Well we all know how great Northamptonshire is and on the weekend of 14/15/16 July, Silverstone Circuit faces the glare of  global media as the Grand Prix circus rolls into town. And when we say Silverstone, we actually mean that the whole county will be buzzing, particularly toward the west, near Potterspury, Towcester and Brackley – three hot beds of recent Muddy Awards winners. There are lots of fantastic things to do in the county, many featured by those good folks at Britain’s Best Surprise, but here’s a top up from Muddy Northants to make sure visitors and residents get the most out of a brilliant weekend in our calendar.

The British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit, 14/15/16 July

It’s the main event.  F1™ drivers call the Formula 1 Rolex British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone circuit ‘insanely fast’ (yup, I’ve been round it in a Ferrari, check out my wheels here). Put simply it’s one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Throw in a great weekend-long party and the race is on. The British Grand Prix’s not just fast cars baby, there’s also a weekend of concerts lined up for fans. Sara Cox will be headlining Friday night entertainment as she presents ‘Just Can’t Get Enough 80s’ DJ Set. Then Reef & The Hoosiers will be headlining the Saturday night concert and the RPJ Band will be playing at the British Grand Prix After Party on Sunday! All of the concerts are included on the days you have purchased tickets for, so make sure to stick around in the evening (and get someone else to drive home)!

Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN

Take a chill pill at Grafton Spa, Potterspury

Grafton Spa at Potterspury – Muddy Award Winners for best Northants Spa in both 2016 and 2017- these guys are good. They’re in the fabulous little shopping emporium of Wakefield Court, where you’ll also find ARTea and another Muddy Award winner Vitreus Art (more lovely people). It’s a cute salon when you walk in. Definitely not one of those overly, feng shui’d salons, all chrome and steel minimalism. It has a nice, buzzy feel; lots of products and things going on. It’s a relatively small building, but when you walk through the back, the owner has knocked through to the other unit, and created a beautiful, almost Tardis like sized space.  Currently the Spa team, are offering a Summer Delights package for £99 a person. It includes 4 hours in the spa, a delicious smoothie on arrival and three relaxing treatments which include:

Grafton Spa and Wellness, Wakefield Court Yard, 5 Wakefield Lodge Estate, Potterspury, Towcester NN12 7QX

Fine Dining at The Folly Inn and 185 Watling street (Towcester)

It’s a real perk of the job being able to visit some great Northamptonshire pubs and restaurants with my Muddy hat on. Recently we’ve been fortunate enough to visit both The Folly Inn and 185 Watling Street, both situated in Towcester, only 5 miles from the Silverstone Circuit and both offreing some great food.

Check out our reviews and see if they tickles your taste buds. Book ahead – it’s going to be busy.

The Folly Inn, London Road, Towcester, 01327 354031

185 Watling Street, Towcester, 01327 317 177

Visit the theatre: Great Expectations, Royal & Derngate, 7.45pm 14/15 July

A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict forever changes the life of the orphaned Pip. Turning his back on his humble beginning as a blacksmith’s apprentice, he strives to better himself and become a gentleman, unaware of the heartache that awaits him. Great Expectations lays bare the web of lies and guilt in Charles Dickens’ least sentimental love story. It also tackles big questions of identity while mustering a cast of unforgettable characters, chief amongst them Miss Havisham, Magwitch and Joe Gargery. Directed by Erica Martin, The Actors Company invite you to immerse yourself in this classic, and discover one of Dickens’s most loved stories.

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP

Botanical Treasures,  The Rennie Macintosh House, 78 Derngate until 15 July

78 Derngate is an award-winning historic house in the heart of Northampton. Famously remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, it is the only house designed by him in England (it really is very cool and definitely worth a visit). the 15th is the last weekend of their Botanical Treasures’ exhibition of original botanical watercolours painted by members of the Northamptonshire Botanical Artists’ Society (NBAS). The group is made up of local artists drawn together by their love of plants and painting. 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday, admission to the exhibition is free.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House, 78 Derngate, Northampton,  NN1 1UH