WHAT’S ON WHEN

Ongoing

Adventure coming soon to Holiday Inn Corby

With adventure golf, aerial assault course and 41-metre zip wire, the adventure area will be ideal for family days out, birthday parties and corporate team-building days!

W: www.ironpitwoodsadventure.co.uk

Whilton Mill Karting

Keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays with a visit to Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities. As the UK’s most raced at outdoor go-karting circuit, there’s always something on. With arrive and drive sessions available for children aged 6 and up from just £25 per driver.

T: 01327 843822

W: www.whiltonmill.co.uk

Delapré Abbey

Have unforgettable fun this summer at Delapré Abbey where you can explore, touch and play with 900 years of history. Throughout the summer, take part in a Garden Quiz Trail, unleash your creativity at the Family Fun Days and meet costumed characters from the Abbey’s past on various dates throughout the summer holidays. There will also be inflatables on the South Lawn for your little ones to burn off some energy!

Under 18’s free.

W: www.delapreabbey.org

Summer of Fun

There’s a summer full of family fun ahead at Stanwick Lakes, with lots to see and do! With a playground, water play plus lots of sand, and an assault course. Explore more along the adventure trail with climbing rocks, rope bridge and zip line. Themed trail with activity sheet and prize for £3. Ranger-led activities will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays, including pond-dipping, den-building, or a walk with a ranger, bookable via the website.

W: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk

Zog Trail

Join Zog on a forest adventure and collect golden stars at Fineshade Wood and Salcey Forest. Featuring a fun trail pack and app.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/zog

Hideaway Wood

If you’re looking for a unique family experience this summer, Hideaway Wood Farm in Dodford near Daventry is opening for its second summer of glamping, camping and alpaca walking/experiences. It’s the perfect destination to spend time with the animals in nature as a family. With prices for glamping from £30 per person including an alpaca walk and daily animal feeding. The farm also offers experiences for day visitors such as alpaca walks and opportunities to meet the babies.

W: www.hideawaywood.co.uk

Lyveden New Bield

Explore the outdoors at Lyveden. Whether you want a short stroll around the grounds, or a longer walk along the Lyveden Way, a 10-mile waymarked path through sheltered woodland, open fields and pretty villages, there are plenty of ways to see more of the Northamptonshire Countryside.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Redwell Leisure Centre

Redwell and Waendal Leisure Centres in Wellingborough offer residents the chance to stay fit and active.

W: www.placesleisure.org

Walking Trails at Salcey Forest

Situated just seven miles from Northampton, Salcey Forest has walking trails to keep the family fit and active. There is also a Zog walking trail.

W: www.forestryengland.uk/ salcey-forest

Northampton Swim Club

Learn an essential life skill with confidence at Northampton Swim Club. E: coach.ings@ northamptonswimming.com

Northampton Active Kids Club

The club is dedicated to providing a wide range of exhilarating activities that will keep your children active and excited within the outdoors. They’ll experience the thrill of whitewater tubing and rafting, plus paddlesports activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding.

W: www.northamptonactive.com

Arrange a Trial Lesson

Northamptonshire School of Dance & Pilates offers fun and energetic Dance and Pilates lessons with professional, qualified teachers. All ages and abilities are welcome.

W: www.northamptonshiredance.co.uk

July

Saturday 8th

Northampton Pride

Northampton Pride Festival will return with the popular Pride Parade and a range of exciting performances. The parade, sponsored by Travis Perkins, starts at 11am, with entertainment and community stalls at the Waterside Campus from 11.50am until 6.30pm. Check website for more information.

W: www.westnorthants.gov.uk

Rushden’s Party in the Park at Hall Park

See their headline act - The Jersey Guys! Plus, fairground rides, charity stalls and food vendors (Hall Park will be adopting a ‘No Glass’ policy for this family event). FREE entry. 1-8.30pm.

W: www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip … or promise!

Sunday 9th Summer Festival of Music

Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) will celebrate the achievements of its County Ensembles at the Summer Festival of Music: New and Second Generation Concerts from 12noon6pm. Northamptonshire has always had a proud reputation for the quality of its top youth music ensembles, which are widely recognised as amongst the best in the country - this is a celebration of the aspiring New and Second Generations! Tickets for both events can be booked via the Derngate box office.

T: 01604 624811

W: www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Friday 15th

Solar System Summer

Join the Discovery Team to find out more about the origins of our solar system, visit stars, planets, moons, asteroids, comets and even a mission to the red planet that has a Leicester link! Running until 3rd September. National Space Centre, Leicester. W: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Food and Drink Fair

Enjoy a wide selection of local produce in the Castle Gardens, all made by independent manufacturers from the local area. Rockingham Castle.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Dino Weekend

The dinosaurs will be descending upon West Lodge Farm Park! Dinosaurs and their friendly rangers will be appearing at several times throughout the day. Also on 16th July. W: www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

Sunday 16th

Cream Tea Specials

Hop aboard the Northampton and Lamport Railway and enjoy a cream tea. Booking essential.

W: www.nlr.org.uk

Monday 17th

Wistow Maze Opens

The giant 8 acre Maize Maze has a fun Quiz Trail hidden amongst its three miles of pathways with highlevel bridges and towers. This year the maze has been designed in the shape of a Green Sea Turtle and will feature other endangered animals. Includes Activity Funyard for all ages.

W: www.wistow.com

Thursday 20th

Wicksteed Wonder

Get ready for some Wicksteed Wonder this summer holiday! There is a fantastic new ride, The Garden Wheel, where you can see the park from new heights! All four zones will be open, which include guest favourites the Rocky River Falls, Galaxy Invaders and Dinosaur Valley. Running at Wicksteed Park from 20th July - 3rd September with wristbands £22 each and tickets £3 each!

W: www.wicksteedpark.org

Friday 21st

Kids Club Cinema Showings

This summer, get out of the sun and into the cinema at ODEON Kettering. The Kids Club runs at 10am every day from £4 or for the cheapest tickets to the latest releases go along on Member Monday with tickets from £6 when booked online and there is no cost to sign up.

W: www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/ kettering

Saturday 22nd

Family Activities at IWM

There’s plenty of fun to be had at IWM Duxford, enjoy free family activities every day from 22nd July-1st September.

W: www.iwm.org.uk

Sunday 23rd

Kids for a Quid

Hop aboard the Northampton and Lamport Railway where children go for a £1 today!

W: www.nlr.org.uk

Sulgrave Explorers Themed Open Days

The days will run from 10.30am-4pm on 23rd-25th, 30th & 31st July, and 1st, 6th-8th August. Sulgrave Manor near Banbury.

W: www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Biggest Summer in History

With action-packed days and unmissable evening events, don’t miss the Biggest Summer in History, at Warwick Castle. Running until 3rd September.

W: www.warwick-castle.com

Monday 24th

CYPN - Youth Inspired

Youth clubs and activities across the County, mostly free or a nominal £1.50 charge, great for socialising and team building. They include gaming, archery, crafts, dancing and sports - something for everyone! Age 10+. Contact Sarah to find out more!

T: 07422 573625

E: sarah@cypn.org

Wednesday 26th

Teddy Bears Picnic

Reginald Bear will be hosting his ever-popular Teddy Bears Picnic at Nene Valley Railway.

W: www.nvr.org.uk

Fairy Picnic

Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens will be hosting their annual fairy picnic in the woodland, joined by the bubble fairy providing amazing entertainment. Suitable for all ages - dress up in your favourite fairy, elf or lost boy outfit, and see what magical creatures are down in the woods. No extra charge, usual entrance fee applies. Kelmarsh Hall.

W: www.kelmarsh.com

Saturday 29th

Sealed Knot 17th Century

Civil War Re-enactment

This is your chance to experience first-hand, the thrill and excitement of regimental musket volleys, pike drill, with drums and colours and the full panoply of the 17th Century. Soldiers and civilians will be on hand to answer your questions of life during this turbulent period of history. Join in with archery, complete a trail around the site and enjoy some BBQ treats!

Lyveden New Bield near Oundle.

W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Fantastic Jurassic!

Over the first three weekends of the summer break, families can enjoy a fun and educational range of dinosaur-themed activities. They include ‘real live’ dinosaurs in the town centre, featuring a Brontosaurus, Spinosaurus, baby dinosaurs and their knowledgeable handlers. Other activities include dinosaur mask-making, facepainting, knowledge trails and library activities. Running 29th/30th July, 5th/6th and 12th/13th August. Corby Town Shopping and Willow Centre.

W: www.willowplace.co.uk

Sunday 30th

Fairy Day

Embark on an adventure in the Wild Garden to find the Fairy Doors, meet the Rockingham Woodland Fairies and complete the Toadstool Trail. Fancy dress is welcome. Rockingham Castle.

W: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Monday 31st

Weston Favell Summer

Skill Swap!

All ages are invited to take part in the wide range of activities lined up during the holidays at Weston Favell Shopping Centre. From 31st July-19th August, there will be something new to learn in the North Square located outside the Tesco entrance. Check online to discover what is lined up this year.

W: www.westonfavellshopping.com

August

Tuesday 1st

The Beach at Wellingborough

Keep an eye out on Orient Way this summer as the beach is making a come-back!! During August there will be fun, games and entertainment for all to enjoy. Running until 25th August.

W: www.wellingboroughtowncouncil .gov.uk

Space Cadets Live

Join the Mission Commanders for an in-person three day ‘space school’ this summer. Sessions aim to support and enhance learning regarding space, science and relatable topics in a fun, interactive and immersive environment! Running from 1st-18th August with sessions for different age groups. National Space Centre, Leicester.

W: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Wednesday 2nd Doggo Day

Take your dog along to the Nene Valley Railway. With a puppucino station, hydration points and travel on the heritage carriages alongside entry to the best dressed dog competition.

W: www.nvr.org.uk

Kettering By Sea

The seaside is coming to Kettering this summer - there’s no need to travel when the sand comes to you! Kettering By The Sea will be in the Market Place, bringing you a taste of the traditional British seaside with a host of free activities. Running until 26th August (closed on Sundays).

W: www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise! Go along to Deene Park on National Play Day, for the return of the popular Teddy Bears Picnic! Enjoy your picnic next to the lake, meet Mr Teddy Bear, explore the formal gardens with a Teddy Bear Trail, and have fun with friends from Just Karen for storytelling, and sing-a-longs. Pre-booking is essential for this event. 12-4pm. Deene Park, nr Corby.

W: www.deenepark.com

Thursday 3rd

Young Persons Craft Days

The team from We Mind and Kelly Matters will be at the Chester House Estate offering free fun and creative activities for under 18’s. Have a go at colouring salt and making some creative jars.

W: www.wellingboroughtowncouncil .gov.uk