Attractions and Places To See around Adstone - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Adstone include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. This small, rural village in West Northamptonshire offers a quiet setting for exploring local heritage. Visitors can discover historical buildings and enjoy the surrounding picturesque countryside. The area provides opportunities for those interested in local history and rural exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Adstone
- The most popular attractions is Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a castle that features a Tudor manor house set in terraced gardens. This site includes a medieval priory and historic parkland, largely unaltered since 1710.
- Another must-see spot is Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man-made monument commemorating a USA AF B-17 Bomber crew. This memorial marks the site where a B-17G Flying Fortress crashed on December 15, 1944.
- Visitors also love Wellington Bomber LP286 Memorial, a man-made monument dedicated to a Wellington Bomber crew. This modern memorial stands at the edge of a wooded area, visible from an adjacent path.
- Adstone is known for its historical sites, monuments, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical buildings to memorial sites.
- The attractions around Adstone are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 43 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Canons Ashby House and Priory Church
Highlight • Castle
Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era.
The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters.
Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby."
Cit. nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
The Norton B-17
On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany.
It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England.
Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine.
On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum.
On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry.
The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby
Highlight • Religious Site
History
The Priory was founded by Stephen la Leye on a site to the south of the present church between 1147 and 1151 in the reign of Henry II.
In 1253 the Augustinians were granted a licence to dig the Norwell, which still exists north of the present church, to supply water to the priory.
In 1537 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Crown granted the priory and its estates to Sir Francis Bryan,[1] a close ally of Henry VIII. Bryan held the estate for only about a year before selling it in 1538 to Sir John Cope,[1] a wealthy Banbury lawyer. Sir John's daughter Elizabeth inherited what is thought to have been the priory farmhouse [wrong – Wilkyns farm was part of John Dryden's inheritance. Copes Ashbie – across the road – was inherited by Elizabeth's brother, who died early leaving his sons as Wards of the Dryden family]. In 1551 she married John Dryden, who extended the building to form the earliest parts of Canons Ashby House.
Part of the building survives: the Church of England parish church of St Mary dates from about 1250 and this, together with Canons Ashby House, is now owned by the National Trust. Its power and size can be judged by its outlying buildings which cover a large area of the surrounding countryside. The remains of the priory's hospitalium survive as the monastic building centred on the parish church of Maidford, about 5 miles (8 km) away.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canons_Ashby_Priory
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Canons Ashby Gardens
Highlight • Natural Monument
This spring our planting has been inspired by Women and Power so you can expect to see purples, pinks and greens in the formal bedding.
Have a wander around the formal garden and admire the colourful colours beginning to flourish, as well as the snowdrops, crocusses and daffodils springing from the grass around the site.
Here we plant for nature and wildlife, as well as for visitors. We select plants which we know our insects and birds will love, which are grown from seed in the local area so we have less of an impact on the environment.
As the grass is beginning to dry out, why not put your wellies on and go a little further afield and have a stroll around the parkland? Keep an eye out for the new spring lambs but please don’t get too close to them.
Love nature? Try to spot some of our special spring birds as they return to Britain after migrating over winter. Look out for blackcaps and garden warblers singing in the garden, as well as more common local birds such as blue tits and wrens who are already building nests here on site.
nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby/features/enjoy-spring-at-canons-ashby
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Chipping Warden Parish Church and Market Cross
Highlight • Religious Site
The village sits on the Jurassic Way long-distance trail. Walkers in need of a pitstop will be delighted that there are two pubs: the Griffin and the Rose and Crown.
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Tips from the Community
Great to walk the dog there is a walk around a couple of field
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Great to walk around looks very impressive
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Nice church good for a wonder to grave yard was closed due to downed trees
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Beautiful place to walk around look out for the musket holes
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Chipping Warden is a typically pretty village for the area. Smaller than some of its more famous neighbours but no less picturesque. A good spot to rest and seek refreshment.
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Chipping Warden is a Northamptonshire village with a rich history. On the River Cherwell, to the east, are the remains of a Roman villa, while just to the south of the village is an Iron Age hillfort, Arbury Banks. The village sits on the Jurassic Way long-distance trail. Walkers in need of a pitstop will be delighted that there are two pubs: the Griffin and the Rose and Crown.
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"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Memorial bench with inscription "In memory of the USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944." The Norton B-17 On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany. It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England. Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine. On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum. On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry. The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Adstone?
The area around Adstone is rich in history. You can explore Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a Tudor manor with a medieval priory and historic parkland. Other significant historical sites include the Battle of Edgcote site, which played a role in the Wars of the Roses, and the Chipping Warden Parish Church and Market Cross, which has Roman villa remains and an Iron Age hillfort nearby. Within Adstone itself, you can find historical buildings like All Saints Church, The Manor House, and The Old Vicarage.
Are there any memorials or monuments to visit?
Yes, there are several poignant memorials. You can visit the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, which commemorates a USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives in 1944. Another is the Wellington Bomber LP286 Memorial, dedicated to a Wellington Bomber crew that crashed in 1945.
What natural features can I explore around Adstone?
Adstone is surrounded by picturesque farmland and countryside, making it ideal for those who appreciate rural scenery. While there aren't large-scale natural attractions, the landscape itself offers a tranquil setting for walks and enjoying the outdoors. The site of the Battle of Edgcote also offers a viewpoint over the natural landscape.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Adstone area?
Many attractions around Adstone are suitable for families. Canons Ashby House and Priory Church is a great option, offering a historic house and gardens to explore. The memorial sites, such as the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench and the Wellington Bomber LP286 Memorial, can also be visited by families interested in history. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for family walks and outdoor activities.
What outdoor activities can I do near Adstone?
The rural landscape around Adstone is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Canons Ashby Gardens – St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby loop' which is about 9.7 km. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Foxcote Reservoir – Boycott Farm Shop loop' for road cycling or the 'Salcey Forest – Old Railway Bridge loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Adstone, Road Cycling Routes around Adstone, and MTB Trails around Adstone guides.
Are there hiking trails near Adstone, and what are their difficulties?
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. Many routes are of moderate difficulty, such as the 'Canons Ashby Gardens – St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby loop' (9.7 km) or 'The New Inn loop from Woodend' (13.2 km). There are also easier options like a 4.8 km loop from Canons Ashby. These trails generally traverse the picturesque countryside and farmland. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the Hiking around Adstone guide.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walking routes near Adstone?
Walking routes near Adstone primarily feature rural terrain, including farmland paths, country lanes, and potentially some wooded areas. The landscape is generally picturesque, offering gentle inclines and declines typical of the Northamptonshire countryside. Expect a mix of grassy tracks, dirt paths, and paved sections.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Adstone?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and tranquil beauty of the area. Highlights like Canons Ashby House and Priory Church are praised for their well-preserved Tudor architecture, stunning tapestries, and peaceful gardens. The memorial sites offer a reflective experience, while the overall rural setting is valued for its quiet charm and opportunities for scenic walks and cycling.
Are there any viewpoints in the Adstone area?
The site of the Battle of Edgcote offers a viewpoint over the surrounding landscape. While Adstone itself is a small village, the elevated positions in the nearby countryside provide opportunities to take in the scenic farmland views.
Can I find pubs or cafes near the attractions?
While Adstone itself is a very small village, nearby villages like Chipping Warden, which hosts the Chipping Warden Parish Church and Market Cross, are known to have pubs. For example, Chipping Warden has two pubs, The Griffin and The Rose and Crown, which are good spots for refreshment after exploring the area.
What is the best time of year to visit Adstone for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Adstone for outdoor activities like walking and cycling is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant conditions to explore the countryside and historical sites. The picturesque farmland is particularly vibrant in spring and summer.
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