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Northamptonshire is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
the perfect mix of
Northamptonshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
look at this beautiful county — Kirby Hall.
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to Northamptonshire – and may we congratulate you on your choice of destination! This county has an impressive and captivating history, with ancient castles and scenery which have inspired visitors, artists, photographers and those who simply want to stand and stare at truly spectacular landscapes.
It’s no coincidence that Northamptonshire is known as the county of spires and squires. You can see Elizabethan mansions in romantic deer parks, sleepy canals, and earls’ residences hidden in English farmland.
Long-distance walks take you past royal hunting lodges and over viaducts. Along the way, you can call in at unique little towns with hidden farmers’ markets and classical
cathedrals. Or why not experience the county by tranquil canal trip in this water-filled county, with boating lakes and country park reservoirs?
If it’s more worldly pleasures you’re after, there’s one thing this county does well – food and drink! From fields to factories, breweries to bottle shops, and pantries to plates, Northamptonshire is lovingly fed and watered with home-grown, home-made produce.
There is also ultra-modern shopping, eating out, arts and culture, bags of sporting activities and some of the best accommodation you’ll find in England.
You’ve picked a great time to visit this county, so please enjoy everything it has to offer – and come back and visit soon! ■
All Saints Church, Northampton
Northamptonshire offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Northamptonshire is full of rural beauty, fascinating history and creative energy. It’s home to thriving urban landscapes, open green spaces, endless waterways and more historic churches and stately homes than you can shake a stick at.
Even just driving through the county’s picturesque villages and winding lanes is a great way to see the area – and as a bonus you’ll have pitstops at country pubs, farm shops and art studios to keep you entertained.
There are endless ways to keep the kids occupied in Northamptonshire, whether you’ve got mini history buffs, adventurers or adrenaline seekers. Located just off the A14, Wicksteed Park in Kettering is the oldest
Driving through the villages & lanes is a great way to see the county
amusement park on the UK mainland, having first opened its gates in 1921. There are more than 30 rides and attractions here, including the oldest water chute in Britain, and an iconic narrow-gauge railway that runs a small steam locomotive around the park.
Fancy something a little more tranquil? You can take to the main lake in rowing boats or pedalos, and the kids can test out their canoeing skills at the children’s lake. There’s also a BBQ area and plenty of open space to run around in.
A great indoor option is Boost Trampoline Park in Northampton where you can bounce your way around more than 50 interconnected trampolines, complete with high-dives and
Rushton Hall, Kettering
obstacle courses. Boost welcomes anyone aged four and up and if you don’t feel like throwing yourself up in the air, you can chill in the spectators’ area with a coffee.
To really get that adrenaline going, Whilton Mill offers a fantastic outdoor gokarting experience as well as quad-biking and clay pigeon shooting. Or you could try Laser Maze Wellingborough, set in a huge 2,700 square-foot labyrinth across two floors, complete with music, lighting and plenty of fog to up the challenge.
Equally exhilarating is Santa Pod Raceway, near the Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire border, which opened in 1966 as Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue. ‘Santa’ evokes the spirit of California, the cradle of drag racing, while ‘Pod’ refers to the nearby village of Podington, from which the former World War II airfield took its name.
Today around 400,000 people a year attend a packed calendar of events at Santa Pod, including festive occasions, modified car shows, public track days – and of course, championship drag races.
Child friendly days out
Getting off the ground and into the trees, Jungle Parc in Irchester has two zip wire adventure courses – one child-friendly and another for the thrill seekers. Rookery Open Farm in Towcester, meanwhile, offers up fun farmyard activities including a large pet corner and events during lambing season. It also has a huge indoor play structure.
Irchester Country Park and Summer Leys Nature Reserve are both brilliant options for long walks and wearing out the kids. Nearby Woodford Mill, meanwhile, is ideal for water babies. You can test your balance on a stand-up paddle board or even take a SUP yoga class. The café there makes for a great post-river recharge.
Take your love of water to the next level with aqua-based adventure company Northampton Active. A day with these guys will see you whitewater rafting, whitewater tubing, raft building, canoeing, kayaking and anything else you can think of that involves water. There’s even an aquatic assault course and a high ropes course.
One of the best ways to get a taste of the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside is by bike. The Brampton Valley Way is a wonderful linear park and cycle route that runs all the way from Northampton to Market Harborough by following the old rail trail. If the 14-mile track is too long for you, you can peddle a shorter section, passing through the vintage Pitsford and Brampton
station, some spooky tunnels and Brixworth Country Park.
Right at the heart of the Brampton Valley Way is the Northampton & Lamport Railway, which runs a vintage service along a 1.5-mile section of the track.
If the kids have run you ragged and you want to do as little as possible, book into one of the county’s many spas – even better if you can bag an appointment at a country house hotel. Set in the magnificent grounds of Rushton Hall, the Stableyard Spa has pampering down to a fine art. Guests can choose from a simple day package or a fully decadent two-day experience that includes an overnight stay complete with a three-course dinner and full English breakfast.
For something a little off-the-wall, head to the Himalaya Salt Cave in Middleton Cheney where you can enjoy all kinds of salt-based treatments and salt therapy.
If you love your history, you’ll love Northamptonshire. This cultured county is packed full of stately homes, castles and l
L Santa Pod Raceway I Pitsford Reservoir, Northampton
museums, so you can easily delve into the past.
Just a 20-minute drive from Kettering is the historic Rockingham Castle, one of the few British homes that has been continuously occupied for almost a millennium. Though the site itself has been used since the Iron Age, the current structure was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, following the Norman invasion of Britain. It runs all kinds of events within its grounds, and visitors can take a tour of the main building and its gardens whilst learning all about its fascinating history.
Rockingham Castle is set within the lush surroundings of Rockingham Forest, which covers some 200 square miles between the River Nene, the River Welland and the towns of Kettering and Stamford. It also includes a section of the ancient trackway, Jurassic Way.
Two more of Northamptonshire’s finest stately homes lie just a stone’s throw from Rockingham. Kirby Hall is one of the country’s greatest Elizabethan homes, with its elaborate state rooms and formal gardens.
Just outside Corby you’ll find the beautiful Deene Park Estate, whose grand house dates to the 14th century and has been home to the Brudenell family for some 500 years.
Also nearby is one of the county’s most iconic buildings – Rushton Triangular Lodge.
This quirky folly is steeped in history and was constructed in the 1590s by Sir Thomas Tresham, the father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters.
One of Northampton’s historic gems is Delapré Abbey, which boasts 900 years of history and 550 acres of parkland, including a walled garden and lake.
Visit the main house and you can wander around a series of beautifully restored spaces. The interactive Battlefield Room tells the story of the 1460 Battle of Northampton, which took place on the grounds. In the summertime you can see everything from live music to foodie events in the lovely gardens.
Over near Daventry, and built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens at Canons Ashby 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.
You can also walk in the historic parkland and see early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby.
Another National Trust gem in the heart l
Deene Park Estate, Corby
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of rural Northamptonshire, Lyveden is a remarkable survivor of the Elizabethan age. There are tranquil moats, viewing terraces and an Elizabethan orchard to explore, as well as an enigmatic garden lodge covered in religious symbols.
The full extent of Sir Thomas’s symbolic design remains unexplained to this day. Visit the manor house and look out for the oak staircase constructed in 2000 as an exact replica of the original which was removed in 1920.
Earls Barton is notable for its AngloSaxon church tower and is one of the most architecturally interesting churches in the country. The village was also the main inspiration for the film Kinky Boots, which is now a hit Broadway show, and part of the film was shot there.
Not too far from Earls Barton is Castle Ashby, another stately home, famed for its 35 acres of landscaped gardens. There’s a unique orangery and an impressive arboretum, as well as a menagerie, play area and plant centre with a tea room and gift shop. There’s also an interesting collection of shops and cafés at the Rural Shopping Yard.
A visit to Northamptonshire wouldn’t be complete without exploring its extensive waterways and their intrinsic role in the
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the county’s extensive waterways
county’s history and heritage. The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne has some insightful exhibits and is located right on The Grand Union Canal, amongst a hub of canal pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Walking north along the towpath will take you to the Blisworth Tunnel. At 2,811 metres, it’s the third-longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK, and ninth-longest in the world. Until the 1870s, the only way for boats to pass through the tunnel was by a technique known as ‘legging’, where men would lie on their backs and push the boat along with their feet.
Northamptonshire is full of fantastic attractions that’ll get the whole family talking. Whether you want to explore the county’s history, wear yourself out on walking trails, or hit an amusement park with the kids, you can easily do it here. ■
The Grand Union Canal is the principal navigable waterway between London and the Midlands
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque county
1
Stately homes
From grandiose Elizabethan mansions to modest Saxon manors and everything in between – there are more stately homes in Northamptonshire than in any other county, and they’re all open to the public. So take your pick and enjoy the splendour of historical architecture, furniture, gardens and art collections.
2
Northampton Guildhall I
Taking pride of place on St Giles Square is Northampton’s magnificent Guildhall. A fine example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, the building is as ornate on the inside as it is on the outside. The impressive great hall is decorated with murals by World War I artist Colin Gill, as well as Henry Bird’s later addition of The Muses Contemplating Northampton.
3
78 Derngate
Situated in the heart of Northampton’s cultural quarter is the only house in England designed by the esteemed Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Now a multi-award-winning visitor attraction, Derngate was the architect’s final major commission. It is the only place in the world where Mackintosh’s mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting.
Santa Pod
4
Santa Pod Raceway opened in 1966 as Europe’s first permanent venue for the world’s fastest motorsport, drag racing. ‘Santa’ evokes the spirit of California, the cradle of drag racing, while ‘Pod’ refers to the nearby village of Podington, from which the former World War II airfield took its name. Today, Santa Pod is a busy place as 400,000 people a year attend a packed calendar of events,
embracing family and festive occasions, specialist and enthusiast events, modified car shows, public track days – and of course, championship drag races.
5
Franklin’s Gardens I
Revel in the atmosphere of a packed stadium whilst watching some rugby at the Northampton Saints’ home ground, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. The team has won some of the biggest fixtures in the rugby calendar with players going on to represent their country.
6
Boots & shoes
Famed for its boot and shoe manufacturing industry, Northamptonshire has provided footwear for the likes of King Charles III, Hugh Grant, Tom Jones and Darth Vader to name but a few. The county also made
800,000 pairs of boots for allied soldiers during the First World War, and is the setting for the true-story film and Broadway show –Kinky Boots.
7
Food
& drink
If there’s one thing this county does well, it’s food and drink. From fields to factories, breweries to bottle shops, and pantries to plates – Northamptonshire is lovingly fed and watered with home-grown, homemade produce.
Northampton Saints have won some of the biggest fixtures in the rugby calendar
8
Spires & squires
Northamptonshire first gained its reputation for impressive country houses and churches back in the Norman period and became known as the place of spires and squires. Today the county is home to more stately homes than any other county and an impressive collection of beautiful historic churches.
9
Wicksteed Park K
This amusement park is the oldest amusement park on the UK mainland, having first opened its gates back in 1921. Along with 30 exciting rides and activities, there’s 147 acres of beautiful rolling parkland. Enjoy fun rides and attractions, including its iconic narrow-gauge railway that runs a small steam locomotive around the park, and the oldest water chute in the world. You can even
stay the night at the park’s cosy campsite or wander around the woodlands if all of the excitement gets a bit too much.
10
Opportunity for adventure
One of Northamptonshire’s greatest features is its contrasting landscape. Between each town and village lie miles of expansive countryside. This means that wherever you are in this stunning county, you are never far from the peace and tranquillity of nature. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots and get exploring! ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this county for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
Go shopping in Northamptonshire and you’ll find a mix of popular high-street brands, independent boutiques, retro and vintage stores and an incredible collection of artisans. From clothes and crafts to food and drink, Northamptonshire has it all – and finding it is half the fun.
While the main towns are home to malls and busy high-streets, there are hidden gems tucked away in every corner, where you can buy gifts, clothing, food and more. Just remember – if there’s one thing the county is good at, it’s making things.
The Heart of the Shires shopping village is located just off the A5
Back in the day, every self-respecting shopaholic knew the best shoes came from Northamptonshire. Although a lot of factories have now closed, there are plenty of native cobblers still very much in business, especially when it comes to high-end gear. Almost all footwear sold on London’s historic Jermyn Street comes from here.
If you’re on the lookout for a bargain, a tour of one of the factory shoe shops should be first on your agenda. One of the oldest names in the business is Church’s, who’ve been making footwear in Northampton since the 1600s.
Their factory shop is located on St James’s Road and sells some exquisitely crafted leather accessories as well as classic boots and shoes.
The town is also home to the royally appointed Crockett & Jones, best known for their specialism in Goodyear Welting. Jeffery West, John Lobb and Crown also have factory shops in the town.
For more factory shopping try Loake in Kettering or Paul Sergent, Grenson and Sanders & Sanders in Rushden. There’s also the Barker Shoes factory shop in its original home village of Earls Barton, still being run by the Barker name.
If you’re just not into shoes, you can take a whistle-whetting tour of the county’s many breweries and bottle shops. There’s the Nene Valley Brewery in Oundle with its on-site shop and restaurant, Phipps Northampton Brewery Company in Northampton and Towcester Mill Brewery’s tap room and shop in Towcester, to name but a few.
In keeping with the times, many of these places now take their brews on the road. Northampton’s The Beer Garage has its very own Little Beer Van, a pimped-out VW equipped with taps and an impressive selection of microbrews, that pops up at food festivals, markets and street fairs. Northampton company Beer Guerrilla delivers throughout the country, as does local organic vodka producer Jelley’s.
In the village of Harrington, you’ll find the Warner’s Distillery Ltd., which crafts delicious gin crammed full of fresh botanicals. As well as delivering across the country, they run regular distillery tours. They sell out quickly so check their website and social media channels regularly for the chance to sign up.
If wine is more your thing, Northamptonshire even has its own vineyards, all of which offer tours and the chance to sample and buy the finished product. There’s Fleur Fields Vineyard in Brixworth, New Lodge Vineyard in Earls Barton and the Welland Valley Vineyard near Market Harborough, which also makes delicious cider.
If you prefer the taste of international grapes then head to one of the county’s specialist independent wine merchants, such as Wine Connection in Northampton, or the highly esteemed Cadman Fine Wines out in the rural surrounds of Castle Ashby’s Woodyard.
Northamptonshire is home to loads of butchers, farm shops and delis so you can fill your larder with the finest food in the land. The Waterloo Cottage Farm in Great Oxendon rears sustainably farmed Highland cattle, sheep and pigs and prides itself on its organic,
free range and slow-grown practices. Its onsite shop sells meat produce straight from the farm including its very own delicious, airdried charcuterie and pies.
For all your poultry needs, take a drive out to Pastures Poultry Farm Shop & Café in Yardley Hastings where you can take a seat to sample all kinds of home-made produce before raiding the shelves in the well-stocked shop, which sells everything from the farm’s own organic poultry products to local cheeses and oils.
Award-winning Squisito Butchers & Deli of Yelvertoft is a family-run Italian food producer. It’s dedicated to slow food principles and sells its wares at farmers markets around the county. For all things free-from, you can head to the ethically-sound Daily Bread Co-operative, a health food store in Northampton.
Head deep into the countryside and you’ll find some of the best shopping outlets in Northamptonshire, and without a high-street brand in sight. Heart of the Shires shopping village is located just off the A5, between Long Buckby Wharf and Weedon, and is built around a quaint red-brick Victorian courtyard. There are more than 20 boutiques and shops here ranging from fashion stores to cookshops. A great place for sourcing unusual gifts, it also has its own tea room and a couple of beauty salons.
Just off the A5, between Weedon and Towcester, is The Old Dairy Farm Craft Centre. Located in the picturesque village of Upper Stowe, this delightful outlet was once a working dairy farm and has everything from fashion to art to artisan honey. It also has a small hub of traditional craft workers including a blacksmith, a stone carver and a weaver. The on-site café is set in an old stone barn and sells snacks, lunches and afternoon tea. Look out for occasional events such as l
L Joseph Cheaney Shoes
j Heart of the Shires shopping village
SCAN ME!
lambing weekends.
On a similar theme, the Rural Shopping Yard at Castle Ashby is a small collection of converted farm buildings nestled on an Elizabethan country estate. Come here and you can browse the chic gift and clothing boutiques, pick up some edible goodies, or sit down for a snack or a meal in the gourmet delicatessen. You could even finish off with a visit to Castle Ashby’s famous landscaped gardens.
More characterful shopping can be had at Nene Court Shopping in Wellingborough. Set on the site of a former Victorian hospital, the red brick courtyard includes all kinds of curiosities – from clothes and shoe shops to camping, crafts and kitchens. There’s even a coffee roastery, a yoga studio and a tattoo studio. If you’re feeling peckish, the Pump House serves hearty breakfasts and lunches.
Just outside the village of Potterspury is Wakefield Country Courtyard, a thriving community of local businesses and shops. You can get a treatment in the spa, take a class at the yoga studio, then relax with a brew and buy some local artwork at the vintage-themed ARTea Room.
Another artisan hideaway can be found tucked away off a side street in Kettering’s town centre. Known simply as The Yards, this group of offbeat shops has been dubbed
‘the Camden Town of Kettering’ thanks to its alternative edge and artistic urban vibe. From hand-printed clothing to books to candles to vintage furniture, this vibrant courtyard is full of creativity and colour. There’s a laid-back café and the whole place comes alive with regular events.
Taking the courtyard concept and putting it all under one roof is Vintage Retreat in Northampton. A true Aladdin’s cave, it’s overflowing with antiques, bric-a-brac, vintage and second-hand clothing, handmade crafts and vinyl.
You can even take a pit stop in the resident tea room, with its homely food and plentiful vegan and gluten-free options. Even the Art Deco backroom is for hire and regularly hosts parties, dance classes and film nights.
In the town centre, Northampton’s St Giles Street was a recent winner of the government-initiated ‘Best British High Street’ award thanks to its thriving community of independent retailers and its architectural charm. Residents include the family-run coffee roasters and suppliers, Cardew & Co, St Giles Cheese delicatessen, Montague Jeffery menswear and the Vintage Guru emporium.
Northamptonshire is also home to a fine collection of antique stores. Helios & Co’s extensive showrooms can be found in l
Abington Street, Northampton
Crown Northampton
Tucked away in a typical, small industrial estate, a place that we have called home for many years now, we like to think we’re somewhat upsetting the status quo of the Northampton shoe making scene.
Chris Woodford, the current owner building on the foundation laid by five preceding generations, is bucking the industry trend when it comes to how the business operates. Instead of looking for overseas labour and outsourcing, Crown Northampton works on the exact opposite principle, keeping processes as local as possible and creating jobs in order to preserve the skills that are slowly fading away from British manufacturing.
In recent years, the premises has more than doubled in size and today you can visit a factory floor showroom to see not only how Crown Northampton’s made-to-order, luxury sneakers and shoes are crafted, but the new life being breathed into the family’s original brand, E. Woodford & Sons.
Upon walking into the unassuming factory, you are given a front row seat to our highly skilled craftsmen at work, making a range of boots and shoes that spans both formal and casual styles. All from scratch, by hand, using the best materials we can get our hands on.
We offer a fitting service to find your perfect pair of sneakers or shoes from Crown Northampton, as well as a full personal fitting service for the new
made-to-order E. Woodford ranges. As we are a busy, working factory, please get in touch to book an appointment if you plan on making a visit, via our website crownnorthampton.com or via telephone on 01604 712159. ■
Weedon and offer a vast selection of antiques from all periods. Owner John Skiba is a published composer and pianist whose music is played in concert halls the world over.
The Antiques Centre at Olney is another treasure trove of collectables, elegantly arranged over two floors and including furniture, toys, silver, tools and luggage. Brackley Antique Cellar has been voted Best Antique Centre in Great Britain and boasts 30,000sq ft of floor space packed with valuable items, including a specialist gift department. The Old Bakehouse Antique Centre in Northampton stocks everything from fine china to vintage dollhouses.
Green-fingered folk will appreciate a visit to Beckworth Emporium in Mears Ashby. Some 80 per cent of the plants on sale are lovingly grown in the massive glasshouse, and you can also pick up garden tools, pots and ornaments. The site also has a restaurant that serves fresh seasonal dishes made from local produce.
For more glorious greenery, visit the impressive plant nursery at Coton Manor Gardens, where expert staff are on hand to offer advice to any budding gardeners, or try houseplant specialists Leafy House, set within Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre.
Northamptonshire may be known for its independent spirit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some brand-name shopping action. You’ll find excellent high-street shopping here, as well as out-of-town shopping malls and all the designer gear your heart desires. Northampton’s main high-street is Abington Street. It’s home to several familiar high-street brands including JD Sports and H&M and it also provides a gateway to the Grosvenor Shopping Centre. The two-tiered mall has been serving the county since the 1970s and currently houses names such as Next, New Look, HMV and Office, as well as a selection of jewellers, phone shops and eateries.
If it’s white goods, DIY, outdoor gear or home interiors that you’re after, head to one of the county’s many retail parks, such as Riverside Retail Park or St James Retail Park, both near Northampton. You’ll find plenty of big names, with PC World, Curry’s, Hobbycraft and B&Q putting in regular appearances. Ikea is just a short drive down the M1 to Milton Keynes, which is itself a favourite shopping destination thanks to its extensive malls.
To get all your retail action in one place, head to the county’s newest shopping centre at Rushden Lakes. This contemporary waterside complex offers a great selection of brands including a large Frasers and Marks & Spencer plus many other fashion favourites such as
Jigsaw, Levi’s, New Look, Schuh and Next.
When you need a break, take a seat in one of the many eateries, which include Bill’s, Wagamama and Jurassic Grill, a quirky dinosaur themed restaurant complete with dino models and fossils to play with. There’s also a Flipout trampoline park and a soft play centre for the kids.
Aside from all the great shops, however, Rushden Lakes’ greatest asset is its location. Once you’re done spending your hard-earned cash, you can take a relaxing lakeside walk, or better still, hire a canoe from Canoe2.
Just beyond the outskirts of the county is one of the UK’s best designer outlet hubs –Bicester Village. This chic shopping village is the ultimate place to indulge in some luxury retail therapy (minus the scary price tags) and is home to all kinds of designer boutiques. You’ll find Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Valentino, to list but a few.
This is serious shopping territory, so you’re bound to need a break, and when you do, you’ll find that the eateries are as stylish as your shopping bags. Try Shan Shui for all-day Asian dining, Holy Carrot for elegant vegan eats and Ladurée for macarons that are as pretty as they are tasty.
If you find yourself with more bags than you can carry, there’s even a ‘hands-free shopping’ service where you can leave your purchases with the shops, and they’ll arrange for everything to be taken to your chosen location to collect before you head home. How’s that for smooth service?
Come to Northamptonshire and you can shop and shop your heart out. Whether you want to try on designer gear, browse all the high-street brands or pick up a unique gift at an independent boutique, you’ll leave this county more than happy. ■
Bicester Village; just beyond the outskirts of the county
EATING OUT
Northamptonshire is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
Historically famed for its cattle farming and beer brewing, Northamptonshire’s love affair with food and drink continues to this day. Visit the county’s towns and villages and you’ll find passionate independent producers selling their wares at markets, in delis and at farm shops; as well as international restaurants showcasing interesting eats from around the world. It’s no exaggeration to say that way
to this county’s heart is through its stomach.
Northamptonshire’s food and drink industry is hugely profitable and the county itself has a booming foodie culture, thanks to hundreds of gastropubs and a thriving circuit of independent restaurants and eateries. Brewing and distilling has seen a recent resurgence, too, thanks to the increasing popularity of craft beers,
ales, gins and fruit wines.
The preservation of Northamptonshire’s rural way of life has seen the farming industry thrive, and a ‘buy local’ ethos is encouraged. Many eateries serve up local produce, from farm-fresh meat and vegetables to baked goods, alcoholic beverages, cheeses and locally roasted coffee.
A popular gem in Kettering’s café scene is the charming Kafe
The Tap and Kitchen, Oundle
Bloc. Conveniently located right opposite the Alfred East Gallery, this cosy independent business uses local suppliers for many of its ingredients, and also runs as a deli with the option of delivery.
Just across the road, tucked between the library and the Manor House Museum, is the quirky Blitz Tearoom and Jazz Lounge where vintage-clad staff serve up good oldfashioned tea and cake and other simple delights in an authentic World War II setting. There’s even a mock air raid every now and then, complete with sound effects, and occasional live music events on Friday and Saturday nights.
Heading just out of town towards the A14 will take you to the idyllic Glebe Farm Shop & Tea Room. Overlooking the rolling hills of Kettering’s surrounding countryside, this lovely spot has Alpine vibes, thanks to its wooden interior. Here you can enjoy delicious cakes, an extensive breakfast menu, various lunch options and a full roast every Sunday.
Hearty breakfasts
Fox Tea Rooms at Limes Farm serves hearty breakfasts, homemade cakes and lunches, including a popular Yorkshire pudding wrap. It’s set within a converted medieval barn that oozes rustic charm. You can also wander around to look at the goats, ducks and alpacas.
Set in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters will give you the ultimate caffeine hit, accompanied by a homemade sweet treat. Their tiny premises would be hard to find if it weren’t for the irresistible aromas of its home-roasted blends, gently luring customers in. They hold tasting events to satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseurs and sell their fine blends on-site as well as supplying many other businesses.
The Good Loaf is an artisan bakery and café that runs as a unique social enterprise to help vulnerable local women. It sources all its flour from local mills and serves great coffee and delicious
drink scene. There are several spaces to choose from including an impressive outside area and a menu that shines a light on stonebaked pizza, urban street food and craft beers.
Lovely floating vegan coffee shop
The Ark doubles up as an events venue and is available for private hire
homemade food with a strict waste management policy. You’ll find branches in both Northampton and Kettering.
Just a short walk away from Northampton’s theatres is Becket’s Park and the newly developed Northampton Marina, where you can step aboard The Ark. This lovely floating vegan coffee shop also doubles up as an events venue and is available for private hire.
In Oundle you’ll find Brew Babu, an independent café specialising in loose-leaf tea. Its brunch menu is a firm favourite amongst the locals, along with a fine selection of homemade cakes.
In the heart of Towcester, the Watling Street Village is a worthy addition to the local food and
A more rural taste of Northamptonshire’s finest can be found in the village of East Haddon, at the Red Lion. This charming country pub boasts a large library dining room, manicured gardens, and an excellent reputation. Diners come from far and wide to enjoy top-notch British food in stylish surroundings, and its breakfasts and Sunday roasts are particularly famous.
Fotheringay
In historic Fotheringhay – birthplace of Richard III and scene of Mary Queen of Scots’ beheading –the independently-run Falcon Inn is a real dining highlight. Sit in the orangery dining space and look out onto the 15th-century church or get cosy in the Tap Bar which serves local ales, ciders and wines. What’s on the menu? There’s traditional afternoon tea and pizzas, as well as elegant international dishes.
The Sun Inn in Hardingstone offers fresh and seasonal dishes all year round, with a specially selected drinks menu to match. You won’t want to miss their awardwinning Sunday lunches with all the trimmings which will leave you feeling truly satisfied. l
The Ark, Northampton Marina
Another fabulous village pub that’s known for its fine dining is The Kings Head in Spratton. Its brasserie is a chic, airy space serving stunningly presented food made from the freshest local ingredients. The menu changes daily to reflect the seasonality of the produce.
Waterside dining
Out to the west of the county in the picturesque town of Oundle, Tap and Kitchen offers great waterside dining thanks to its perch right on the Wharf. Serving up unpretentious, home-cooked dishes from fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant prides itself on its extensive range of drinks and pairing suggestions.
Hops & Chops in Upton, meanwhile, offers a modern take on the traditional chophouses of the 1600s, serving burgers and dryaged steaks, washed down with a selection of craft beers and gin.
If you want to dine like a lord or lady, Northamptonshire’s stately homes deliver the goods. For a modern fine dining experience in an idyllic setting, book yourself a table at Hibiscus restaurant in the recently renovated Billiard Room at Delapré Abbey.
Here you can tuck into the refined food of chef Sam Squires whose resume includes The Ritz in London and Michelin-starred
private restaurant Remy. The carefully crafted taster menu is particularly good, and all the dishes are compiled using the very best locally sourced ingredients.
The Tresham Restaurant at Kettering’s Rushton Hall is everything you’d expect from a fine dining experience. Head Chef Adrian Coulthard and his team have created an incredible 7-course tasting menu with a huge nod to local and seasonal produce such as lobster and saddle of rabbit. The restaurant holds three AA Rosettes – the only restaurant in Northamptonshire to hold this accolade.
The Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall occupies the oldest part of the grand Tudor house and draws visitors from far and wide with its long-standing reputation. Dramatic stone walls and fireplaces set the scene for dinner, while the Great Hall with its magnificent, vaulted ceiling and antique furnishings makes for an impressive location for morning coffee or an evening cocktail. The restaurant has many awards for its elegant, inventive cuisine, which includes dishes such as roasted monkfish with fennel and lamb cannon with sheep’s milk yoghurt.
For something a little more low-key, Fawsley Hall’s softly-lit Tudor Bar occupies what was once
the original Brew House – it’s the ideal setting for sipping a late-night digestif, or two, whilst taking in the opulent surroundings.
If you want to go global, you’re in luck. Northamptonshire may celebrate local produce, but it celebrates diversity too. You’ll find more than enough international dining options, including innovative street food and vegan options.
For a taste sensation head to the colourful Karmana. Hidden amongst an unassuming collection of shops this family-run vegan restaurant and juice bar will brighten up the rainiest of days. The owners are Indian and Nepalese musicians, and the menu is a range of Indian-inspired dishes mixed with contemporary takes on Mediterranean-style food.
Magical garden
The drinks are just as colourful –from all kinds of raw juices to warm nut milks, and date and coconut hot chocolates. If you want to eat al fresco, head into the magical garden and chill along with the Buddha statues and incense. There’s even a monthly music jam bringing the sounds of the world together under one roof.
For even more Indian cuisine, make a beeline for Northampton’s Wellingborough Road, which has a whole host of restaurants and takeaways to choose from. Laid-back Merlin’s Tandoori is enduringly popular, while classy Mem-Saab is the place to go for a night out.
The delicious eats keep on coming even after you’ve left Northampton. Spice of Bruerne sits on the Grand Union Canal in the village of Stoke Bruerne, and serves up traditional kormas, biriyanis and baltis.
Over in Kettering, The Exotic Dining has won many awards for its flavoursome curries and serves all the usual favourites as well as more unusual dishes such as chilli cinnamon fish and spiced venison steak.
More award-winning Indian eats can be had at Voujon in Long Buckby, which serves elegant
Hibiscus Restaurant, Northampton
curries with a twist, and claimed the prestigious title of ‘World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year’ at the 2018 Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.
For Japanese and Korean fusion food, including impeccable fresh sushi and sashimi, try Akasaka on Castilian Street. The elegant surroundings blend perfectly with the food for a special evening out. Make sure to book in advance at the weekends, as it’s very popular.
For a taste of the Middle East, head to Pamukkale in Northampton. This popular Turkish restaurant has modelled its interior on the place after which it is named: a natural hot springs site in southwestern Turkey. The food is both colourful and flavourful and includes dishes such as chargrilled spicy Turkish sausage, stuffed vine leaves and the deliciously moreish sigara börek (filo parcels filled with spinach and feta cheese).
Tucked away in a little courtyard off Northampton’s main shopping
street is Nuovo, a popular Italian eatery. It specialises in Venetian cuisine so authentic that you’ll almost feel as if you’re on holiday.
Set in the small market town of Rothwell, the Italian Market Kitchen brings a little piece of Italy to the heart of England. Particularly good are the cicchetti – traditional Venetian small plates that are similar to tapas. The wine list complements the food perfectly and there’s an excellent value kids’ menu.
Ice cream
To satisfy your sweet tooth whilst sampling a bit of history, head to one of Gallone’s ice cream parlours. The family-owned company has been making premium ice cream for more than a century and its flagship parlour is right next door to their factory in Kingsthorpe. Choose from more than 50 flavours of ice cream and sorbet plus an assortment of toppings.
For some serious West Indian
spices, make your way to the colourful Turtle Bay Caribbean Social on Gold Street. It serves up jerk platters, fresh salads, West Indian wraps, goat curry and of course, rice and peas. Plus, as many rum-based cocktails as you can handle.
If you want to get your chops around a massive hunk of meat, book a table at The Smoke Pit. You’ll find huge plates of smoky-sweet ribs, chicken and beef, but the real joy is the juicy, inventive burgers. The Elvis ain’t Dead is topped with peanut butter and banana, while the Donald Rump comes with bone marrow butter and smoked gravy. There’s a nod to non-meat-eaters in the form of some veggie starters and a superfood salad.
If you’re coming on holiday to Northampton, prepare to put on the pounds! The local food and drink is so delicious, you’ll want to sample it everywhere you go. And there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and pubs that’ll happily oblige. ■
Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall, Daventry
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Begin your stay by heading to the county town of Northampton and enjoying a tasty breakfast in one of the many independent cafés, before embarking on the Heritage Trail.
The three-mile route begins at the oldest building in town – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – and ends at the top of the Drapery, with plenty of opportunity for a bit of shopping and further exploration along the way. The Cultural Quarter in particular is worth spending some extra time in.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Book into The Dining Room restaurant at the historic Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house, 78 Derngate. From a light lunch to afternoon tea with prosecco, you can enjoy delicious food in an elegant setting – just make sure to leave room for dessert.
After lunch, take a tour of the house itself and spend some time browsing the stylish design shop before heading out into the countryside. A short drive from Northampton will get you to the village of Stoke Bruerne, perched right on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. Here you can learn all about the heritage of the waterways in The Canal Museum and take a lovely walk right up to the entrance of the famous Blisworth Tunnel.
Head back into Northampton for an extensive choice of places to eat, and then spend the evening watching a show at one of the theatres or enjoying some live music at a pub. If you’re out for the duration, then enjoy a tipple at one of the Cultural Quarter’s classy bars.
DAY TWO
Take a drive out to the historic Rockingham Castle. Though the site itself has been used since the Iron Age, the current structure was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror in the 11th-century, following the Norman invasion of Britain. Take a tour of the main building and its gardens and learn about the history of this fascinating historic attraction.
Nearby you’ll also find Kirby Hall, one of the country’s greatest Elizabethan homes, with its elaborate staterooms and formal gardens.
Deene Park Estate
A little further east you’ll find Deene Park Estate, complete with a grand house dating to the 14th century, but do check opening times before visiting.
Round up your Northamptonshire stay by returning to Northampton for a
Take a drive out to the historic Rockingham Castle
tasty meal out. Try The Stuffed Olive for delicious Italian food, Turtle Bay for Caribbean cuisine or a little further south of the city but well worth the drive is The Sun Inn for seasonal classics. If you still have the energy after your day of exploring, then finish things off by enjoying a night on the town. ■
Rockingham Castle, Kettering
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Northamptonshire is a creative county that’s steeped in history. From museums and galleries to stately homes to a thriving theatre and music scene, no creative stone is left unturned. You just have to get out there and enjoy!
To get a handle on Northamptonshire’s past – and its cultural scene, make sure to check out the county’s numerous museums and galleries. You’re sure to find something inspiring.
The county’s biggest manufacturing success – the boot and shoe industry – has been
lovingly brought to life at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, which proudly houses the largest collection of shoe heritage in the world. Amongst the 15,000plus collection sit Queen Victoria’s dainty wedding shoes, Elton John’s ‘Tommy’ boots from the film Pinball Wizard, Ancient Egyptian footwear, and some giant boots made for Jumbo – the famous explorer elephant of the British Alpine Hannibal Expedition of 1959.
It’s not just about shoes, though. The museum is a wonderful place to explore Northampton’s rich
history and experience a changing programme of art and temporary exhibitions.
It’s not just footwear that made Northamptonshire famous – the county once had a stellar reputation for leather too. No wonder, then, that it’s home to the Museum of Leathercraft, currently located in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre. It’s the most important resource for leather history in the UK and includes ancient book bindings, leather from prehistory and antiquity and gloves dating as far back as the 15th century.
Museum of Leather-Craft, Northampton
If you’re a bit of a plane spotter, there are two carefully curated aviation museums in the villages of Sywell and Harrington. The former is set at Sywell Aerodrome, right by the airfield, and after viewing the exhibits you can grab a bite in the Art Deco Aviator Hotel, looking out at the planes.
Waterways
Perhaps boats are more your bag? In that case, check out the charming Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, which proudly tells the story of the waterways that have played such a significant role in the county’s rural history.
Northamptonshire is proof that you don’t need to be in the big city to see inspiring art. There are lots of small, independent galleries dotted around the county, with each one exhibiting fine works by local artists.
Kettering is home to Northamptonshire’s oldest purposebuilt art gallery. Named after famed local landscape painter, Sir
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery houses the largest collection of shoe heritage in the world
Alfred East, the gallery was built by Kettering-born architect, John Alfred Gotch, in 1913. The grand plan was to make art accessible to Kettering residents, particularly the town’s working population. Today the beautiful building is also home to the town’s museum and library and continues to serve the local community and visitors alike.
Art galleries
Watling Street Galleries in Towcester sells original paintings, sculptures and gifts, many of which are created by local artists. You can also pick up reproduction prints as well as take advantage of their framing service.
Northampton’s Rose Gallery sells a mixture of prints and original works and showcases the work of a different artist every month, while Rooftop Arts in Corby is a bright, airy space that puts on regular exhibitions, as well as providing studio space for local artists and putting on arts and craft workshops for young people. l
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
In Northampton you’ll find the world-famous Charles Rennie Mackintosh House, on 78 Derngate. This award-winning attraction is the only place in the world where the designer’s iconic Art Deco architectural and interior style can be seen in its original setting. Walking around the house is like being transported back in time, surrounded by exquisite design from the master himself.
Guided tours are included in the ticket price, but if you’d rather do things under your own steam you can opt for a self-guided tour. Just make sure to book ahead as tours can fill up quickly. The house also has two gallery spaces running a programme of exhibitions, and there’s a particularly stylish gift shop that showcases some lovely Art Deco-inspired pieces.
Taking pride of place on St Giles Square is Northampton’s magnificent Guildhall. A fine example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, the building is as
ornate on the inside as it is on the outside. The impressive great hall is decorated with murals by World War I artist Colin Gill, as well as Henry Bird’s later addition of The Muses Contemplating Northampton
Though home to the Borough Council and the Mayor’s Office, the Guildhall regularly opens its doors to visitors who can take guided tours, or attend one of the many events held there, including lectures on art history, political debates and the occasional concert.
A short walk from here is the county’s tourist information centre on George’s Row. It’s located in Northampton’s former courthouse – Sessions House – which was one of the first buildings to be constructed after the Great Fire in 1675. Trials were held here for more than 300 years, including the notorious case of Elinor Shaw and Mary Philips from Oundle – the last people to be executed for witchcraft in England in 1705.
Love a bit of live music?
Fancy a night out at the theatre? Or want a bit of both at a lively summer festival? No problem. Northamptonshire’s cultural calendar is always lively and full of fun. Live music is a cornerstone of Northamptonshire’s arts scene and can be heard drifting out from many a pub or bar, or even from buskers on street corners. Whatever genre you’re into you’ll find it here – there are jazz clubs and folk groups, classical concerts, regular blues nights and a substantial dose of rock, pop and dance.
And the county’s main performing arts centre – Royal & Derngate in Northampton – has produced award-winning youth orchestras, choirs, concert bands and big bands for many years. Come summertime, there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had, and many of the county’s stately homes put on largescale outdoor concerts and plays, calling in some of the biggest names in the industry.
Rather take in a festival?
Royal & Derngate Theatre
Each summer the Oundle International Festival offers folk, jazz and classical music mixed with theatre and cinema; and the annual Northampton Music Festival turns the city’s parks and squares into outdoor music, theatre and comedy venues, attracting thousands each day.
Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Shambala Festival brings an explosion of colour and sound to the Northamptonshire countryside with its four-day programme of arts and culture, held at a secret location that’s only revealed to ticket holders.
Each year, Princess Diana’s family home, Althorp House, hosts its ever-popular Literary Festival, and the Bardic Picnic in Northampton celebrates the spoken word, with participants competing for the title of the Chosen Bard of Northampton and the highly sought-after Bardic Chair.
Northamptonshire’s fertile rural landscapes have produced incredible food and drink down
the centuries and this produce remains central to the county’s cultural identity. From farming to fermenting, baking, brewing and distilling, it produces some of the finest eats in the country and celebrates them at festivals throughout the year.
Northamptonshire’s Good Food and Drink Festival takes place in September and brings together producers from across the country, so there’s lots of tasty food and drink to purchase as well as live cooking demonstrations. June’s Towcester Food Festival puts on street food stalls, chef demos, kids’ cookery classes and cheese masterclasses, plus there’s live music to entertain you as you graze. Also in June, the Northamptonshire County Beer Festival celebrates local brewing –supporting the popular claim that the Nene Valley is the beer capital of England.
Theatregoers have got plenty to choose from in Northamptonshire, including the acclaimed Royal &
Derngate in Northampton, part of the biggest and most vibrant arts centre in the country.
Other theatres include The Deco and The Playhouse in Northampton, The Core in Corby, Castle Theatre in Wellingborough, The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering and The Stahl Theatre in Oundle.
Their programmes are rich and varied, covering everything from plays and musicals to standup comedy, classical ballet and contemporary dance. And the Royal & Derngate’s versatile design means it can even handle full-scale operas.
While Northamptonshire is great at attracting big name stars, it also loves to nurture local talent, and there’s always ample airtime given to native writers, performers and artists producing top-quality work. If it’s culture you’re looking for you won’t leave Northamptonshire disappointed. From festivals to museums to a thriving foodie scene, you’ll leave with both your heart and your stomach full. ■
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House – 78 Derngate
After dark
The night-time economy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and music venues
Northamptonshire has enough great clubs, live music venues and theatres to keep you going for days. It’s also the self-professed beer capital of England, so you can spend your nights sampling real ales in traditional pubs or tasting smallbatch brews at some of the county’s many hip microbreweries.
Then there are the cocktail bars, wine bars, gin palaces… in short, Northamptonshire delivers everything you could want from a night out.
Whether you want to go large in Northampton with the hipsters and students, or take it easy at a quiet village pub, this lively county has plenty of boozers to keep you busy.
The county town of Northampton offers the widest range of options for a night out, and thanks to the recent expansion of its university, there are plenty of new bars and pubs to play with.
That’s not to say that nights out here are just for students. Northampton is also home to lots of London commuters, many of whom are looking for something a little more glamorous.
One of the best options in town is Phipps Albion Brewery Bar, set in a refurbished Victorian tower brewery at the bottom of Bridge Street in Northampton’s town centre. Here you can enjoy a selection of the brewer’s finest creations, right in the place where they’re made.
It’s fast become a go-to place for both beer lovers and music fans, thanks to its great atmosphere and weekly live gigs. There’s even a glass partition between the bar and brewery so customers can check out the brewing process as they drink.
Just around the corner is
One of the best options in town is Phipps Albion Brewery Bar
the Brooklyn Social. As well as stocking all your Brooklyn Brewery favourites, it runs various live gigs and club nights and has a short but delicious menu of burgers and sides.
In the heart of the cultural quarter and next to the Royal & Derngate theatre complex is local cheese and wine bar, John Franklin’s. Not only does it have a fabulously chic red brick and black steel interior, as well as outside tables on the pedestrianised Guildhall Road, it also has a deli counter, where you can select plates of cheese, chutneys and cured meats to go with your wine.
Wine tasting
A new addition to the already happening village of Earls Barton is the Ruby & Claret which is a bar, wine shop and a tasting room, where you can graze on cheese plates and meat boards. If you want to do more than just down your booze, book one of their popular tasting nights and educate your palate.
More in the mood for spirits? Head out to the Gin Parlour at the Olde Red Lion in Kislingbury. From Wednesday to Saturday night, you can choose from a specially curated selection of gins, with a wide range of tonics to match.
Over in Kettering, Aura Bar & Lounge serves classic cocktails in a chic bar decked out with chandeliers and purple lighting. If you fancy a more upbeat evening, look out for one of their live music nights.
A quick stroll away is another fantastic pub, known for its wide selection of specialist beer and ale. The award-winning Malt Shovel Tavern has a cosy atmosphere, brought to life by its weekly quiz l
Phipps Albion Brewery Bar, Northampton
and Wednesday night blues band.
Just over the bridge is The Pomfret Arms which not only houses its own microbrewery but has one of the best pub gardens in town, often hosting all-day music festivals during the summer months.
Historically, the go-to pub for performers and crew from the theatre is The Mailcoach, just up from the stage door on Derngate. It hosts a weekly quiz, movie nights,
open mic nights and puts on live sports on the big screen. Who knows? You might even brush up against the odd celebrity on show nights.
Two doors down is the Maule Collective, which serves as a taproom for its very own selection of beers, brewed just a mile away. Don’t like the taste of hops? It also has a fine selection of classic cocktails – including a mean espresso martini. Its contemporary
Bridge 26 Cocktail Bar, Northampton
interior is part Scandi, part industrial and there are prebookable tables for larger groups. Come at the weekend for live DJs and late-night opening hours. Whether you’re into clubbing, concerts or casinos, there are plenty of reasons to stay out late in Northamptonshire. Just make sure you bring plenty of stamina!
Bridge Street is Northampton’s go-to strip of bars and clubs, pulling in people from across the
county for a big night out. The most popular joints include Bridge 26 Cocktail Bar, where you can sink colourful drinks before hitting the dancefloor, and NB’s nightclub, where the party often spills out into the large garden, sometimes accompanied by a separate DJ. Towards the top of the street, Retro Bar plays tunes from the 70s, 80s and 90s and has a suitably 80s-style decor, complete with neon signs and colourful lighting.
If you fancy trying your luck on the tables, Aspers Casino is just around the corner on Commercial Street and keeps its doors open well into the early hours. The resident Tanzibar serves up a good selection of cocktails and premium champagnes as well as the usual line-up of beers and spirits. There is also a restaurant offering latenight dining to help fuel those winning bets.
Just out of the town centre, in what was once the shoe quarter, is the Charles Bradlaugh. This large pub often has live gigs and DJ events on its top floor, and the garden is a popular hangout all year round.
Live music
Also in the area is the awardwinning Lamplighter Freehouse. It has an impressive selection of food and drink and is a favourite haunt for many of the town’s musicians. It’s at its liveliest on popular DJ and live music nights, with the weekly quiz a close second.
Saved from extinction by a young entrepreneur, The Garibaldi Hotel now serves a community of music lovers and craft beer enthusiasts. There are live gigs on Fridays, DJs on Saturdays and a small menu of burgers, tacos and burritos, alongside craft beer and cocktails.
Outside Northampton, just opposite the racecourse, is The Picturedrome. This lively bar and music venue takes its name from its former status as Northampton’s first purpose-built cinema and still regularly screens films in the back hall. It also has a reputation for great parties and puts on live events from jazz to funk to tribute acts, as
well as popular comedy nights. The county’s biggest music venue is also in Northampton. After starting life as a boxing club for tearaway boys in the 1930s, the Roadmender has been at the heart of Northamptonshire’s music scene since the 1980s and continues to bring the biggest gigs to town.
It’s the flagship venue for the alternative arts scene and continues to draw in the crowds with its popular club nights and left-field events – from bands to circuses to talks from celebrity footballers.
If you want to get your kicks outside Northampton, The Walnut Tree Inn at Blisworth attracts visitors from far and wide to its monthly comedy night and weekly jazz gigs, and the Stanwick Hotel in Stanwick puts on top-notch entertainment including murder mystery nights and Northern Soul weekenders. Moulton’s Artichoke pub has regular jazz, folk, open mic and quiz nights.
Theatre & film
The Royal & Derngate is Northampton’s main cultural venue and offers a fantastic programme of live shows, billing some of the biggest names in the business. From hit musicals to stand-up comedy, ballet and contemporary theatre – the complex offers a great night out whatever your tastes. It’s also home to the Northampton Filmhouse which delivers a grownup moviegoing experience. You can take in a glass of wine and sink into a luxurious leather chair to enjoy the film.
Kettering’s Lighthouse Theatre puts on plays, musicals, circus acts, but its speciality is live tribute acts. You can catch everyone from Abba to Genesis to Celine Dion gracing the stage. Corby’s arts centre, The Core at Corby Cube, puts on an upbeat mix of cabaret, drama, theatre and live music. Come during the day and there are exhibitions and creative workshops.
Nights out in Northamptonshire are never boring. Whether you’re into craft beer, musical theatre or live jazz, there’s plenty to keep you going until the small hours. ■
Although Northamptonshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
Situated right in the heart of England, the county of Northamptonshire shares its borders with eight other counties; making it an ideal base for exploring the Midlands in all directions. The cities of London, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham and Derby are all less than an hour and a half drive from Northampton town. Hop on a train from Northampton or Kettering and you can arrive in central London within the hour.
Just across the Buckinghamshire border is the historic site of Bletchley Park. Not only can you learn all about the incredible codebreakers of World War II who were sworn to secrecy whilst stationed there, but the story of Alan Turing and his Enigma machine. It is also home to the National Museum of Computing and some excellent exhibitions and events.
Head a little further south west and you will arrive in Woburn, a pretty Georgian village full of boutique shops, restaurants and tearooms, and home to the impressive Woburn Estate, within which is Woburn Abbey, Gardens and Deer Park, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Golf Club and The Woburn hotel.
A short drive east of Northants into Warwickshire will get you to Royal Leamington Spa, a remarkably attractive town known for its Regency architecture and healing water. What used to be the grand Royal Pump Rooms and Baths is now Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum. Another worthwhile stop-off in Warwickshire is Shakespeare’s beautiful home town of Stratfordupon-Avon. Here you can wander
through streets of charming Tudor buildings to see the birthplace of the iconic writer, take a boat trip along the river or watch the Royal Shakespeare Company in action at the Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres.
A few miles outside Northamptonshire’s northeastern tip lies Rutland Water Nature Reserve in its respective county. This expansive reservoir is set in 3,100 acres of untouched countryside and has a 23-mile perimeter track for walking or cycling. A slightly shorter route of 17 miles can be taken by bypassing Hambleton Peninsula.
Rutland Belle Water Cruises takes visitors across the water and the magical Normanton Church houses a museum devoted to the area’s interesting history. Various water sports are also on offer as well as the recent addition of a seriously fun inflatable floating obstacle course.
Right on the NorthamptonshireLeicestershire border is the small town of Market Harborough and just beyond it the famous Foxton Locks.
This historic waterways site has the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system and the remains of a rather impressive boat lift known as the ‘incline plane’. You can learn all about this fascinating feat of engineering at The Canal Museum, located within the original boilerhouse.
Venturing just a little south east of Northamptonshire will take you to the rolling hills of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has miles upon miles of open space to explore, dotted with picturesque villages and historical sites. ■
PHOTO-FINISH
Kirby Hall, one of England’s greatest 17th-century houses
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