10 Quality Northamptonshire experiences (for free) this Winter

We know times are tough at the moment, and getting out and about and immersed in local days out and experiences is a real tonic.
Here’s a round-up of our top ten quality experiences for the winter weeks where entrance or participation is free.

Northampton Bike Park

A former golf course in Northampton has been brilliantly transformed into a new award-winning 40-acre specialist mountain bike park, welcoming cyclists from Northamptonshire and beyond. The park has a range of trails and tracks for everyone; whether families beginning cycling adventures on balance bikes, or skilled mountain bikers, and everything in between.

https://northamptonbikepark.org/

Treewilder at Barnwell Country Park.

An exhibition of sculptures and video work set in Barnwell Country Park aims to encourage visitors to explore the woodland space throughout autumn and winter. Brought to you by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art and guest curated by Angela Kingston, the exhibition features work by Denise de Cordova, Delaine Le Bas, Kim L Pace, Jennet Thomas, Danny Treacy, and Johannes Zits. Parking from £3.20.

https://fermynwoods.org/treewilder/

Wellness Walks, Saints Coffee

Meet at 11am on Sunday mornings for fortnightly men’s or women’s wellness walks starting at Saints Coffee on St Giles Street in Northampton. All welcome to join.

https://www.saintscoffee.co.uk/

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

Home to the world’s largest shoe collection, this wonderful space has been recently redeveloped and now offers a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, events and activities – there is always something new to see or do here.

https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/

Delapre Abbey

A popular family day out, the grade II* listed historic Delapré Abbey is set within 550 acres of parkland. The open spaces of the south lawn and the fabulous trees and trails through the outer gardens are ideal spaces for children to run around, play and explore this winter. And keep an eye out for new wellness initiatives, free to book on select days, and their busy winter events programme (charges apply).

https://delapreabbey.org/

Wicksteed Park

Beautifully maintained with a nostalgic feel, Wicksteed Park is Grade II listed. Winter wanders in the extensive grounds free of charge, all day parking £6.

https://wicksteedpark.org/

Stoke Bruerne

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.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/stoke-bruerne

Chester House Estate

Award winning, nationally significant site demonstrating 10,000 years of heritage, open daily. Entrance, museum, children’s play area and car parking all free of charge.

Charges apply only for special events.

https://chesterhouseestate.org/

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 all year round. Pay only for parking, £4.50 all day.

https://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/

Barnwell Country Park

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.

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