Plan your UK Break
Go Northamptonshire!
Avoid the crowds & follow us for staycation inspiration this autumn. Award-winning & family friendly places to visit, stay & eat. Glorious unspoilt England, just one hour from London.
A Day to Remember
Meet in the Middle. Days Out for Under £10.
Go Northamptonshire! We’re having a post-lockdown moment. Family and friend groups are avoiding the crowds & heading inland for great value days out in one of England’s most glorious unspoilt destinations. You too can get away from it all & discover acres of green space & affordable, family-friendly places to stay. Just one hour from London, Birmingham, Oxford & Cambridge; why not meet in the middle this Autumn?
Visit Northamptonshire
Our bloggers have the inside track on what's hot this Autumn
Mo Dee at West Lodge Rural Centre recommends...
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.
Mo Dee
Northamptonshire
John Griff, BBC Radio Northampton recommends...
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.
John Griff
Northamptonshire
Harry Tucker, Marketing Manager at Adrenaline Alley recommends...
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.
Harry Tucker
Northamptonshire
Louise Hannam-Jones, Curator, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery recommends...
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.
Louise Hannam-Jones
Northamptonshire
Laura Malpas, Canons Ashby Volunteer recommends...
The iconic Northants experience has to be Silverstone, & the wonderful Silverstone Interactive Museum. I would start my Northamptonshire day with a visit to the museum, where you get amazing stories of technological advances & if there’s testing, you get to watch the speeding motors go round the test track. After a pitstop here, I would drive through the utterly beautiful countryside to Fawsley Hall, & have lunch or afternoon tea sitting in the stunning Elizabethan Great Hall. Fabulous ‘treat’ food in wonderful family friendly surroundings. Under 3s stay free here & children from 4 to 11 years receive complimentary bed & breakfast. Contact us for more info.
Laura Malpas
Northamptonshire
Jack Pishorn, Chester House Estate Manager recommends…
If you’re traveling with older children, for a real treat, stay at the recently reopened Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby, go wild swimming in the morning, then take a leisurely paddle on the Nene before heading over to Fotheringhay for the fabulous ‘Off with her Head’ walk. Incorporating Mary Queen of Scots’ execution, Richard III birth place, a lantern church, & the graves of 2 Yorks, its also a stunning stretch of the Nene, passing through the Elton estate, two magnificent water mills, & two very good pubs. From October, you can also include a stop at Chester House Estate. Contact us for more info.
Jack Pishorn
Northamptonshire
Our Accommodation Top picks
Head inland for space to breathe. Reconnect with family & friends at our child friendly hotels, B&Bs, camping & glamping sites.
All with availability for summer and autumn stays.
A cracking new boutique B&B just off the A43 in the village of Evenley, with excellent access to the motorway network. Lots of style, gorgeous comfortable rooms, plenty of off-road...
An unforgettable sleepover in a medieval church. Church camping, or ‘Champing’ began from the quiet village of Aldwincle, one of Northamptonshire’s hidden gems. Aldwincle...
A family owned camping and glamping site in the heart of rural Northamptonshire, just a short drive from Northampton and Wellingborough.
Surrounded by nature and with glorious countryside...
Located in the pretty village of Brigstock, is this one of Northamptonshire’s best kept secrets? The Swallow's Rest offers stylish and comfortable accommodation at a very reasonable...
White Mills Marina, which recently won the prestigious title of Inland Marina of the Year, has established itself as an essential stopping off point for visitors to the River Nene, with...
'Easy to find but difficult to leave' is the mantra here, so why not see for yourself, with a glamping staycation in one of four luxury and individually themed yurts on a working farm in...
The Bragborough Hall Estate comprises three period holiday lets renovated to the highest standard and owned and run by the Phipps Family. Take in magnificent countryside views, enjoy walks...
These four wonderful cottages and apartments are well equipped, spacious and comfortable. Self-catering home from homes. We offer all lengths of stay, you may book just one or any combination...
Castle Farm campsite sits on the banks of the River Nene, surrounded by quiet farmland. The undulating field sweeps down to a peaceful bend in the river which is an idyllic spot for wild...
The Talbot boasts a long and rich history, with its origins dating from 638 AD when a group of monks, in order to give food, drink and shelter to pilgrims and travellers, established a...
Glamping in a luxurious stargazer bell tent in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside - sound good? Then why not book a break at Stargaze Glamping. We invite you to glamp in our stunning...
A luxury retreat, a historic filming location, a backdrop to a glorious photoshoot? Yes! For families with over 16s this is also a piece of British history, and a window into a bygone age...
Signature Experiences
Our Must do's. Only in Northamptonshire.
Since its first event in 1948 Silverstone has become one of the world’s most famous motorsport venues, holding a race meeting almost every weekend of the year from February to November...
Set out over 120,000 SQ FT, this is a dreamland for BMX, MTB, scooter, skateboard, and inline enthusiasts. The size has allowed for numerous different zones playing to all styles and abilities...
Join the grid for a thrilling adventure at The Silverstone Interactive Museum. The brilliant new museum takes you on a journey through the stars, stories and science of British motor sport...
Once Elizabethan England’s largest and most glittering house, Holdenby subsequently became the Palace and then the prison of King Charles I. Today the house incorporates a wing of...
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery cares for the largest collection of objects charting the history of shoes in the world.
The collection is designated as being...
This beautiful 10 acre garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, originally laid out in 1925 by the grandparents of the present owner....
William the Conqueror ordered a motte and bailey Castle to be built at Rockingham around 1070. The Castle has welcomed many Kings and Queens including Richard the Lionheart, King John and...
Fun, fun, fun. Created in the 1930s Wicksteed Park is a Grade II English Heritage listed park and garden, offering a premium adventure experience and camping.
Set within 147 acres of...
Sulgrave Manor, the Ancestral Home of George Washington, stands for a legacy of friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Tudor manor contains the largest collection...
Santa Pod Raceway is the UK’s most action packed venue and provides fantastic family days out in the heart of England. Located on the Northamptonshire/Bedfordshire border, its...
The Spencer family and Althorp are synonymous. John Spencer, whose fortune came from sheep farming on a prodigious scale, built the house in 1508. In that century, the ancestors of...
Browse all Breaks...
Evenley Wood Garden
A beautiful, 60-acre privately owned woodland set in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley. Adults - £7, children aged 4 to 16 - £1.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Home to the world's largest shoe collection and Northampton’s flagship museum, reopened in July 2021 after an extensive £6.7 million expansion. Free to enter although donations are welcome.
Stanwick Lakes
750-acre countryside attraction in the beautiful Nene Valley. Imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore. Pay only for parking, £3.80 all day in September, October and November.
West Lodge Farm Park
Award-winning farm park offering hands-on experiences of farm and country life. The farm has a huge timber play adventure barn, and all of the animal activities take place undercover. Adults and children - from £3, toddlers - £2.
Wicksteed Park
Fun, fun, fun! Beautifully maintained with a nostalgic feel, Wicksteed Park is Grade II listed with a host of free attractions and a large children’s playground. Individual tickets for the rollercoasters and rides are £2.50 each. All day parking - £6.
Stoke Bruerne Canal walk and Canal Museum
Housed in a historic corn mill, the country’s first canal museum highlights the history of Britain's canals. It offers a fascinating insight into a rich waterway heritage and the Grand Union Canal. Admission is free. Car parking £3 for up to four hours.
Delapré Abbey
Just a mile from Northampton town centre, experience tales of the Abbey told across five storytelling zones. Entry to the extensive grounds and shop are free of charge, access to the Abbey is £8 for adults, and free for under 18s. Parking is free.
Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve
Water, meadows, wet woodland, reed beds and a visitor centre. Home to species including kingfishers, dragonflies, grass snakes and otters, and destination for thousands of migratory birds each year. Admission and parking are free.
Barnwell Country Park, Oundle and Oundle Museum
A great, free day out. 37 acres of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore, close to the historic market town of Oundle, where you can admire beautiful stone-built architecture dating back more than 300 years and visit the award-winning museum.
Castle Ashby Gardens
The ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton. Wander through its gardens, and you are taking a walk-through history. Reduced entrance prices November onwards; Adults - £3.36, children aged 5 to 16 - £1.26, toddlers under 4 – free.
Rockingham Castle
Amazing Norman Castle near Corby. The Castle has welcomed many Kings and Queens including Richard the Lionheart, King John and Edward I. Their lasting influence can still be seen in many parts of the Castle and grounds today.
78 Derngate
78 Derngate is the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh still containing its original interiors. It is now a multi award-winning visitor attraction offering an unforgettable day out in Northampton's cultural quarter.
Adrenaline Alley
Adrenaline Alley in Corby is Europe's largest urban sports venue. Online bookings only this summer and save over 40% on Tuesdays in August.
Althorp
Showcasing one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics, each intriguing room of this magnificent family home has a fascinating story of its own.
Coton Manor Gardens
Voted the nation's favourite, the beautiful ten acre garden at Coton Manor occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone.
Holdenby House (& falconry)
Falconry has been practised at Holdenby since King James I owned this glorious house and grounds. This summer, the exciting addition of visiting Icarus Falconry’s magnificent resident birds of prey is offered as part of your visit.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Home to the world's largest shoe collection, Northamptonshire's flagship museum, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery reopened in July 2021 after an extensive £6.7 million expansion.
Santa Pod Raceway
Home to the FIA European Drag Racing, Santa Pod Raceway is the fastest & loudest motorsport circuit in the UK. 80 annual events including several this summer still with ticket availability.
Silverstone Circuit
The ultimate driving experience. Drive on the tyre marks of legends at the UK's only Formula 1 circuit and the home of motorsport, Silverstone UK.
Silverstone Interactive Museum
Step up to the grid for a thrilling adventure at The Silverstone Interactive Museum. This brilliant new museum takes you on a journey through the stars, stories and science of British motorsport.
Barton Hall
Bay Tree Cottage
Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
Bragborough Hall
Brook Farm Cottage
BW Rockingham Forest Hotel
Camping at Wicksteed Park
Castle Farm House B&B
Castle Farm, Fotheringhay
Catanger Llamas
Champing, Aldwincle
Church Farm Lodge, Harrington
Country Bumpkin Yurts
Fawsley Hall
Flore House
Grendon Lakes
Hampton by Hilton, Corby
Holiday Inn
Hunt House Quarters
Jubilee Barn Glamping
Kettering Park Hotel
Laundimer House B&B
Lily Pad Cottages
Love2Yurt
Lower Farm B&B
Marriott, Northampton
New Lodge Farm
Olde Coach House, Ashby St Ledgers
Park Inn, Northampton
Premier Inn
Rushton Hall
Sedgebrook Hall
Spanhoe Lodge
Stanford Hall Caravan Park
Stargaze Glamping, Harpole
Swallow's Barn, Corby
Swallow’s Rest B&B
The Aviator Hotel
The Barn, Orlingbury (self catering)
The Cabin, Flore
The Falcon, Castle Ashby
The Hilton, Northampton
The Horseshoes B&B
The Old Post House, Naseby
The Old Vicarage, Evenley
The Old Vicarage, Flore
The Pytchley Inn
The Sunley Hotel
The Talbot Hotel, Oundle
Walnut Tree Inn
White Mills Marina
Whittlebury Hall
Rockingham Castle
Abington Park Museum
Adrenaline Alley
Brampton Valley Way
Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
Canoe 2
Canons Ashby
Castle Ashby Gardens
Castle Ashby Deli
Catanger Llamas
Corby Heritage Centre
Core at Corby Cube
Coton Manor Gardens
Country Parks
Daventry Museum
Delapre Abbey
Evenley Wood Gardens
Fineshade Wood
Harrington Aviation Museum
Holdenby House (& falconry)
Irchester Railway Museum
Jeyes at Earls Barton
Kirby Hall
Lighthouse Theatre
Nene Wetlands
Northampton & Lamport Railway
Northampton Active
Northampton Filmhouse
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Oundle Museum
Riverside Hub
Royal & Derngate
Rushden Museum
Rushden Transport Museum
Rushden Lakes
Salcey Forest
Silverstone Interactive Museum
Stanwick Lakes
Sywell Aviation Museum
Towcester Museum
Wellingborough Museum
West Lodge Rural Farm Park
Wicksteed Park
XtremeWake at Grendon Lakes
Rockingham Castle
Amazing Norman Castle near Corby. The Castle has welcomed many Kings and Queens including Richard the Lionheart, King John and Edward I. Their lasting influence can still be seen in many parts of the Castle and grounds today.
Canons Ashby
Canons Ashby was rescued by the National Trust and is one of the county’s most visited attractions. Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710.
Castle Ashby Gardens
Castle Ashby is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton. Wander through its gardens, open every day & warmly welcoming to families, and you are taking a walk through history.
Coton Manor Gardens
Voted the nation's favourite, the beautiful ten acre garden at Coton Manor occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone.
Cottesbrooke Estate
The renowned gardens (13 acres) are of great variety with many specimen trees. In the tranquil Wild Garden, meandering around a stream, enjoy wild flowers, specimen acers, bamboos and gunneras. The more formal gardens are a series of individually planted ‘rooms’.
Delapre Abbey
In the early middle ages, Northampton with its Castle was a centre of royal government and as such attracted significant buildings, one of which was Delapré Abbey, founded by Simon de Senlis around 1125.
Holdenby House (& falconry)
Falconry has been practised at Holdenby since King James I owned this glorious house and grounds. This summer, the exciting addition of visiting Icarus Falconry’s magnificent resident birds of prey is offered as part of your visit.
Kirby Hall
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. The peacocks that live at Kirby Hall and roam freely around the gardens.
Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave Manor, the Ancestral Home of George Washington, stands for a legacy of friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.The Tudor manor contains the largest collection of George Washington memorabilia in the UK.
The Prebendal Manor
Over eight hundred years old and with a huge history dating back to the Viking period, Prebendal Manor is a grade I listed Manor House in Nassington offering a fascinating insight into Medieval England.
Brampton Valley Way
This high quality family friendly 14 mile walking and cycling route is built on the former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway; one of the longest dismantled railway paths in the country.
Canoe 2
Much-loved "paddle-out-n-back” canoe and kayak hire on the beautiful River Nene from the Boathouse at Rushden Lakes.
Catanger Llamas
A llama breeding farm with a trekking centre, Catanger Llamas is in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, close to idyllic unspoilt villages and blissfully quiet.
Delapre Abbey
In the early middle ages, Northampton with its Castle was a centre of royal government and as such attracted significant buildings, one of which was Delapré Abbey, founded by Simon de Senlis around 1125.
Evenley Wood Gardens
Beautiful, 60-acre privately owned woodland set in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley. Large and notable collection of plants. Don’t miss refreshments from Uncle Geordie’s Shed & yoga in the woods on Sundays.
Fineshade Wood
A popular family visitor attraction in the heart of the Rockingham Forest. With two great play areas and a whole wood to explore, families can play, picnic, walk or cycle, absorb the views and then recharge their batteries at the café.
Nene Wetlands
Visit the wonderful Nene Wetlands nature reserve - as seen on BBC Countryfile - a one square mile of wild and man-made habitats rich in wildlife. Then pop to the new visitor centre, a low-lying, grass-roofed building on the edge of Skew Bridge Lake.
Northamptonshire Walks
Join group walks and enjoy the company fellow walkers in our gorgeous, unspoilt county. The beauty of the Cotswolds doesn’t stop at the borders with Northamptonshire.
Stanwick Lakes
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre countryside attraction and nature reserve in the heart of Northamptonshire's beautiful Nene Valley, widely considered to be one of the region's most imaginative outdoor activity destinations.
Adrenaline Alley
Adrenaline Alley in Corby is Europe's largest urban sports venue. Online bookings only this summer and save over 40% on Tuesdays in August.
Northampton Active
Splashing around on the Nene near Northampton. Whitewater, flatwater and dry land experiences. Parent & tot sessions outside of the main school holidays.
Pinnacle Climbing Centre
The Pinnacle sets the standard for climbing centres offering an excellent selection of routes on 60 lines ranging from beginner friendly to pro-challenging. The centre also boasts a dedicated bouldering room and a newly built group climbing room.
Silverstone Circuit
The ultimate driving experience. Drive on the tyre marks of legends at the UK's only Formula 1 circuit and the home of motorsport, Silverstone UK.
Silverstone Interactive Museum
Step up to the grid for a thrilling adventure at The Silverstone Interactive Museum. This brilliant new museum takes you on a journey through the stars, stories and science of British motorsport.
XtremeWake at Grendon Lakes
Aquapark, wakeboarding & paddle boarding at Grendon Lakes. Grendon Lakes itself is situated in 150 acres of stunning Northamptonshire countryside, between Wellingborough and Northampton.
Apothocoffee Shop, Earls Barton
Brackley Central, Brackley
Bread & Pullet, Northampton
Italian Market Kitchen, Rothwell
Nuovo, Northampton
Oren Pho, Northampton
Pastures Poultry Farm & Café
Saffron, Northampton
Saracen's Head, Brington
Tap & kitchen, Oundle
Ten Hands Café Bar, Towcester
The Four Pears, Little Houghton
The Falcon, Castle Ashby
The Griffin's Head, Mears Ashby
The Hopping Hare, Northampton
The Lamplighter, Northampton
The Palmichael, Burton Latimer
The Plough, Shutlanger
The Red Lion, Cranford
The Red Lion, Culworth
The Red Lion, East Haddon
The Red Lion, Thornby
The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth
The Watermill Tearooms, Ringstead
The White Horse, Kings Sutton
The Willow and Brook, Apethorpe
Tollemarche Arms, Harrington
Truva Charcoal Bar & Grill, Towcester
Vegan House Café, Rushden
Voujon, Long Buckby
Featured events
World Conker Championships
Halloween All Nighter at Adrenaline Alley
Flame & Thunder, Santa Pod
Gin & Rum Festival
The Hows Shal Be preserved, Rockingham Castle
The Nature Olympics, Stanwick Lakes
Wicksteed at War
Nene Valley Festival
Events in September
Thenford Arboretum, Summer Open Days
Good Food & Drink Festival, Kettering Park Hotel
Northampton Music Festival
Dog Fest, Evenley Wood Garden
Heritage Family Fun Day, Rushden Lakes
An Evening of Abba, the County Ground
Any Suggestions Doctor? Dr Who Parody
Arabella Weir: Does My Mum Loom Big In This?
Bus Rally, Wellingborough Museum
Nene Valley Festival
Northants Open Studios
Heritage Family Fun Day
Paint & Sketch Nature
Russell Brand at 33
Slowthai at the Roadmender
60 Miles by Road or Rail
Shrek the Musical
Rockingham Castle Artisan Market
Farmers Market, Daventry
Where to Stand in the Wind
Events in October
Ghost Hunt by Torchlight
GTI Festival, Santa Pod
Bright. Young. Things.
Blancmange at the Roadmender
Good to Bee Green at Delapre
Delapre Spooktacular
Halloween Films in the Cellar
The Phone Box Gallery, Fermynwoods Contemporary Art
Time To virtual gallery, Made With Many
Connecting Corby virtual gallery, Made With Many
Victorian Leisure, Daventry Museum
Oktoberfest at Wicksteed Park
Halloween All-nighter
Run Silverstone
The Big Nineties Festival
Visceral Images, Oundle
OCTOBERFEST at Newbottle
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