Things to do in Northampton

If you are looking for things to do in Northampton. Northampton is often described as the Rose of the Shires. Here you can experience the traditional rural lifestyle. It is characterized by Northamptonshire’s pretty villages with their thatched houses, country lanes and town churches. Northamptonshire offers numerous contemporary attractions and facilities. It is known for hosting one of the most exciting Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Northamptonshire is home to the gorgeous countryside of England. There are miles of walks, stunning country parks, canals and large areas of ancient woodland, waiting to be explored. Grand homes and ancestral seats like Spencer family at Althorp are all part of the local heritage.

There are great leisure amenities with excellent shops, museums, galleries, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, spas and health clubs. Beautiful scenery of Brampton Valley, networks of canals and Rockingham Castle are other highlights. This place also offers a booming nightlife. Local sporting attractions are Silverstone and Rockingham motor racing circuits, first class county cricket, football league teams and the admired Saints rugby team. Enjoy stunning golf courses and amazing water-sports centers.

Top Things to do in Northampton

Silverstone is known worldwide as the home of British Motorsport. It was recently reinstated as the venue for British F1 Grand Prix. As Donington Park was not able to raise the funds to adequately host the British Grand Prix, Silverstone was chosen in place of it.

It hosts British Formula 3, FIM Superbike World Championships, MotoGPsuperbikes, Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, British Touring Cars Championship & Superleague Formula. Santander British Grand Prix is the flagship event at Silverstone. Each July, the Formula 1 circus comes to put on an incredible race for the hundreds of thousands of fans attending the event. Watching it is among the best things to do in Northampton.

2.) Althorp House

Althorp House is the resting place of Princess Diana. It is also the home of her family The Spencers for more than 500 years. The building’s beautiful interiors are adorned by some of the finest artwork, paintings, antique furniture, and furnishings. There are around 20 rooms to explore. Exploring this place is among the nicest things to do in Althorp house. One of the main highlights not be missed at Althorp House is the awarded Diana exhibition. For refreshments, you can visit the Althorp’s cafe or restaurant. If you are looking for a leisurely picnic, there is ample area available. If you wish to take a memento of Althorp back with you, you can visit the nearby gift shop and choose a piece that summarizes the day.

3.) Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed park was opened in 1913 by Charles Wicksteed. It was opened as a ground/playground for the kids of the area. Although this theme park does not include high-tech amusements and rides. But it does present a very entertaining and pleasing day out with the family. Whenever you feel like escaping the mayhem, it is the place. There are places to relax, picnic areas and isolated gardens of flourishing greenery are among the highlights. Also, there are numerous rides which cater for children and adults of all ages.

4.) 78 Derngate

78 Derngate is a multi award-winning tourist attraction. It is the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It offers a memorable day out in Northampton. The house has been thoroughly restored and is open to the public. The place has light-filled art galleries, an elegant design store, a boutique restaurant, and elegant spaces for functions, meetings and events.

The house has attracted many thousands of visitors from worldwide. Visiting it is one of the top things to do in Northampton. You can see the innovative work from one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential designers.

5.) Northampton Saints Rugby Club

The Saints are a pro rugby club. They are among the top clubs within The Guinness Premiership. They have got a promotion to the top division of Rugby Union in 2008. They have won 4 major honors. Their stadium Franklin’s Gardens have a capacity of 13,600 but is going to expand sooner. A nice place to visit and experience some local feel.

6.) Rockingham Castle

Northamptonshire’s Rockingham castle offers nine hundred years of history, 450 years each of a Royal Castle and a family home. This Castle was built by William the Conqueror above the Welland Valley. It has been the residence of the Watson family since 1530. Exploring this castle is among the top things to do in Northampton. There are collections of paintings, splendid rooms, an armor and 12 acres of gorgeous gardens. There is also a gift shop and a tearoom.

7.) Abington Park

The Abingdon Museum is located in the scenic building of a 500-year-old Manor House in the same place. Go and look through the wonderful collections, varying from domestic life in the town to the military photographs.

The Abington park includes two lakes, one boating lake, and a connecting stream. It also offers a specific garden for the blind. A playground facilities are available for kids. This place is suitable for all ages. Either you are looking to visit alone or with friends and family, you are sure to have a good time.

8.) Picturedome

Picturedome was first started in 1912. At that time, it was the town’s first picture house to 400 guests. Though since then it has become much more than a cinema. Now it has a restaurant, stage and bar included. It does still have a cinema and has maintained its art deco style and retro film roots.

The Picturedrome doesn’t just host rock concerts. It is also a regular place for jazz nights, rock, tea parties for the elderly, Indie, DJs, Motown, Soul, Death Metal. It is also a platform for new local bands and retro artists to showcase their talent. This place was even nominated for Music Pub Of the Year in 2006. But missed out on the prize. The nomination gained them recognition and acknowledgment.

9.) The Canal Museum

The Canal Museum, previously known as the “National Waterways Museum Stoke Bruerne” is a canal museum. It is located adjacent to the Grand Union Canal near the village of Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire.

The museum is related to Britain’s inland waterways and the people who worked on them. It offers a glimpse into the transport system which was essential to the industrial revolution in Britain. There are several working models and 3-D displays. Exhibits include a replica of working boats, including barges, butties and tugs, narrow boats, painted ware and canal crafts, canal-side signs, specialist tools and traditional clothing. The museum also has a shop and cafe. Plus, there is a school/activity room available for educational visits.

10.) Daventry District Council

Daventry Country Park is ideally positioned on the urban fringe of Daventry. It is located within 1 mile of the town center. It is easily accessible by car, bicycle or even on foot. There are cycle paths and footpaths available to reach here. There are marked pathways and hard-surfaced trails through woodlands. There is a large reservoir with numerous ducks whom you can feed as well. Also, there is a playground for kids, numerous picnic spots, nature trail and many more things to explore. Visiting, Daventry Country Park is one of the excellent things to do in Northampton.

Daventry Country Park was even awarded the Country Parks Accreditation and the 15th Green Flag Award. The Park is among the best green spaces in the country. It delivers all the facilities and services expected from a Country Park.