Northamptonshire: The Heart of England's Heritage
Discover Northamptonshire: A blend of historic grandeur, scenic countryside, and vibrant market towns in the heart of England.
Nestled in the heart of England, Northamptonshire is a county rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its charming villages, historic houses, and rolling countryside, it offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The county is home to several stately homes, including the grand Althorp House, the family home of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the stunning Boughton House, often referred to as the 'English Versailles'. These historic sites provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the British aristocracy and are set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and parks. Northamptonshire is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The county boasts numerous walking and cycling trails, including parts of the famous Nene Way, which winds through scenic countryside and alongside tranquil rivers. For those interested in sports, Silverstone Circuit, the iconic home of British motorsport, offers thrilling experiences and events throughout the year. The county's market towns, such as Northampton, Kettering, and Wellingborough, are brimming with character and offer a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions. Visitors can explore charming independent shops, sample delicious local produce, and enjoy a variety of dining options, from cozy pubs to fine dining restaurants. Cultural experiences abound in Northamptonshire, with a host of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. The Royal & Derngate in Northampton is a leading regional theatre, offering a diverse programme of performances, while the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery showcases an impressive collection of footwear, reflecting the town's history as a center of shoe manufacturing. The county also hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and drink to music and the arts, ensuring there's always something exciting happening in Northamptonshire.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Northamptonshire.
- Visit Althorp House early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene gardens.
- Check the event schedule at Silverstone Circuit and book tickets in advance for popular races.
- Explore the Nene Way for breathtaking views and peaceful walking trails through the countryside.
- Try local delicacies at the county’s farmers' markets, especially the famous Northamptonshire sausages.
- Plan your visit around one of the county's many festivals to experience local culture and festivities.
Northamptonshire: The Heart of England's Heritage
Nestled in the heart of England, Northamptonshire is a county rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its charming villages, historic houses, and rolling countryside, it offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The county is home to several stately homes, including the grand Althorp House, the family home of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the stunning Boughton House, often referred to as the 'English Versailles'. These historic sites provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the British aristocracy and are set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and parks. Northamptonshire is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The county boasts numerous walking and cycling trails, including parts of the famous Nene Way, which winds through scenic countryside and alongside tranquil rivers. For those interested in sports, Silverstone Circuit, the iconic home of British motorsport, offers thrilling experiences and events throughout the year. The county's market towns, such as Northampton, Kettering, and Wellingborough, are brimming with character and offer a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions. Visitors can explore charming independent shops, sample delicious local produce, and enjoy a variety of dining options, from cozy pubs to fine dining restaurants. Cultural experiences abound in Northamptonshire, with a host of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. The Royal & Derngate in Northampton is a leading regional theatre, offering a diverse programme of performances, while the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery showcases an impressive collection of footwear, reflecting the town's history as a center of shoe manufacturing. The county also hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and drink to music and the arts, ensuring there's always something exciting happening in Northamptonshire.
Explore the best of what Northamptonshire has to offer
When is the best time to go to Northamptonshire?
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Eleanor Cross
A medieval monument of royal love and legacy marking Queen Eleanor’s resting place in Northampton.
RAF Bicester
Explore RAF Bicester, the UK’s most complete interwar bomber airfield, where history and heritage soar together.
Northampton Castle Postern Gate
Discover the solitary Postern Gate, the last surviving gateway of Northampton Castle, echoing centuries of royal history and medieval intrigue.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre
A vibrant lakeside shopping and leisure destination blending popular brands, dining, and nature in the heart of the Nene Valley.
Weston Favell Shopping Centre
A bustling Northampton shopping centre offering diverse stores, essential services, and a welcoming community atmosphere with free parking.
Grosvenor Shopping Northampton
A vibrant retail and social hub at Northampton’s heart, blending contemporary shopping with community spirit and dynamic regeneration.
Stanwick Lakes Country Park
Explore 750 acres of lakes, wildlife, and adventure playgrounds at Stanwick Lakes Country Park near Wellingborough.
Swansgate Shopping Centre
A community-focused shopping centre in Wellingborough offering diverse retail options and everyday convenience in the town’s heart.
Newlands Shopping Centre
A welcoming indoor shopping centre at the heart of Kettering, blending traditional high street shops with community charm and convenience.
Sywell Country Park
A tranquil country park with woodland trails, a historic reservoir, and family-friendly play areas near Northampton.
Castle Ashby Gardens
Discover historic elegance and family-friendly charm amid beautifully maintained gardens, a stunning orangery, and a delightful menagerie in Northamptonshire.
Coton Manor Garden
A vibrant 10-acre hillside garden in Northamptonshire blending historic charm, seasonal blooms, and tranquil woodland escapes.
Kirby Hall
Explore the majestic Elizabethan Kirby Hall, a stunning blend of Renaissance architecture and tranquil gardens in Northamptonshire.
Oakham Castle
Discover Oakham Castle’s Norman Great Hall, famed horseshoe tradition, and nearly 1,000 years of English history in Rutland’s historic heart.
Normanton Church
A captivating lakeside church blending historic elegance with stunning waterside views, renowned for its unique preservation and romantic wedding setting.
Bicester Heritage
Explore the UK’s foremost historic motoring and aviation hub set on a beautifully restored WWII airfield in Oxfordshire.
Althorp Estate
Explore Althorp Estate, the historic Spencer family home and childhood of Princess Diana, blending grand heritage with serene parklands.
Nene Court Shopping Village
Discover Wellingborough’s charming independent shopping village blending heritage, artisan shops, and cozy cafes in a relaxed, community-focused setting.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Northampton
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours and lively island vibes in the heart of Northampton with great food, cocktails, and reggae beats.
Miller & Carter Northampton
Experience expertly cooked premium steaks and warm hospitality at Miller & Carter Northampton, a top steakhouse destination in the heart of the city.
The Smoke Pit
Savor authentic American barbecue with generous portions and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Northampton.
Fox & Hounds Lower Harleston
A charming gastropub in Lower Harlestone blending classic British fare with modern style and cozy country warmth.
Harvester Nene Valley - Northampton
Family-friendly British bar & grill with famous rotisserie chicken and a vibrant salad bar in Northampton’s Riverside Retail Park.
Harvester Grange Park Northampton
Family-friendly British grill with a fresh unlimited salad bar and welcoming atmosphere in Northampton’s Grange Park.
Pamukkale Turkish restaurant
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Northampton’s vibrant dining scene.
The Hopping Hare
A chic and welcoming boutique hotel in Northampton, renowned for exceptional dining and attentive service in a tranquil leafy setting.
Nuovo Restaurant
Experience inventive Venetian cicchetti and contemporary Italian cuisine in a stylish, welcoming setting at Nuovo Restaurant in Northampton.
The Folly
A charming British inn in Towcester offering generous portions of classic dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Saffron Restaurant
Experience vibrant Bangladeshi and Nepalese flavors with a modern twist in Northampton’s lively and welcoming Saffron Restaurant.
Hops and Chops
A stylish chophouse in Northampton offering expertly cooked steaks, attentive service, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
La Pazienza
Experience authentic Sicilian and Italian flavors in a warm, family-friendly setting with handmade pasta and traditional recipes in Northampton.
Four Pears Pub & Restaurant
Historic 17th-century pub blending rustic charm with modern British cuisine and warm village ambiance in Little Houghton.
Tamarind Restaurant
Experience authentic Indian cuisine with exceptional service and a warm atmosphere at Tamarind Restaurant in Northampton.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
St James Retail Park
Convenient shopping with free parking and a variety of stores in Northampton’s St James Retail Park.
Heart of The Shires
Discover a charming Victorian courtyard shopping village with unique independent retailers and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Vintage Guru Ltd
Discover unique vintage treasures and handmade gifts in the heart of Northampton’s St Giles at Vintage Guru Ltd.
The Yards Kettering
Discover The Yards Kettering, a vibrant independent shopping centre blending vintage charm with modern boutiques in the heart of town.
Next Home
A stylish and practical department store in Northampton offering fashion, footwear, and homewares under one roof with moderate prices.
Singh & Smile
Discover personalized gifts, aromatherapy, and wellness treasures at Singh & Smile, Northampton’s charming boutique for joyful living.
The Rural Shopping Yard at Castle Ashby
Discover unique gifts and crafts in charming converted farm buildings with delightful refreshments in Castle Ashby’s rural shopping haven.
It's A Gift
A friendly local gift shop in Kingsthorpe offering household essentials and unique presents with welcoming service.
MOOCH on St Giles Street
Discover unique gifts and charming home accessories with friendly service at MOOCH on St Giles Street, Northampton’s beloved independent boutique.
The Works
Discover affordable creativity at The Works Northampton, your go-to spot for books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of the city.
Bias Gift Shop
Discover unique gifts, stylish accessories, and charming homewares at Bias Gift Shop in Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre.
Next Outlet Northampton
Affordable fashion and homeware at Next Outlet Northampton, nestled in the vibrant St James Retail Park.
margo&evie
Discover unique vintage treasures and handcrafted curiosities at margo&evie, a charming independent shop in Northamptonshire’s Heart of the Shires.
32 The Guild
Discover unique contemporary ladieswear and artisanal fashion in Northampton’s vibrant cultural quarter at 32 The Guild.
Circus
Contemporary men’s and women’s clothing store in Northampton’s lively Drapery shopping street.
