Attractions

Northamptonshire “Rose of the Shires” Northamptonshire nestles within the rural heart of England, an intoxicating mix of old and new, ancient and modern. Within its welcoming boundary the visitor will find picturesque villages with thatch roofed cottages and friendly inns, stately homes, art collections and historic market towns. The Northamptonshire countryside is a refreshing blend of rolling hills, lakes and rivers. Many of the fields were once covered by dense woodland, and evidence of this can be seen at Rockingham, Salcey and Whittlewood forests which were originally part of the royal hunting grounds. Unsurprisingly with its rural heritage, Northamptonshire has a diverse tradition of country arts and crafts. Seek, and you will discover delightful opportunities to spend lazy days shopping for antiques, hand crafted ceramics, decorative ironwork and many other quality goods. Many small farm shops also abound, with a wide range of freshly grown fruit and vegetables, and a variety of tempting farm produce. Northampton, the county town, established alongside a stretch of the river Nene for more than eight hundred years, is perhaps best known for its historical association with the boot and shoe trade, and many high quality shoe shops and factories can be found here. Northampton also boasts one of the largest and best open air markets in the country, which has been in existence for centuries. The historic town centre features many outstanding buildings old and new, such as the Victorian gothic “guildhall”, central museum and art gallery, and not forgetting the Derngate and royal theatres. Many guided walks are available around the town taking in these sights, along with the many spectacular church buildings, including All Saints church in the centre itself. The village of Roade is an old English village of considerable character, dating back at least to the Doomsday Book in which it is documented. It is also an excellent base from which to explore many famous national tourist attractions. In the immediate vicinity are;
Althorp house: The Spencer family have lived at Althorp for at least 500 years through successive generations. The magnificent house is set in impressive landscaped gardens, and features one of the finest collections of paintings, furniture, and porcelain in the country. The world’s attention was focused on the park after the tragic death of Diana Princess of Wales. She lies on an island within the Round Oval, an ornamental lake, surrounded by her families unique heritage. A visitors centre opened at the park in 1998, housing an exhibition of Lady Diana Spencers life. The park is five miles west of Northampton. www.althorp-house.co.uk
Castle Ashby: The castle Ashby estate covers some 10,000 acres of unspoilt parkland. The house has been home to the Compton family since 1574. The building was finished in 1635, and south wing is attributed to the well known architect of the period, Inigo Jones. The gardens were landscaped by Capability Brown. Castle Ashby has been transformed to provide all the requirements of the modern visitor while retaining the charm of an English Country House. Castle Ashby is 14 miles/22 km south west of Northampton. www.camelotintl.com
Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens: A magnificent Queen Anne house, containing a world renowned art collection, which concentrates on sporting and equestrian subjects. The house also contains fine period furniture and porcelain. It is said that the house was the pattern for Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park”. The house is surrounded by much admired gardens. Cottesbrooke Hall is 10 miles/16 km north of Northampton.
Rockingham Castle: Both a fortified stronghold and a family home, Rockingham castle has looked over the countryside for 900 years. The castle has many fine rooms, all splendidly furnished. The castle is two miles north of Corby.
Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum: The Museum is housed in a restored corn mill and vividly portrays the heritage of 200 years of inland waterways. Also in this picturesque village visitors can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Grand Union Canal.Trips range from 25 minutes to a full day. Self drive boats are also available in Stoke Bruerne.
Attractions within easy reach:
Oxford: One of England's two medieval university towns, Oxford is in fact at least 300 years older than its university. In 879 AD King Alfred set up a mint there, and in 1068 William the Conqueror seized the town as a key point in his conquest of England. The first college to be built was University College in 1249. Oxford contains the oldest public museum in Britain, the Ashmolean, opened in 1683, one of the largest libraries in the world, the Bodleian, the oldest botanical gardens in Britain and a magnificent Norman cathedral. Colleges worth seeing include Magdelen, Merton and New College. Oxford is 40 miles/ 65 km south_west of Northampton.
Cambridge: The other of England's two medieval university towns but also a city whose industries are today at the leading edge of technology. Historic College buildings containing priceless art treasures mingle with modern shops in the town centre. Explore the narrow, traffic_free streets and the passageways and bridges leading to the Backs. Watch the punters on the river Cam. Highpoints include Trinity College, St John's College , the magnificent perpendicular_style King's College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Cambridge is 50 miles/80km from Northampton via the fast A45_A14 route.
Silverstone: The Silverstone circuit is regarded as both one of the finest race tracks in the world, and the home of British motorsport. Sivlerstone hosts the British Grand Prix, and a host of other motorsport events, such as the British Touring Car Championship. You can even drive the circuit yourself in race ready single seaters, Rally cars, and even 4X4 off-roaders. (Bookings must be made in advance). Silverstone is 12 miles/20 kilometres south_west of Northampton. www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk
Warwick Castle: Warwick Castle offers its visitors over 1000 years of history. Its magnificent towers and ramparts are original, while much of the interior was rebuilt in the 17th Century. Don’t miss a haunting visit to the dungeons, before contrasting that with a tour around the elegant splendour of the Staterooms, and Great Hall. The castle houses many great works of art, and a stunning collection of arms and armour, much of it medieval in origin. Warwick is situated 32 miles/50 km from Northampton. www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Stratford Upon Avon: Situated on the River Avon, Stratford has many attractions linked to the famous playwright William Shakespeare. Exploring the historic market town, the visitor will discover where Shakespeare was born and grew up, where he gained inspiration for his work, even where he enjoyed a few drinks! There are five houses in and around Stratford Upon Avon linked to the bard: where he was born, lived, worked, and lies buried. Stratford was established as a market centre long before Shakespeare's time, however, and the market which was started in 1196 is still active today. The mainly Elizabethan and Jacobean buildings in the three streets of the town centre have changed little in 350 years. Recently, William Shakespeare was chosen by listeners of the UK’s BBC Radio 4 as the “man of the millennium” for his impact on English life and culture, over the last few hundred years. www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk

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