Best Attractions in Northamptonshire
Planning a trip to Northamptonshire? Discover the best attractions in Northamptonshire with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions in Northamptonshire
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
34 attractions
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Shopping Centre4.3★12,257 reviews
Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre
Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre in Rushden, Northamptonshire, offers a vibrant mix of high street and designer stores, lakeside dining, a cinema, and access to the scenic Nene Wetlands. Open daily with extensive amenities including accessible facilities, free parking with time limits, and family-friendly services, it blends shopping with natural beauty for a unique visitor experience.
Mon–Sat 8:00–18:00 · Sun 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–6 hrs
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Shopping Centre4.1★7,040 reviews
Weston Favell Shopping Centre
Weston Favell Shopping Centre is a prominent retail hub in Northampton, offering a wide variety of high street shops, essential services, and dining options. Anchored by a large Tesco store, the centre combines convenience with a welcoming shopping environment, including free parking and accessible facilities. It is a popular destination for both everyday shopping and leisure visits, featuring numerous cafes, banks, and specialty stores.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Nature reserve4.6★4,869 reviews
Stanwick Lakes Country Park
Stanwick Lakes Country Park is a sprawling 750-acre nature reserve near Wellingborough, UK, offering scenic walking and cycling paths, extensive adventure playgrounds, and rich wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore lakes, heritage exhibits, and enjoy facilities like a visitor centre café, picnic areas, and a gift shop. The park balances natural beauty with family-friendly activities, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Daily 7:00–19:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–6 hrs
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Shopping Centre3.8★7,114 reviews
Grosvenor Shopping Northampton
Grosvenor Shopping Northampton is a vibrant shopping centre located at 2 Union Street, offering a diverse range of shops including popular fashion outlets and local stores. Open daily with extended hours on weekdays, it serves as a key retail and social hub in Northampton, blending contemporary shopping with a dynamic atmosphere that reflects the town’s ongoing regeneration.
Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00 · Sun 10:30–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Country park4.6★2,535 reviews
Sywell Country Park
Sywell Country Park, located near Ecton in Northamptonshire, is a picturesque country park set around a historic Edwardian reservoir. It offers a mix of woodland, meadows, and a 2.5-mile reservoir trail, complemented by family-friendly play areas, a butterfly garden, and an onsite café. Popular for dog walking and outdoor recreation, the park provides well-maintained paths and a peaceful natural setting just a short drive from Northampton.
Daily 6:00–20:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Shopping Centre3.7★3,708 reviews
Swansgate Shopping Centre
Swansgate Shopping Centre is a central retail hub in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, offering over 40 diverse shops including high street brands, independent retailers, and specialist stores. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, it provides a convenient shopping experience with a mix of everyday essentials and unique finds in a community-focused environment.
Mon–Sat 8:00–18:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
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Shopping Centre3.6★3,530 reviews
Newlands Shopping Centre
Nestled in the heart of Kettering, Northamptonshire, Newlands Shopping Centre is a welcoming indoor retail hub featuring over 45 shops. It offers a mix of traditional high street retailers, including fashion, health and beauty, electronics, and specialty stores, all within a warm and accessible environment. The centre operates daily with convenient parking and easy access to public transport, making it a practical destination for shopping and community engagement.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Garden4.6★1,492 reviews
Castle Ashby Gardens
Castle Ashby Gardens, set in Northamptonshire, offers beautifully maintained formal gardens, an impressive 19th-century orangery, a menagerie with exotic animals, and a spacious playground. Visitors enjoy tranquil walks amid vibrant flower beds, large trees, and scenic water features. The on-site tea room provides refreshments, making it a perfect spot for families and garden enthusiasts alike.
Daily 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
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Botanical garden4.7★1,290 reviews
Coton Manor Garden
Nestled near Guilsborough in Northamptonshire, Coton Manor Garden is a captivating 10-acre hillside garden surrounding a 17th-century manor house. Renowned for its vibrant borders, seasonal colour, and enchanting bluebell wood, it offers visitors a lush blend of horticultural beauty and tranquil natural landscapes. Open Tuesday to Saturday from spring to autumn, the garden also features a nursery with rare plants and a welcoming café.
Tue–Sat 11:30–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3.5 hrs
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Historical landmark4.6★1,169 reviews
Kirby Hall
Kirby Hall is one of England’s finest Elizabethan and 17th-century country houses, located near Corby in Northamptonshire. This grand manor features impressive Renaissance architecture, extensive gardens, and evocative ruins that invite visitors to imagine its historic grandeur. Managed by English Heritage, Kirby Hall offers a tranquil and scenic setting for exploring English heritage and architecture.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Normanton Church
Normanton Church, perched on a peninsula in Rutland Water near Oakham, England, is a striking 18th-century church with medieval foundations. Saved from submersion during the creation of Rutland Water reservoir in the 1970s, it now stands as a unique wedding venue and museum, surrounded by scenic waters and natural beauty. Its raised floor and causeway give the illusion of floating on the lake, making it a captivating landmark and cultural treasure.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Bicester Heritage
Bicester Heritage in Launton, Bicester, Oxfordshire, is a unique historic site dedicated to classic motoring and aviation heritage. Set on a former WWII RAF bomber base, it has been transformed into a vibrant business campus and event space featuring restored hangars, a 1.43-mile test track, and a thriving community of automotive specialists. It hosts iconic car meets, driving experiences, and cultural events, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:30Price level $$Time to spend 2–6 hrs
Oakham Castle
Oakham Castle, located in Oakham, Rutland, is a remarkable Norman-era Great Hall built between 1180 and 1190. Renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and an extraordinary collection of ceremonial horseshoes gifted by visiting royalty and peers, the castle offers visitors a unique glimpse into nearly 1,000 years of English history. The castle grounds, featuring a sensory garden and historic earthworks, are free to explore, with guided tours and events enriching the experience.
Mon 10:00–16:00 · Wed–Sat 10:00–16:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Althorp Estate
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.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
Nene Court Shopping Village
Nene Court Shopping Village in Wellingborough offers a unique retail experience with a collection of independent shops, artisan cafes, and local businesses. Set within a historic site once home to the Wellingborough Gas Light Company, it blends heritage with contemporary local commerce. Open seven days a week, it invites visitors to explore its quaint shops and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere away from typical high street chains.
Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30 · Sun 9:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Located in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing a nationally significant shoe collection alongside diverse history and art exhibitions. The museum features permanent and rotating galleries, a café, a shop, and event spaces, offering engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Entry is free, with occasional charges for special activities.
Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 12:00–17:00Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Vintage Retreat
Vintage Retreat in Northampton is a unique blend of an expansive antique shop and an inviting café set within a large, character-filled space. Known for its 1920s Art Deco styling, it offers visitors a treasure trove of vintage finds alongside a charming tearoom serving traditional refreshments. This destination combines shopping, history, and a nostalgic atmosphere in the heart of Northampton’s business district.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Hunsbury Hill
Hunsbury Hill Country Park is a 38-hectare green oasis on the southern edge of Northampton, dominated by the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort. The park features woodland trails, a historic ironstone railway museum, and panoramic views from the hilltop. It offers a blend of natural beauty, archaeological significance, and family-friendly amenities including a children’s play area and a café.
Daily 8:00–20:30Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Lamport Hall
Lamport Hall, nestled in Northamptonshire, England, is a Grade I listed historic country house originally built in 1568 by wool merchant John Isham. Over 400 years, it evolved through Tudor origins to a classical masterpiece designed by John Webb, featuring exquisite interiors, rare collections, and Britain’s oldest garden gnome. Now preserved by the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust, it offers visitors a rich experience of architectural beauty, gardens, and cultural heritage.
Wed–Thu 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
78 Derngate
78 Derngate is a Grade II* listed Georgian house in Northampton, uniquely remodeled in 1916 by celebrated Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It stands as the only example of Mackintosh’s mature architectural and interior style in England, now a multi-award-winning museum featuring art galleries, a boutique restaurant, and a stylish design shop. Visitors can explore its innovative Art Deco interiors and enjoy panoramic views from the modern visitor centre extension.
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Lyddington Bede House
Lyddington Bede House in Rutland, England, is a Grade I listed historic manor that was originally part of the medieval palace of the Bishops of Lincoln. Later converted into almshouses for the poor by Thomas Cecil in the early 17th century, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into medieval ecclesiastical life and Tudor social history. The site includes the impressive Bishop’s Great Chamber, timbered roofs, and a unique watchtower, all set beside the charming St Andrew’s Church in the picturesque village of Lyddington.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Holdenby House
Holdenby House is a grand Tudor country estate located in Northamptonshire, England, renowned for its stunning architecture, Grade I listed gardens, and fascinating historical significance. This Grade II* listed building offers visitors a unique glimpse into English heritage, featuring rare musical instruments, a falconry centre, and beautifully preserved interiors. Set in picturesque grounds near Northampton, Holdenby House is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and families seeking an immersive cultural experience.
Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3.5 hrs
Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave Manor, located in the village of Sulgrave near Banbury, is a quintessential Tudor manor house built in 1539 by Lawrence Washington, ancestor of George Washington. The manor is a symbol of Anglo-American friendship, housing original 16th-century architecture, period furnishings, and formal gardens designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. It serves as a historic museum and memorial celebrating peace between the UK and the USA.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Click Antiques and Vintage
Click Antiques and Vintage in Northampton is a spacious, well-lit antique shop offering a rich variety of late 19th and early 20th-century collectibles, including Victoriana, Edwardian, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco pieces. Known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff and reasonable prices, this shop provides an immersive browsing experience with numerous traders under one roof, appealing to antique enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Car Chase Heroes
Car Chase Heroes at Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire offers an exhilarating racetrack experience where adrenaline junkies and car enthusiasts can drive high-performance supercars and classic vehicles. Set within the historic Bicester Heritage site, this venue features an intricate circuit ideal for testing driving skills and enjoying thrilling laps. Suitable for adults and juniors, it promises a unique day out with professional instruction and a vibrant motorsport atmosphere.
Daily 8:30–17:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Lings Wood Nature Reserve
Lings Wood Nature Reserve is a 20.1-hectare Local Nature Reserve located in the eastern part of Northampton. Managed by the Wildlife Trust and owned by Northampton Borough Council, it offers diverse habitats including woodland, scrub, ponds, and acid grassland. The reserve provides a tranquil escape for nature lovers and is accessible year-round, featuring walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Icarus Falconry
Nestled in the picturesque grounds of Holdenby House near Northampton, Icarus Falconry offers an immersive and hands-on experience with a wide variety of birds of prey. Visitors can meet, handle, and fly majestic raptors including owls, hawks, and falcons, guided by passionate and knowledgeable staff. Set in a historic estate, the centre combines wildlife education with stunning natural surroundings, making it a unique attraction for bird lovers and families alike.
Mon–Thu 10:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
All Saints Church : Oakham
All Saints Church in Oakham, Rutland, is a striking example of 13th to 15th-century Gothic architecture, featuring a 14th-century Decorated Gothic spire and an interior rich with medieval carvings. Restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 19th century, it remains a vibrant community hub with active worship, music events, and a bell-ringing tradition.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
SWB Experience Days
SWB Experience Days offers thrilling military and motorsport driving experiences at Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire. Drive historic tanks, fire engines, and military trucks on a dedicated airfield track with expert instruction. Suitable for ages 12 and up, it combines adrenaline-pumping fun with a unique chance to handle powerful vehicles rarely accessible to the public. Friendly staff, varied vehicle options, and immersive challenges make it a standout adventure for enthusiasts and families alike.
Fri–Sun 9:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens
Cottesbrooke Hall is a stunning Grade I listed Queen Anne country house built between 1702 and 1712, set within 18th-century landscaped parkland and award-winning 20th-century gardens. Home to the renowned Woolavington Collection of sporting art, the estate blends historic architecture with tranquil formal and wild gardens. Visitors can explore elegant interiors, sculpted parterres, and peaceful woodland streams in a quintessential English countryside setting.
Mon 14:00–17:30 · Thu 14:00–17:30Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Village Antique Market
Village Antique Market in Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire, is a charming traditional antiques centre offering a vast range of antique furniture, glassware, ceramics, and collectibles. Housed in a historic setting, it provides a fascinating browsing experience across multiple rooms filled with unique pieces. Open daily except Thursday, it attracts antique enthusiasts seeking quality finds and friendly service in a quaint village atmosphere.
Mon–Wed 10:30–16:30 · Fri–Sun 10:30–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Piddington Roman Villa Museum
The Piddington Roman Villa Museum in Northamptonshire offers a unique glimpse into Roman-era life through artifacts and ongoing excavation displays. Housed in a former Wesleyan Chapel, it showcases finds from a large Roman villa and surrounding Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon settlements. Open Sundays and select Wednesdays, the museum provides educational exhibits, a detailed villa model, and interactive presentations that bring the ancient site to life.
Sun 14:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
Wing Maze
Wing Maze is a rare, ancient turf labyrinth located on the edge of the village of Wing in Rutland, England. Measuring approximately 14 meters in diameter, this unicursal labyrinth follows the classical 'Chartres' pattern and is one of only eight surviving turf mazes in the country. Likely dating back to the medieval period, the maze is steeped in history and legend, once used for spiritual penance and community festivities.
Mon–Thu 9:00–17:00 · Fri 9:00–16:30Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
0 Market Sq
Northampton Market Square, one of Britain’s largest and oldest market squares, has been the vibrant commercial and social heart of Northampton since 1235. This historic open space hosts a variety of market stalls offering fresh produce, household goods, and local crafts, surrounded by a blend of 19th-century architecture and modern retail hubs. Recently revitalized, the square features elegant paving, permanent market stalls, seating, and a water feature celebrating the town’s shoemaking heritage.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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