Find things to do in Apsley that are cheap and family friendly. From secluded swimming holes to deep river gorges, discover the beauty of this understated national park.
Visit Apsley House and explore the palatial wonders of 1st Duke of Wellington’s home. Admire the magnificent art collection and gifts from emperors, tsars and monarchs.
1. Visit Apsley House
A grand townhouse that was once home to the 1st Duke of Wellington. Stroll through the dazzling interiors and marvel at the fabulous art collection. You can also explore the Waterloo Gallery through new multimedia guides included in the ticket price.
Admire the Duke of Wellington’s Coronation robes and take in the impressive art collection. You can spend one to two hours at the house.
The front of the house faces Wellington Arch, a triumphal gateway built to commemorate the victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. From there, you can walk through the park or head towards the Grand Union Canal. The canal was a vital link for shipping raw materials from nearby Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley to the local paper mills.
2. Take a walk along the Grand Union Canal
One of the best things to do in Apsley is to take a walk along the Grand Union Canal. This picturesque waterway was once a major trade route for London and today, it’s a great place for walking and cycling.
The Grand Union Canal also boasts a series of impressive locks and aqueducts, perfect for exploring on foot or by boat. Discover the complexities of these historic structures and enjoy the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after mastering them.
The town of Apsley is surrounded by many beautiful pristine lakes and hiking trails. Visit Silent Lake Provincial Park for crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches or check out Gut Conservation Area to see a wide variety of wildlife. Alternatively, you can take a hike through Douglas-Apsley National Park, which is home to tranquil waterholes, river gorges, and pockets of rainforest.
3. Explore the Paper Trail
The Paper Trail is a new attraction for those visiting Apsley. It allows visitors to experience the heritage of the paper industry in the town and also get involved in making their own paper.
The main attraction here is a tour around Frogmore Mill which was John Dickinson’s pioneering mechanised paper mill. This is an amazing place to visit as it’s incredibly interesting and the paper machine itself is still in working condition (although it does now make recycled board rather than paper).
The tour also includes a letterpress shop which is one of only a handful of these left in the world – it may be even the last surviving commercially used press in the UK. This is an incredible thing to see and a real highlight of any trip to Apsley.
4. Visit the Apsley Farmers’ Market
With its pristine lakes, scenic trails and charming downtown, Apsley is a hidden gem in the heart of the Kawarthas. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll and some space for reflection or a challenging overnight hike, this picturesque park has something for everyone.
The Leahy family, the owners of a popular farmers’ market stand in Selwyn Township and Ball Real Estate opened their own market this summer in Apsley. The new market is a triple dose of good news for Apsley and North Kawartha.
It will draw seasonal residents and visitors to town and boost the economy of a community that was hit hard by the closure of Sayers Foods. The market is open Saturdays from Victoria Day to Labour Day. Other budget-friendly attractions and activities in the area include Silent Lake Provincial Park, The Gut Conservation Area and the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour.
5. Hike in the Kawarthas
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, the Kawarthas offers a range of trails to suit your skills and interests. The area’s forests, lakes and scenic waterfalls are just waiting to be explored.
Carstairs Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers, with more than 100 kilometres of multi-use trails. Its dense forest density also makes it a popular spot for fall colour viewing.
Hike the trails of Fleetwood Creek Natural Area to discover a pristine forest rich in wildlife and greenery. Or, head to the nearby Petroglyphs Provincial Park to view over 900 petroglyphs (rock carvings) created by the Algonkian people. A few minutes away, Silent Lake Provincial Park is a favourite destination for swimming, boating and fishing.
