Althorp Estate: Historic Home of the Spencer Family and Princess Diana
Explore Althorp Estate, the historic Spencer family home and childhood of Princess Diana, blending grand heritage with serene parklands.
Althorp Estate, located in Northamptonshire, England, is the ancestral home of the Spencer family for over 500 years and the childhood residence of Diana, Princess of Wales. This grand country house features stunning architecture, extensive art collections, and vast parklands, including the islanded resting place of Princess Diana. Visitors can explore the elegant interiors, family history, and tranquil grounds that blend aristocratic heritage with natural beauty.
A brief summary to Althorp Estate
- Althorp House, Northampton, NN7 4HQ, GB
- +441604770006
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Picture Gallery for an impressive collection of 17th-century portraits and fine art.
- Take time to walk the parklands and spot the rare black fallow deer roaming the estate grounds.
- Explore the private family apartments to gain insight into the Spencer family’s personal history.
- Pay respects at Princess Diana’s memorial island on Round Oval lake, a peaceful and poignant site.
- Check for any special events or literary festivals held on the estate to enrich your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
By Train and Taxi
From Northampton train station, approximately 5 miles away, take a taxi to Althorp Estate. The taxi journey takes about 15 minutes and offers a convenient and direct route. Taxi fares generally range from £15 to £25.
-
By Bus and Estate Shuttle
Use the Stagecoach number 96 bus service from Northampton to the Althorp East Lodge bus stop. From there, visitors use an interactive gate panel to summon the estate minibus, which transports guests directly to the house. Bus fares are typically under £5, but service frequency may vary seasonally.
-
By Car
Driving to Althorp is possible via minor roads off the A4500, with free visitor parking available at the West Gate. Note that parking is limited during peak times, and the rural roads may be narrow. Car travel times from Northampton are around 15–20 minutes.
Althorp Estate location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Althorp Estate
The Origins and Legacy of the Spencer Family at Althorp
Althorp Estate has been the seat of the Spencer family since 1508, when Sir John Spencer purchased the land and built the original house. Starting as a prosperous sheep-grazing estate, it grew into a symbol of aristocratic power and refinement through 19 generations. The Spencer lineage includes politicians, courtiers, and influential figures such as Sarah Jennings Marlborough, a close confidante of Queen Anne, and Robert Spencer, reputedly one of England’s wealthiest men in the early 17th century. The estate’s history intricately intertwines with the family’s fortunes and British nobility.Architectural Evolution and Artistic Treasures
The house seen today largely dates from a major rebuild in 1688 by Robert Spencer, the Second Earl of Sunderland, with significant 18th-century renovations by architect Henry Holland. Its façade is notable for mathematical tiles and Corinthian pilasters made from Roche Abbey stone, originally intended for St Paul’s Cathedral. Inside, visitors encounter grand reception rooms, a Picture Gallery showcasing 17th-century portraits, and a vast library that once housed one of the world’s finest private collections. The Saloon, once an open courtyard, is a testament to the estate’s evolving architectural grandeur.Princess Diana’s Connection and Memorial
Althorp is famously known as the childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales, whose global renown and humanitarian legacy continue to draw visitors. The Spencer family moved here in 1975, and Diana spent her formative years within its walls. Following her tragic death in 1997, Diana was laid to rest on a private island in the estate’s Round Oval lake, creating a poignant focal point for remembrance amidst the tranquil parkland.The Estate Grounds and Natural Environment
The surrounding parklands, gardens, and stables offer a peaceful retreat with varied terrains and habitats. The estate is home to rare black fallow deer and expansive green spaces that invite leisurely walks. The mustard-yellow stable block, designed in Palladian style by Roger Morris in the early 18th century, adds to the estate’s historic charm. The grounds reflect centuries of careful stewardship blending natural beauty with aristocratic landscaping.Althorp Today: A Living Heritage
Today, Althorp Estate welcomes visitors to explore its rich heritage, including the private family apartments and public exhibition spaces. The estate balances its role as a historic monument with ongoing cultural activities, such as literary festivals. Accessibility features include guide dog welcome and accessible parking, ensuring a broad visitor experience. Althorp stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Spencer family and their place in British history.Notable Stories and Social History
The estate has witnessed lavish 18th-century social events, including grand parties hosted by John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, and the secret wedding of his parents within its walls. Its history also reflects the changing fortunes of aristocracy, surviving financial challenges and wartime preservation efforts. The Spencer family’s influence extended beyond Althorp, with connections to political, literary, and scientific figures, making the estate a hub of cultural and social significance over centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Northampton Castle Postern Gate
8.2 km
Discover the solitary Postern Gate, the last surviving gateway of Northampton Castle, echoing centuries of royal history and medieval intrigue.
Rushton Triangular Lodge
23.3 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.
East Midlands Steam and Country Show
30.4 km
Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture at the East Midlands Steam and Country Show, where steam engines meet delicious local food and crafts.
King Lear
37.1 km
Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.
Council House
37.2 km
A majestic Edwardian Tudor Revival building at Coventry’s heart, blending civic function with rich historical symbolism and artistic heritage.
Sir Frank Whittle
37.3 km
Coventry's tribute to the jet engine pioneer who revolutionized aviation and transformed modern flight.
Shady Lane Arboretum
37.6 km
Explore Shady Lane Arboretum in Leicester, a serene park filled with diverse flora, historical landmarks, and peaceful walking trails.
St John the Baptist Church
37.7 km
Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of St John the Baptist Church in Coventry, a serene haven for tourists and worshippers alike.
Visit Stratford-upon-Avon
38.7 km
Experience the enchanting blend of history and culture in the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon, where every corner tells a story.
Guys Cliffe House
38.8 km
Explore the enchanting Guys Cliffe House, a historical landmark in Warwick, offering rich stories, stunning architecture, and captivating events throughout the year.
Bedworth Water Tower
39.0 km
A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.
Earl Shilton Castle
39.2 km
Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.
The Castle Dungeon
39.6 km
Dive into the eerie past at The Castle Dungeon in Warwick, where history comes alive with spine-chilling tales and thrilling performances.
Warwick
39.6 km
Explore Warwick, a historic English town known for its stunning castle, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage, perfect for an unforgettable getaway.
Warwick East Gate Victorian Type PB1 Postbox
39.7 km
Explore the historic charm of Warwick at the East Gate Victorian Postbox, a must-see landmark that embodies the city's Victorian heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holdenby House
2.9 km
Explore the grandeur of Tudor history, stunning gardens, and rare musical treasures at the majestic Holdenby House estate.
Icarus Falconry
2.9 km
Experience the thrill of falconry and meet majestic birds of prey in the historic grounds of Holdenby House near Northampton.
Coton Manor Garden
6.5 km
A vibrant 10-acre hillside garden in Northamptonshire blending historic charm, seasonal blooms, and tranquil woodland escapes.
Village Antique Market
7.3 km
Discover timeless antiques and unique treasures in the charming village setting of Weedon Bec’s premier antique market.
Vintage Retreat
8.0 km
Discover Northampton’s vast vintage emporium and charming Art Deco café, blending antiques, nostalgia, and community spirit.
0 Market Sq
8.5 km
Northampton Market Square: A vibrant historic market and community hub at the heart of Northampton since 1235.
Hunsbury Hill
8.5 km
Explore ancient history, scenic trails, and industrial heritage at Hunsbury Hill Country Park, a tranquil green space on Northampton’s southern edge.
Grosvenor Shopping Northampton
8.6 km
A vibrant retail and social hub at Northampton’s heart, blending contemporary shopping with community spirit and dynamic regeneration.
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
8.8 km
Discover Northampton’s cultural heart with world-class shoe collections, dynamic exhibitions, and engaging events for all ages.
Click Antiques and Vintage
9.0 km
Discover timeless antiques and vintage gems with friendly service in Northampton’s welcoming Click Antiques and Vintage shop.
78 Derngate
9.1 km
Explore 78 Derngate, the only English home designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, blending historic charm with modern art and design in Northampton.
Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens
9.3 km
A jewel of Queen Anne architecture set in award-winning gardens, blending history, art, and nature in tranquil Northamptonshire parkland.
Queen Eleanor Cross
10.0 km
Discover the Queen Eleanor Cross in Northampton, a historical landmark celebrating love, loyalty, and medieval artistry.
Weston Favell Shopping Centre
11.6 km
A bustling Northampton shopping centre offering diverse stores, essential services, and a welcoming community atmosphere with free parking.
Lings Wood Nature Reserve
11.9 km
A tranquil 20-hectare nature reserve in Northampton offering diverse habitats, wildlife, and peaceful walking trails year-round.
Essential places to dine
Fox & Hounds Lower Harleston
2.6 km
A charming gastropub in Lower Harlestone blending classic British fare with modern style and cozy country warmth.
The Hopping Hare
5.2 km
A chic and welcoming boutique hotel in Northampton, renowned for exceptional dining and attentive service in a tranquil leafy setting.
Hops and Chops
5.4 km
A stylish chophouse in Northampton offering expertly cooked steaks, attentive service, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
The Kings Head
6.1 km
A charming gastropub in Spratton blending rustic elegance with fine dining and warm local hospitality.
Arizi Italian Restaurant
7.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, family-run setting with homemade pasta, classic dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere in Kingsthorpe.
Marseille Restaurant
8.3 km
Cozy French bistro in Northampton serving authentic classics, superb coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere on Sheep Street.
Sorrentino Restaurant in Northampton
8.4 km
Authentic Southern Italian dining in a cozy, modern setting at the heart of Northampton’s Gold Street.
Turtle Bay Northampton
8.6 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours and lively island vibes in the heart of Northampton with great food, cocktails, and reggae beats.
Clary's Restaurant
8.7 km
A welcoming restaurant inside Aspers Casino Northampton, known for hearty British classics, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sophia's Northampton
8.7 km
A cozy family-run Mediterranean gem in Northampton offering authentic Italian, French, Greek, and Spanish flavors with warm hospitality.
The Smoke Pit
8.8 km
Savor authentic American barbecue with generous portions and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Northampton.
Saffron Restaurant
8.9 km
Experience vibrant Bangladeshi and Nepalese flavors with a modern twist in Northampton’s lively and welcoming Saffron Restaurant.
Pamukkale Turkish restaurant
8.9 km
Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Northampton’s vibrant dining scene.
Nuovo Restaurant
8.9 km
Experience inventive Venetian cicchetti and contemporary Italian cuisine in a stylish, welcoming setting at Nuovo Restaurant in Northampton.
The Dining Room
9.1 km
Experience elegant home-cooked British and European cuisine with famous afternoon teas in a cozy Northampton setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
margo&evie
6.6 km
Discover unique vintage treasures and handcrafted curiosities at margo&evie, a charming independent shop in Northamptonshire’s Heart of the Shires.
Heart of The Shires
6.6 km
Discover a charming Victorian courtyard shopping village with unique independent retailers and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
House Of Carillon
6.6 km
Discover elegant ladies' designer fashion in a charming Victorian courtyard boutique at Heart of the Shires Shopping Village.
Beehive Gifts
6.6 km
Discover unique gifts and heartfelt treasures at Beehive Gifts, Northampton’s charming boutique for all occasions.
It's A Gift
7.2 km
A friendly local gift shop in Kingsthorpe offering household essentials and unique presents with welcoming service.
Next Outlet Northampton
8.4 km
Affordable fashion and homeware at Next Outlet Northampton, nestled in the vibrant St James Retail Park.
St James Retail Park
8.4 km
Convenient shopping with free parking and a variety of stores in Northampton’s St James Retail Park.
Singh & Smile
8.5 km
Discover personalized gifts, aromatherapy, and wellness treasures at Singh & Smile, Northampton’s charming boutique for joyful living.
Bias Gift Shop
8.6 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish accessories, and charming homewares at Bias Gift Shop in Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre.
Circus
8.6 km
Contemporary men’s and women’s clothing store in Northampton’s lively Drapery shopping street.
Next Home
8.6 km
A stylish and practical department store in Northampton offering fashion, footwear, and homewares under one roof with moderate prices.
The Works
8.7 km
Discover affordable creativity at The Works Northampton, your go-to spot for books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of the city.
MOOCH on St Giles Street
8.8 km
Discover unique gifts and charming home accessories with friendly service at MOOCH on St Giles Street, Northampton’s beloved independent boutique.
32 The Guild
8.8 km
Discover unique contemporary ladieswear and artisanal fashion in Northampton’s vibrant cultural quarter at 32 The Guild.
Voni Blu
8.9 km
Explore unique fashion at Voni Blu, Northampton's top boutique for ladies' clothing and stylish accessories.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Saracen's Head
2.5 km
A historic and welcoming British pub in Little Brington offering hearty fare, friendly service, and a cozy village atmosphere.
The Windhover
5.5 km
A cozy and charming pub in Chapel Brampton offering hearty meals, warm hospitality, and a relaxed village atmosphere.
The Sevens
6.9 km
A vibrant Northampton pub blending sports enthusiasm with quality food and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Fox & Hounds
7.0 km
A charming British pub in Northampton offering hearty meals, stylish ambiance, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Edge of Town
8.3 km
Lively and affordable bar with friendly service, known for the best bar maid in town, open late in the heart of Northampton.
The Bear
8.4 km
Experience the warmth and charm of The Bear, a beloved pub in Northampton, offering delicious food and drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Zapato Lounge
8.6 km
A vibrant, inclusive lounge in Northampton offering diverse British and vegan cuisine in a welcoming, family- and dog-friendly setting.
Shipmans
8.6 km
Historic Shipmans pub in Northampton offers timeless charm, premium drinks, and a refined dining experience in the town centre.
The Charles Bradlaugh
8.6 km
A stylish, welcoming pub in Northampton offering homemade food, lively events, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a historic setting.
Old Bank
8.7 km
A vibrant, spacious pub in Northampton’s St Giles' Square, offering traditional ales, hearty food, and a lively social atmosphere.
King Billy Rock Bar
8.7 km
Northampton’s iconic biker pub and live music hotspot, King Billy Rock Bar pulses with rock energy and community spirit.
The Lamplighter
8.7 km
A welcoming Northampton pub renowned for its real ales, hearty British fare, and vibrant community spirit.
The Fish
8.8 km
A vibrant Northampton pub blending traditional British fare, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere on historic Fish Street.
The Optimist
8.8 km
A vibrant Northampton pub blending stylish interiors, diverse food, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere in the city center.
Mail Coach Northampton
8.8 km
Classic British pub charm meets lively social vibes with craft ales, hearty food, and live sports in Northampton’s welcoming Mail Coach.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Boston
8.4 km
Northampton’s welcoming LGBTQ+ nightclub and pub, The Boston offers lively music, themed nights, and a vibrant inclusive atmosphere.
Elysium
8.5 km
Northampton’s premier late-night nightclub for house, bass, and tech house music, famed as the city’s official after-party hotspot.
Club43
8.5 km
Northampton’s vibrant underground nightclub offering top electronic acts and a soulful, energetic nightlife experience.
The Platform
8.6 km
Northampton’s vibrant nightclub and bar blending historic charm with lively music, drinks, and student-friendly events.
NB's
8.7 km
Experience Northampton’s vibrant nightlife with NB's lively clubbing atmosphere, multiple rooms, and sociable outdoor bar area.
Stereo Bar and Club
8.7 km
Experience Northampton’s vibrant nightlife with eclectic music, lively dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere at Stereo Bar and Club.
Club Bar X
9.3 km
Lively basement nightclub on Wellingborough Road, Northampton, offering late-night music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene Thursday to Saturday.
Club 145
9.3 km
Energetic nightclub on Wellingborough Road offering lively music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene in the heart of Northampton.
Garudaa
31.5 km
A spacious, welcoming gentlemen’s club in Milton Keynes offering VIP areas, game rooms, and late-night entertainment in a relaxed, darkly lit setting.
Neon
36.2 km
Leamington Spa’s largest nightclub, Neon delivers vibrant music, themed nights, and a dynamic party atmosphere every Friday until dawn.
Smack
36.4 km
Leamington Spa’s energetic and affordable two-floor nightclub with a storied past and a lively, if sometimes challenging, atmosphere.
Altoria Nightclub
36.4 km
Experience Leamington Spa’s vibrant nightlife at Altoria Nightclub with diverse music floors, VIP service, and a unique rooftop terrace open till 3 am.
Pink Punters
37.2 km
Milton Keynes’ dynamic multi-room nightclub blending diverse music, vibrant crowds, and a lively late-night party atmosphere.
The Kalooki Club
38.7 km
A friendly and lively social club in Bedford offering great service, casual vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
The Studio Club
39.3 km
A friendly, casual nightclub and bar in Bedford offering affordable drinks, pool tables, and live music in an intimate setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
