Northamptonshire Tourist Guide - Articles
Visiting Northamptonshire
Whatever your reason for Visiting Northamptonshire, you will not be disappointed. Visitors who return time and again will endorse the fact that Northamptonshire is a top UK travel destination, for business, pleasure or, indeed for a winning combination of all of these for all the family.
So, why is it that so many generic UK travel guides, with their usual tourist tick-lists and recommended itineraries, seem to skim over what this all-encompassing county in the heart of rural England has to offer? Now, those who have done their research will know that, in terms of visitor potential, Northamptonshire certainly has the capacity to ‘please all of the people, all of the time’; it’s time to set the record straight.
Accessibility: Northamptonshire’s central location in the south east Midlands makes it quick to get to from most places in Britain, with convenient road links including the M1, M45, M6, and M40 all making travel to Northamptonshire particularly hassle-free. In addition, the county is also serviced by no less than six international airports, all conveniently situated within a 90-mile radius and most within an hour’s drive of the heart of Northamptonshire. So, wherever you are based in Britain or beyond, getting to Northamptonshire rarely poses a problem. Travel in and around the county is also easy by train, car, or even bicycle.
Diversity: Northamptonshire is a county of intriguing contrasts: a hub, in many ways, of 21st century industrial, technological and commercial development, set against a surprisingly unspoilt and characterful rural backdrop.
Top UK Attractions: Where do you start, with so many world-class attractions strewn across the county just vying for your attention? From Althorp, home of the Spencer family and site of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial and other monuments of historical interest, to more contemporary attractions, adventure parks or an exhilarating day out at Silverstone; you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Favourite Family Days Out: Cram-packed with possibilities for great days out, Northamptonshire has something to suit all ages and interests, from historic landmarks, stately homes, glorious gardens and delightful country parks to top notch leisure facilities and even water sports (despite its inland location) including boating on the canals and fishing in the rivers and reservoirs. Or, if all that sounds too energetic, why not while away the time in one of the many cosy, country pubs dotted throughout the county?
Cultural Heritage: Northamptonshire is famous for its exquisite church spires and for its abundance of historic buildings including Boughton House, an imposing 17th century edifice; Rushton Triangular Lodge, a fascinating folly built by Sir Thomas Tresham in the late sixteenth century; and Rockingham Castle which dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.
Rural Delights: Often overlooked by visitors in search of the great outdoors, Northamptonshire, nevertheless, boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. Northamptonshire is indeed a hidden rural gem; tranquil, countryside hideaways, picturesque, stone-built villages, swathes of green pasture and woodland, peaceful canals, bridle paths, rambling routes and cycle ways that would appeal to visitors in search of that outdoor, rural idyll.
Short Break Hotspot: Several factors make Northamptonshire a favourite short break destination: easy and quick to get to and so much to see and do when you get there! And the good news is that the county’s hospitality and tourist industries are really geared up to providing the perfect short break. The historic market town of Northampton (shopping opportunities and leisure facilities, not to mention historic interest) or Kettering (great tourist and leisure facilities) both make excellent bases for exploring Northamptonshire.
Convenient Conference Centres: Northamptonshire has some of the finest conference facilities in the UK. In today’s time-starved world of global commerce, it is easy to see why Northamptonshire’s strategic location and unrivalled conference facilities, with quality venues, are attracting business clientele not only from across Britain, but from Europe and beyond. It’s a case of supply and demand.
Accommodation: Northamptonshire has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all preferences and budgets, from luxury and business-oriented hotels to family-run guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, small countryside inn-style accommodation and some superb campsites.
Cosmopolitan Cuisine: Northamptonshire’s culinary scene is recognised for its cutting edge international cuisine, its trendy eateries with a cosmopolitan feel. Proximity to London, Birmingham and other major cities has undoubtedly played its part. But, Northamptonshire is also renowned for its more traditional, rural restaurants and not least for its exceptional pub grub.
By Road: Northamptonshire is served by a network of roadways: M1 links with London and Leeds; M40 links with London and Birmingham, M6 and M45 links with all points west; A5 links Milton Keynes with Warwickshire; A6 links Luton with Leicester; A14 links Cambridge with Birmingham; the A43 links Oxford with Stamford; the A45 with Coventry; the A428 with Bedfordshire; the A508 links Milton Keynes with Market Harborough.
By Rail: Both Silverlink (from Northampton) and Mainline (from Northampton, Wellingborough and Kettering) run frequent services to major UK cities including London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester, etc.
By Air: Northamptonshire has excellent air links with Europe and worldwide, with easy access via Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, East Midlands and Coventry airports.
By Sea: Despite its inland location, Northamptonshire has good transport links with the main UK ports of Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Harwich and Felixstowe.
Northampton was once considered the shoemaking ‘capital’ of the Midlands.
Northamptonshire is known as the ‘County of Squires and Spires’.
Boughton House, home of the Duke of Buccleuch, is also known as ‘England’s Versailles’.
Northampton: Northampton Visitor Centre, The Guildhall, St. Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE; Tel: 01604 838800; email: tic@northampton.gov.uk
Brackley: 2 Bridge Street, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7EP;
Tel: 01280 700111; email: tic@southnorthants.gov.uk
Corby: The Willows Art Centre, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QB;
Tel: 01536 407507; email: tic@corby.gov.uk
Kettering: Coach House, Sheep Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 0AN; Tel: 01536 410266; email: tic@kettering.gov.uk
Oundle: 14 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4EF; Tel: 01832 274333; email: oundletic@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk
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So, why is it that so many generic UK travel guides, with their usual tourist tick-lists and recommended itineraries, seem to skim over what this all-encompassing county in the heart of rural England has to offer? Now, those who have done their research will know that, in terms of visitor potential, Northamptonshire certainly has the capacity to ‘please all of the people, all of the time’; it’s time to set the record straight.
Ten Good Reasons for Visiting Northamptonshire
Accessibility: Northamptonshire’s central location in the south east Midlands makes it quick to get to from most places in Britain, with convenient road links including the M1, M45, M6, and M40 all making travel to Northamptonshire particularly hassle-free. In addition, the county is also serviced by no less than six international airports, all conveniently situated within a 90-mile radius and most within an hour’s drive of the heart of Northamptonshire. So, wherever you are based in Britain or beyond, getting to Northamptonshire rarely poses a problem. Travel in and around the county is also easy by train, car, or even bicycle.
Diversity: Northamptonshire is a county of intriguing contrasts: a hub, in many ways, of 21st century industrial, technological and commercial development, set against a surprisingly unspoilt and characterful rural backdrop.
Top UK Attractions: Where do you start, with so many world-class attractions strewn across the county just vying for your attention? From Althorp, home of the Spencer family and site of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial and other monuments of historical interest, to more contemporary attractions, adventure parks or an exhilarating day out at Silverstone; you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Favourite Family Days Out: Cram-packed with possibilities for great days out, Northamptonshire has something to suit all ages and interests, from historic landmarks, stately homes, glorious gardens and delightful country parks to top notch leisure facilities and even water sports (despite its inland location) including boating on the canals and fishing in the rivers and reservoirs. Or, if all that sounds too energetic, why not while away the time in one of the many cosy, country pubs dotted throughout the county?
Cultural Heritage: Northamptonshire is famous for its exquisite church spires and for its abundance of historic buildings including Boughton House, an imposing 17th century edifice; Rushton Triangular Lodge, a fascinating folly built by Sir Thomas Tresham in the late sixteenth century; and Rockingham Castle which dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.
Rural Delights: Often overlooked by visitors in search of the great outdoors, Northamptonshire, nevertheless, boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. Northamptonshire is indeed a hidden rural gem; tranquil, countryside hideaways, picturesque, stone-built villages, swathes of green pasture and woodland, peaceful canals, bridle paths, rambling routes and cycle ways that would appeal to visitors in search of that outdoor, rural idyll.
Short Break Hotspot: Several factors make Northamptonshire a favourite short break destination: easy and quick to get to and so much to see and do when you get there! And the good news is that the county’s hospitality and tourist industries are really geared up to providing the perfect short break. The historic market town of Northampton (shopping opportunities and leisure facilities, not to mention historic interest) or Kettering (great tourist and leisure facilities) both make excellent bases for exploring Northamptonshire.
Convenient Conference Centres: Northamptonshire has some of the finest conference facilities in the UK. In today’s time-starved world of global commerce, it is easy to see why Northamptonshire’s strategic location and unrivalled conference facilities, with quality venues, are attracting business clientele not only from across Britain, but from Europe and beyond. It’s a case of supply and demand.
Accommodation: Northamptonshire has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all preferences and budgets, from luxury and business-oriented hotels to family-run guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, small countryside inn-style accommodation and some superb campsites.
Cosmopolitan Cuisine: Northamptonshire’s culinary scene is recognised for its cutting edge international cuisine, its trendy eateries with a cosmopolitan feel. Proximity to London, Birmingham and other major cities has undoubtedly played its part. But, Northamptonshire is also renowned for its more traditional, rural restaurants and not least for its exceptional pub grub.
Visiting Northamptonshire: Directions
By Road: Northamptonshire is served by a network of roadways: M1 links with London and Leeds; M40 links with London and Birmingham, M6 and M45 links with all points west; A5 links Milton Keynes with Warwickshire; A6 links Luton with Leicester; A14 links Cambridge with Birmingham; the A43 links Oxford with Stamford; the A45 with Coventry; the A428 with Bedfordshire; the A508 links Milton Keynes with Market Harborough.
By Rail: Both Silverlink (from Northampton) and Mainline (from Northampton, Wellingborough and Kettering) run frequent services to major UK cities including London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester, etc.
By Air: Northamptonshire has excellent air links with Europe and worldwide, with easy access via Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, East Midlands and Coventry airports.
By Sea: Despite its inland location, Northamptonshire has good transport links with the main UK ports of Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Harwich and Felixstowe.
Did you know that …
Northampton was once considered the shoemaking ‘capital’ of the Midlands.
Northamptonshire is known as the ‘County of Squires and Spires’.
Boughton House, home of the Duke of Buccleuch, is also known as ‘England’s Versailles’.
Northamptonshire Tourist Information Centres (TICs)
Northampton: Northampton Visitor Centre, The Guildhall, St. Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE; Tel: 01604 838800; email: tic@northampton.gov.uk
Brackley: 2 Bridge Street, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7EP;
Tel: 01280 700111; email: tic@southnorthants.gov.uk
Corby: The Willows Art Centre, George Street, Corby, NN17 1QB;
Tel: 01536 407507; email: tic@corby.gov.uk
Kettering: Coach House, Sheep Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 0AN; Tel: 01536 410266; email: tic@kettering.gov.uk
Oundle: 14 West Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4EF; Tel: 01832 274333; email: oundletic@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk
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