closing at 4pm. You can also see animals in the menagerie, enjoy the play area and outdoor games in the Walled Garden. Important Information: Booking online only If you wish your infant (under 1 year) to take part and receive a fairy tale book, please purchase a Toddler ticket. The Halloween gift includes sweets for children aged 6–16, a gift bag with a Freddo chocolate bar for children aged 3–5 and a fairy tale book for 1–2-year-olds. This is a recommendation only and parents are responsible for choosing the correct gift for their child. Sweets for 6-16 year-olds include: Kingsway Jelly Filled Skulls ( jelly sweets, gluten free and no artificial flavours, Kingsway Halloween Witch Heads (jelly sweets, gluten free), Kingsway Jelly Filled Eyeballs (jelly sweets, gluten free), Millions Flavoured chewy sweets (no artificial colours or flavours). Please email us on our contact form if you would like to receive the ingredients of the sweets. Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo bars contain milk, sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, vegetable fats (palm and shea), emulsifiers (E442, E476), and flavorings. Children will need to be supervised by an adult at all times. Please read our Entry Terms & Conditions which apply to all visitors to Castle Ashby Gardens All our glass houses will be closed during this event. There will be children outdoor games in the Walled Garden. Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram and tag us @castleashbygarden s Any questions? Please click here for our FAQ's We look forward to welcoming you!
Paint a Nutcracker Christmas Experience - Thursday 12th November 2026
🎄✨ A Little Christmas Magic at Castle Ashby Garden Kitchen ✨🎄 Come and join us for a cosy and creative evening of Christmas fun as we paint our very own festive Nutcrackers! 🎨❤️ Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a Christmas get-together, or simply an excuse to get into the festive spirit, this is the perfect evening for you. 🎨 Paint your own Nutcracker – all materials are included 🍷 Your first mulled wine included 🥧 Festive mince pie included 🍴 A small menu of delicious food & snacks will also be available to purchase on the night 📅 Thursday 12th November ⏰ 7.30pm – 10pm 🎟️ £30 per person plus online booking fee Bring your friends, get creative and enjoy a glass of mulled wine while Christmas music and festive cheer set the mood. 🎄✨ Spaces are limited, so book your place and make a night of it! 📍 Castle Ashby Garden Kitchen
Sunday Roasts
🍂 Sunday Roast at Castle Ashby Gardens 🍂 Make your visit extra special at Castle Ashby Gardens and enjoy a delicious traditional Sunday Roast at our Garden Kitchen in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Ashby Gardens. 🍽️ Sunday Roast Enjoy a hearty roast dinner, perfect for a relaxing Sunday with family and friends. You can choose from: A choice of Topside of Beef, Turkey or Nut Roast served with Roast Potatoes, Homemade Yorkshire Pudding, Honey Glazed Carrots, Cauliflower Cheese, Broccoli and vegetable gravy. We also have additional items you can add onto your meal: pigs in blankets and stuffing. You can also add a small bottle of prosecco, wine or beer to your meal should you wish. Adults £13.95, Children up to age 12 £7.95. For any children not wanting traditional roast, we can also offer Sausage & chips and Fish Fingers & Chips. We also offer a selection of desserts for afters including: Homemade cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple pie & custard/ice cream and Lemon Meringue Pie. Subject to Availability. These are priced separately if ordered on the day or you can book 2 courses - Adults £18.95 and Children £10.95. 🌿 Make a Day of It! Make it a full day out by adding Garden Admission at a special 50% discounted rate, giving you the perfect opportunity to wander the stunning grounds and soak in the beauty of Castle Ashby Gardens before or after your lunch. Visitors can also purchase a bag of fish feed either online or from the entrance and head to the Cedar Hide to watch fish, big and small, enjoy the food you throw them. A relaxing and memorable experience for all. For allergy requirements, please email - kitchen@castleashbygardens.co.uk prior to your visit so we can tailor your afternoon tea. Please note that our premises are not a nut-free environment. Although we take reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any food or area is completely free from nuts or traces of nuts. ✨ Good food • Beautiful gardens • A perfect Sunday - Starting Sunday 4th October – book now and make a day of it at Castle Ashby Gardens!
Afternoon Tea at Castle Ashby Gardens
The Harvest Afternoon Tea will end on 16th November as we move into the Christmas season. Make your visit extra special this Autumn with a Harvest Afternoon Tea at Castle Ashby Gardens – perfect for celebrations, catching up with friends, or as a thoughtful gift. Enjoy a delightful selection of freshly prepared mini quiches, ploughman's sandwiches, sausage rolls, cheese scones and various cakes and sweet treats all served with unlimited tea or a hot or cold drink of your choice. Should you wish to add on a small bottle of prosecco, wine or beer, you can do this as an add on. Please see menus on the Garden Kitchen page on our website. Harvest Afternoon Tea - £24.95 ( this can also be made vegetarian should you wish, please email the garden kitchen). We are unable to make the Harvest Afternoon Gluten Free, but we can offer a charcuterie board as an alternative, please email: kitchen@castleashbygardens.co.uk Childs Afternoon Tea - £16.95 (children are up to age 12) Vegan Afternoon Tea - £24.95 Festive Afternoon Tea - Available from Thursday 19th November Celebrate the Christmas season and enjoy a festive selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and festive sweet and savoury treats. All served with festive crackers and hats. Festive Afternoon tea - £28.95 with unlimited tea & coffee (this can also be made vegetarian should you wish, please email the garden kitchen). Seasonal Afternoon Teas are available throughout the year, including festive and special-occasion teas, thoughtfully prepared using quality ingredients wherever possible. Check our social media for seasonal afternoon tea bookings. Make it a full day out by adding Garden Admission at a special 50% discounted rate, giving you the perfect opportunity to wander the stunning grounds and soak in the beauty of Castle Ashby Gardens before or after your tea. A relaxing and memorable experience for all. Afternoon Tea bookings are for 2 hours and you can book 12, 12.30 or 1pm. Please arrive at the time you book as our food is made fresh for that time. For allergy requirements, please email - kitchen@castleashbygardens.co.uk prior to your visit so we can tailor your afternoon tea. Please note that our premises are not a nut-free environment. Although we take reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any food or area is completely free from nuts or traces of nuts.
Car Parking (Garden Kitchen & Play Area Patrons only)
From 1 March 2026, there will be a small parking charge for visits to the Garden Kitchen and play area only. Parking will be £1.50 for these visits, which helps us look after and improve the play area and wider visitor facilities. For anyone visiting the Gardens, parking will still be included in your Garden ticket at no extra cost. We know any change can feel frustrating, but this contribution goes directly back into maintaining the spaces families enjoy. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support the gardens. We will notify you of any Garden Kitchen closures on our website (only), please check before travelling. Please read our visitor information page for useful information. Parking tickets are not available to purchase on event days, only event tickets are available. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Garden Day Ticket
In spring and summer, our gardens come to life, with blossom in the trees, borders full of colour and quiet corners filled with birdsong. Wander the paths, pause by the ponds and enjoy the huge variety of flowers. We’d love you to make a day of it, whether you’re visiting for a peaceful solo stroll, a day out with family or time together with friends. The ‘Garden Day Ticket’ provides access to Castle Ashby Gardens, Arboretum, Animal Menagerie, Garden Kitchen and play area. This ticket includes parking. When booking a ticket online, you will choose a time slot in which to arrive in. This is only the arrival time, you may stay as long as you wish to enjoy the gardens. Please purchase tickets online. High season 2026 garden ticket prices are as follows (parking included): Adult (16+) £11.50, Child (Age 3-15) £5.50, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £28.00, Under-3s go free. Plus booking fee. Our Gardens are open from 10am to 4pm Thursday to Monday. From 19th September to 23rd October we are doing half price tickets during the week and a 1/3 off at a weekend. Discount will be applied at checkout. Add-ons Fish Feedings: Make your way to the Cedar Hide, overlooking Par Pond in the Arboretum, and enjoy the simple pleasure of feeding the fish, including carp, pike, roach and bream. It's a wonderful way for families to connect with nature, entertain little ones, or simply pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Fish food is available to purchase as an optional add-on to your garden admission ticket. Please note that fish feeding is only permitted at the Cedar Hide in the Arboretum. We kindly ask that you do not feed the fish in the Orangery. Should you wish to visit the Garden Kitchen, the opening hours during our winter season (from Monday 28th September) are: 10am to 3.30pm, last orders in the kitchen at 3pm. We will notify you of any garden closures on our website homepage (only), please check before travelling. Please read our visitor information page for useful information. Garden Day Tickets are not available to purchase on event days, only event tickets are available. We hope you enjoy your visit!