Plan your UK Break
Go Northamptonshire!

A drive through the Welland Valley and villages of Rockingham, Gretton and Harrington will not only give you views of unspoiled landscapes and picture perfect villages, but also takes you underneath the spectacular Harrington Viaduct, described as ‘one of the grandest and most perfect pieces of workmanship to be seen in the United Kingdom’. From there a trip to West Lodge Rural Centre in Desborough will offer families with young children a full day out. With animal petting sessions, sheep and piglet racing, adventure golf, pony rides, indoor and outdoor adventure play areas and tractor tours of the farm, there really is something for everyone. The children will be asleep by the time you leave the car park which gives you enough time to take another trip home via the Welland Valley to appreciate the amazing views at sunset. Contact us for more info.

There are wonderful discoveries about Northamptonshire to be made if you go looking. I was born in this county and am fascinated by the stories of the River Nene. A great way to spend some time is to walk along the Greenway, taking in the Nene's riverbanks between Great Doddington or Chester House Estate (which opens in October) and on towards Stanwick Lakes. Do so, and you'll find landmark architecture, havens for wildlife, centres of activity and places to broaden your horizons - all within the space of a few of miles. Contact us for more info.

An action-packed day of riding BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards, mountain bikes and inline/quad skates at Adrenaline Alley. This action sports dreamland has so many different skatepark zones it works for all styles and abilities.. from complete novice to elite athlete.

With all ages welcome, it’s great to get the whole family involved, but if you prefer to leave the tricks to the kids, there are plenty of spectator platforms and quieter parent areas with free Wi-Fi throughout. During your visit, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the on-site ‘DROP-IN DINER’. This has the authentic feel of a real American Diner and with healthy options and a vegan section of the menu, there is something for everyone.  As the majority of the facility is indoors, riding/skating can take place whatever the weather, making Adrenaline Alley an excellent choice for Autumnal weekends. Contact us for more info.

For a Northampton culture fix start at the beautifully restored 78 Derngate for a tour of England’s only Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed house. Designed in 1916 for renowned model engineer WJ Bassett-Lowke, the house still displays the incredible interiors and furniture that would have been enjoyed by Bassett-Lowke and his wife in the early 20th century. Next, head to the newly refurbished Northampton Museum & Art Gallery to discover an eclectic mix of collections, objects and film in the newly revamped exhibitions as well as some pioneering architecture celebrating the old gaol block buildings with the new glass-fronted extension to the museum. To reenergise, both historic sites have wonderful cafés, and there are more too on the nearby Market Square. Contact us for more info.