Castle Ashby Gardens

Castle Ashby, the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton, was built in 1574 to entertain Elizabeth I.

The house is not open to the public but the superb 25 acres of gardens are open throughout the year.

The magnificent park surrounding Castle Ashby was landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. He also built the Temple that can be seen across the Menagerie Pond.

The views across the park are spectacular with fine avenues of horse chestnut, beech and lime and sweeping lawns.

The Terrace Garden was designed by Matthew Digby Wyatt. There are over 100 urns here and the fountains are currently being restored.

In the romantic Italian Garden there are cones of clipped yew, 30 terracotta urns and a 'Gloriette' or triumphal archway.

The Summerhouse Garden has delightful bedding schemes, a pond and more charming urns.

The Orangery has 'Cytisus battandieri', jasmines, magnolias and figs.

There are walks through the woodland and around the lake, with its 'Capability' Brown bridge. Spring bulbs bloom beneath the wonderful trees and there are masses of wildflowers and butterflies.

You can also visit the farmyard, the plant centre and relax afterwards in the Walled Garden Tea Room.