Ashton Activities & other info
“you won’t find wifi in the forest but I promise you’ll find a better connection”
more than just a bed for the night....
Ashton Estate is a remarkable private enclave in the heart of the English countryside. Below you can find an abundance of activities to do on the Estate and a link to some useful information regarding local caterers etc below.
1. Walking
2. Bird Watching
3. Cycling
4. The Woodland Walk: a dedicated walk peppered with activity based Shepherd Hut
5. Cricket Field with outdoor games including table tennis, rounders etc
6. Clay pigeon shooting - prices below
7. Archery - prices below
8. BBQ's
9. The Green Room - Snooker & Pool games room for adults
10. Art Galleries - subject to availability
11. Charles Rothschild Walled Garden - underway!
12. Fairy Garden
13. Gnome & Gonk Garden (coming soon!)
the personal check-in
On arrival one of our team members will personally check you into the property. They will give you a quick run through on how to use the equipment in the property including heating etc and answer any questions you may have. Please call us when you are circa 20 minutes from arriving on 07836207584. Members of staff live on the Estate and are contactable 24hrs a day in the case of emergencies.
welcome box
Each house will receive a welcome box containing local strawberry jam, fresh baked bread from Oundle's amazing Hambleton Bakery and much more. Please note: We are in the process of creating a new "welcome box" so items may vary from what has been previously stated. Your complimentary welcome box will be delivered to your holiday house prior to your arrival.
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woodland walk
We have created a beautiful meandering woodland walk (see map in the welcome book) which also includes the following:
- A designated “DIY DEN” area complete with everything you need to build your own DEN. Add on to existing dens or take them apart to create your own.
- Coming soon....“BUG BARRACKS” – how many creepy crawlies can you spot!
- For believers only……can you find the SECRET FAIRY GARDEN?
- THE GRATITUDE TREE - what are you thankful for? Wooden discs can be found by the tree along with pens etc.
- Mini playhouses - let your imagination run free
- G&G Garden - Gnomes & Gonks - coming soon!
If you take any photos that you don't mind us sharing under our "Visitors Photos" please email them to us or you can Whatsapp them to 07831855206
themed shepherd huts
- Little Artist Studio – complete with watercolours / water /brushes / paper and crayons. (Children under adult supervision)
- Nature Hut – complete with British wildlife reference books / binoculars and seating – relax and see what passes by. This area is known for badgers, foxes and deer.
- Literary Hut –Space to relax and write your first novel – comfy armchair / desk and inspiration
- Yoga & Meditation Hut – complete with mats & pouffes….relax and breathe.
- Bird Watch Hut – for all the bird lovers, British bird reference books, binoculars and chairs
Now for the boring bits:
- Visitors must not enter the woodland areas during adverse weather conditions eg. strong winds, heavy rains or storms.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Visitors must not smoke in the area and campfires must not be lit.
- Careful consideration should always be taken on this uneven terrain and all woodland propose hazards and you will not be monitored.
fairy garden
Our Ashton Fairies have been hard at work building their own pond. Their friends (which includes ducks, swans, rabbits, frogs etc) have all been enjoying it too! And remember, this area is for believers only. Please do not enter the circle and no touching...during the day the fairies are usually sleeping!
clay pigeon shooting
Groups of up to 4 (minimum): £200 (£50 per person)
- circa 1 to 2 hours
- Hire of Gun
- Safety Equipment
- 20 clays and 20 cartridges per person
Groups of 4 or more: £200 for the first 4 and £40 for each extra person eg. Group of 8 – £360 (Possibly split into 2 groups of four and four), Group of 10 – £440 (Split into 2 groups of five and five)
* Why not add a round of archery before or after shooting for only £20 per person when booked together.
No children under the age of 10 and children over the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent.
No alcohol to be consumed during the above.
Danny Sumpter is a qualified instructor and has years of experience. He is extremely knowledgeable about local wildlife so more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Prices above are for visitors staying in one of our holiday houses. Please enquire about prices for non-guests.
archery
Minimum 6 People: £150 (£25 per person)
- circa 2 hours for a small group
- safety briefing
- introduction to the equipment
- suitable for beginners / intermediate
- tuition
- all equipment supplied including round bulls eye targets
For groups of 6 or more the price is £150 for the first 6 and then £20 per person after that.
No children under the age of 8 and children over the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent.
No alcohol to be consumed during the above.
Prices above are for visitors staying in one of our holiday houses. Please enquire about prices for non-guests.
Karaoke
There’s a superstar in all of us so why not have a Karaoke night!. We have a great entertainer that will come and host a Karaoke evening at your property. Price: £160 for a 2 hour period or £220 for a 3 hour period. He will play disco / background music in between to get everyone in the mood! Its a great way to get everyone involved and is suitable for all ages. Please email us re. availability. This is very popular!
pottery painting
Pottery Painting
At Pot en Ciel, we provide a relaxing, creative and supportive environment where people of all ages and artistic abilities can paint unique pieces of ceramics.
Also known as a ceramic painting café (we serve delicious cakes made by The Little Bakery of Happiness, tea and coffee) located in The Chapel at the Bazaar, West Street, Oundle, we offer a wide range of bisque (blank ceramic) for you to paint, a space where you can discover your potential and as much help as you need to paint your own ceramics.
Our studio is fully accessible.
To book your table, please visit our website
cricket field
This large grassed area is the perfect place for group games - rounders, cricket etc. There is a Shepherds Hut on site filled with balls, bats, croquet, table tennis, swing ball and lots more. Groups have also used this area for hired inflatable assault courses, hired inflatable bouncy castles and lots more.
The Cricket Field also enjoys the most spectacular sunsets so pack up a picnic and enjoy. Benches located on the field. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bennetts Inflatables Hire
No doubt you will have many other factors to organise and plan which is why Bennetts will try their hardest to make the whole experience from booking, delivery through to collection as seamless and worry free as possible.
Bennetts are a specialist Inflatable hire company and can provide party event equipment for all your needs. so please feel free to checkout our bouncy castle hire Peterborough website full of fun entertainment for you birthday parties, hen weekends and corporate events.
Obstacle courses / Garden Games / Adult Bouncy Castles / Rodeo Bull / Sumo Suits and much more. Please note the holiday houses do not allow hot tub hire. Please enquire about a generator as electricity cannot be supplied from the property.
https://www.bennettsbouncycastlehire.co.uk/
Tel: 01778 394700
local taxi
Robert Ferrari (Bob): 07702391424
private chef - the pickled crab
An exclusive supper club
Private chef, Nigel Keller-Godwin - weaving culinary magic right in your own home.
The Pickled Crab isn’t just about food, it’s about memories – memories forged in the laughter and lingering aromas of perfectly prepared dishes. Whether it’s a casual dinner party in , a lavish event in , or an intimate gathering, Nigel brings his honed artistry and passion for local ingredients to create bespoke menus that sing.
No need to worry about dietary restrictions either. Nigel’s menus are as diverse as the landscape he works in, accommodating every guest with care and creativity. Everyone gets to savor the joy of a meal crafted just for them, a meal that turns your gathering into an unforgettable feast.
https://thepickledcrab.com/private-chef-services/
[email protected]
private chef marcel
Cooking with Passion
Marcel is well-known and well-travelled with more than 20 years of experience catering private events and dinners. running food led businesses and private catering events. Drawing on his experience on Caribbean cruise ships, London restaurants, Scottish estates and HNW households, Marcel is one of the best private chefs around.
Simplicity and perfectly balanced dishes are at the forefront of his mind whether he is using classic techniques or innovative twists on renowned dishes. Marcel offers an outstanding range of Services & Menus for a variety of events creating a unique dining experience for his customers with no details overlooked in the process; all this while staying reasonably affordable.
www.hireprivatechef.co.uk
[email protected]
Telephone: 07710524485
curry passion (oundle) take-away
Don't let the name fool you - they offer a lot more than just curry. The standard crust pizzas and curly fries are a few of the popular choices for our guests. You can order online and it usually takes about an hour to receive your order straight to your door!
Tel: 01832 272177
the platter co.
At the Platter Co. we create gourmet grazing platter boards & boxes ideal for any occasion. Using locally sourced produce when available every platter is a work of art. All our platters are made fresh on the day of your event and delivered to you.
Sally will create something to suit your taste / the style of the event and budget - the dessert platters are amazing!
www.facebook.com/theplatterco.co.uk
Contact Sally on: 07933 107717
Nyama Catering
Experts in anything cooked over flames: Argentine Asado, Portuguese Churrasco, Italian Wood Fired Pizzas, Thai Sticky BBQ, Mexican Tacos, Indian Tandoor, South African Braai, English Lamb & Hog Roasts, American Bar-B-Ques. Suitable for larger parties.
www.nyama-catering.co.uk
Tel: 01491 873 560
*They also have veggie options - BBQ's are not only for meat eaters. Have a look at their brochure.....if it doesn't make you instantly drool nothing will! Note from Carol Maibaum, Director OHL Limited.....South African born and a braai enthusiast!
beetroot catering
Local Catering Company
Established in 2010, Beetroot has been providing professional catering services to clients from all over the UK. Whether it is your wedding, family party or corporate event, you’ll want it to run smoothly. Our reputation is for providing an outstanding level of personal service and for producing beautifully presented, great tasting food.
Keith, Amanda, Lizzie and Simon – as well as our team of chefs and event staff – will communicate closely with you from the outset. Whether you already know what you want, or need advice on where to start, Beetroot are here to help. We can deliver prepared meals to the holiday house or be there on hand to cook or cater to your party.
Freephone: 08448 221735 Tel: (07921) 672076
Email: [email protected]
The Charles Rothschild Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is a secluded area of considerable natural beauty, soon available for the pleasure of holidaymakers: this is an aesthetic experience rather than a “real estate” experience. Later this year we will have installed a giant chess set, french boules and lots of sculptures so the garden will be changing all the time.
The Walled Garden is considered to be of heritage importance and enjoys Grade II listed status. In the heyday of the Rothschild family, the area would have been full of exquisite cultivated plants and vegetables, grown for the delectation of the Hon Charles Rothschild, his family and friends, and his staff. The present concept is a wildflower garden replete with fruit trees. An indication of time passing is that the nearby Bothy used to have circa 15 gardeners – now soon to be the Miriam Manor Hotel! The somewhat magnificent residence of the Head Gardener is now an holiday residence “Greenwood Manor”.
The Walled Garden was designed as a suntrap and as an horticultural microclimate- the Southern Wall is flanked externally by a picturesque row of potting sheds – also Grade II listed. These delightful little structures will soon fulfil a diverse array of touristic attractions. The potting sheds retain their original layout, examples of the painstaking work required of the 19th Century gardens - one now exists for tourists.
Everything about the Walled Garden bears the hallmark of the aesthetic sentiments and wealth of one of England’s richest and most accomplished men, the Hon Charles Rothschild, scientist, horticulturist, banker and flea enthusiast! Please read about Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild, the plague flea, named after the Hon Charles Rothschild!.
A plan showing the location of the Walled Garden can be found in the Welcome Booklet - There is only one point of entry, namely via the exquisite wrought iron gate at point ‘A’ on the attached plan.
No unaccompanied children are permitted in the Walled Gardens. Dogs of the permitted variety under – at all times – the control of an adult, (preferably the owner) are permitted.
the green room
There are lots of areas on the Estate equipped for children so we decided we needed a relaxing, chill-out area for the grown-ups! The Green Room is located within the main house, Ashton Wold House boasts a beautiful antique full size snooker table and many other games including chess, scrabble, backgammon, pool, bar skittles, cribbage and more. Visitors are welcome to use the Green Room free of charge between the hours of 10am and 6pm every Friday, Saturday or Sunday unless under private hire. If you are here midweek please call us if you would like the room opened to use during the day.
Private Hire available between 9am and 11pm: Price £40 per hour (minimum of 3 hours) and £15 for any extra hour. For example: Hire for 5 hours would be £150. The room has a fridge and a freezer, cups, plates, bowls for snacks, crisps etc. Contact us if you wish to book this space for your own use. This room is monitored by CCTV. Please see our T&C's for Hire for further information.
....and now for some excessive Rothschild eulogizing
The Green Room is reminiscent of the Rothschild era, and the full-size table is the very one used by the Hon Charles, the Hon Victor and the Hon Miriam – the latter two excellent snooker players. Indeed the Rothschild family had devised their own game called “slosh”, a combination of billiards and snooker. The present owner, “Dr Charles” enjoyed watching his mother Miriam play. Miriam excelled at sports, playing squash and (ladies) cricket to an international standard, and (allegedly) playing in the doubles at Wimbledon. Victor also excelled at sports, playing First Class Cricket (for Northamptonshire), and also excelling at squash and golf.
Our (a pale shadow of his sporting forebears) proprietor claims to be an accomplished skier, and stylish (veteran!) tennis player – but like most sport aficionados, is someone who has morphed into a weird tennis player – enjoying the title of “Dr Volley” (by virtue of very poor volleying), “the slice master” (by virtue of his affection for Real Tennis) and “professor spin” by virtue of the substitution of deviousness for stealth.
canoeing & kayaking
Located by the beautiful River Nene at Oundle Wharf - Nene Extreme Adventures have canoes, kayaks, inflatables and SUPs available for hire (either in advance or on the day).
Boats can be hired by the hour or by the day for longer trips. You could go for a leisurely paddle for an hour or make a day of it and paddle up the Nene towards Wadenhoe or Fotheringhay for a picnic on the banks of the river.
All life jackets and equipment are provided and the staff at Nene Extreme Adventures will ensure that you are happily and safely installed in your canoes before sending you off.
Nene Extreme Adventures are also happy to arrange bespoke packages for your group, where the canoes can be dropped off and collected at other points along the river. Please contact them direct with any enquiries. [email protected]
live music
Guido is an internationally experienced and talented solo entertainer providing superb live music perfect for that special occasion. Whether you would like soft background music or dancing music – Guido can cater to all your needs. He has an extensive playlist ensuring that there’s a wide range of music suitable for any occassion from 50’s /60’s /70’s /80’s / Rock / Ballads / Dance. Phone Guido to discuss prices and availability 07836207584 or email [email protected]
YOGA AT THE PROPERTY
Barefoot Yoga offer private one-on-one and small group yoga sessions at your property. Charlotte completed her Yoga Teaching Diploma at Camyoga in Cambridge and is a registered yoga teacher with the International Yoga Alliance. Barefoot yoga is not only about enjoying the many benefits of yoga, but also a retreat from everyday life where you can have some ‘me’ time. The emphasis is on healthy alignment, breath awareness and inviting students to listen to their bodies. Numbers are kept purposefully small and classes are suitable for students of any age and experience who wish to practice gently and relax deeply. Please contact Charlotte directly charlotte@barefootyoga.
