Northamptonshire Tourist Guide - Articles
Oundle
Oundle, one of the oldest market towns in England, is the most beautiful in the
County and is an ideal location on which to base a stay in Northamptonshire. Situated in the beautiful Nene river valley, Oundle sits on slightly raised ground in a meander of the River as it flows from Northampton to Peterborough. The approach to this picturesque ancient Town is fittingly over an arched stone bridge which crosses the watermeadows of the Nene. These meadows are not only a real haven for wildlife of many kinds but , Walking, Cycling, Horse Riding, Picnicking and Painting are all enjoyed together with the tranquillity and scenic beauty of the landscape.
Dating back to Saxon times and having a good strategic position to the River Nene and highways of the day, Oundle became a trading and marketplace for farmers and craftsmen. Eventually, as they prospered, the wealthier traders and merchants built shops and houses and so the beginnings of the town. To date, Oundle remains a traditional Market Town in every sense of the word and holds a general market every Tuesday and a farmers market on the second Saturday of each Month, allowing the opportunity to buy fresh local produce.
The centre of Oundle has a truly unspoilt beauty with some of its exceptional buildings having survived from the Medieval, Elizabethan and Stuart periods. Local jurassic limestone and colleyweston slate were mainly used in their construction and they remain buildings of historical and architectural interest.
Many of the ancient buildings around the Town Centre belong to the internationally renowned Oundle School, founded in 1556 by William Laxton, a local boy, who became Lord Major of London. The school continues to play a large part in the activities of the town, as do the pupils.
The graceful 13th century parish church of St Peter is considered to be the most beautiful in the Nene Valley, if not the Midlands. It contains many wonderful stained glass windows, a colourful 16th century pulpit and delicately carved wooden screens. It’s striking tower and spire, standing at over 200 feet high, makes it a landmark
for miles around. Other buildings of note are, The Town Hall, The Museum, Latham’s
Hospital, The 17th century Cobthorne and four pretty Almshouses.
No market Town would be complete without its Inns or Public Houses and Oundle has a number of such hostelries. Those remaining that were former coaching Inns are, The Ship, The Shuckburgh Arms and the oldest The Talbot Hotel. This was rebuilt in 1626, on the site of an original timber hostelry of 638AD. It is said to be haunted by the Ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, who in 1587, whilst imprisoned at nearby Fotheringhay Castle, walked down an Oak staircase to her execution. This staircase was later taken from the ruins of the castle and used in the rebuilding of the hotel. A warm welcome, pleasant accommodation, good food and Real Ales await any visitor to these Inns. Other ancient public houses in the Town are, The Rose & Crown, The George, The Angel and on the outskirts, Barnwell Mill.
Shopping in Oundle is a delight. The Town is well know in the area for its selection of quality independent specialist shops for clothes, shoes, gifts, delicatessen, picture framing, rare books, arts and crafts, antique shops, galleries, a saddlers and even a pottery, so, if you want to find something different, then Oundle is the likely place to find it. In addition, every day needs are also very well catered for in small, well stocked family run shops. There are also two small supermarkets.
Not forgetting the inner man, as well as the Inns and Public Houses already mentioned, there are tea shops, a trendy coffee shop and several good restaurants. Some of these can be found tucked away in pretty courtyards or alleyways, which adds to their atmosphere and charm. In addition, you will find a take-away or two in the main street.
Oundle has a thriving community spirit and offers a wide range of sporting and recreational activities to suit all ages and abilities. Spend some time at Oundle Marina, Barnwell Country Park or Stanwick Lakes in the heart of the Nene Valley National Park, where you can follow adventure trails and playgrounds, waterside walks, spend time Fishing, go Cycling or Cruise out from Oundle Marina to enjoy the tranquillity of the Nene and its Watermeadows, or if you are looking for a unique experience, then go to the Oundle Maize Maze.
There are also three festivals held throughout the Year in Oundle that encourage people in all aspects of the arts. In July, The International Festival, this is a jazz and classical music festival, culminating in an open air jazz concert and firework display. During the same week, The Horticultural Show takes place and The Oundle Artists Group Exhibition is held in the Yarrow Gallery. In March/April, The Festival of Music and Drama, a competitive festival, is held at Oundle School. Also in March, for any budding authors or poets, The Oundle Festival of Literature is held.
Any visitor to Oundle would miss out if they did not spend some time exploring
the unspoilt villages nearby, as each one has something unique to offer. For example, Ashton, a complete village, built in Tudor style, on the estate of Lord Rothschild for his estate workers, where, Every October, the World Conker Championship is held. Barnwell village, Country home to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, whose Manor House is the only Royal Mansion in the County. Nassington and Prebendal Manor. Lyveden and its New Bield, or Fotheringhay and its Castle Ruins, birthplace to Richard 111 and prison to and execution site of Mary Queen of Scots. These are all a must to visit.
Walking is another popular activity and most walks are well signposted. You can follow routes from, Aldwincle to Wadenhoe, Fotheringhay to Woodnewton, Nassington & Yarwell, along The Nene Way or The Lyveden Way to name but a few and of course, you could also explore Rockingham Forest. In all, there are 250 miles of walks to choose from in this area of Northamptonshire alone and you will find superb scenery and an abundance of wildlife at every turn.
Oundle is undoubtedly a gem, a quintessentially English Market Town that wholeheartedly embraces the twenty first century yet manages to retain a unique charm and unspoilt beauty.
Travelling to get here:-
From the A1 take the A605 West from Peterborough to Oundle.
From Cambridge take the A14 to its junction with the A605 and then in Northerly direction to Oundle.
From M40 take A34 to Northampton follow ring road then A605 to Peterborough.
From London take M1 to the A45 junction near Northampton; follow A45 to theA605 then east to Oundle.
County and is an ideal location on which to base a stay in Northamptonshire. Situated in the beautiful Nene river valley, Oundle sits on slightly raised ground in a meander of the River as it flows from Northampton to Peterborough. The approach to this picturesque ancient Town is fittingly over an arched stone bridge which crosses the watermeadows of the Nene. These meadows are not only a real haven for wildlife of many kinds but , Walking, Cycling, Horse Riding, Picnicking and Painting are all enjoyed together with the tranquillity and scenic beauty of the landscape.
Dating back to Saxon times and having a good strategic position to the River Nene and highways of the day, Oundle became a trading and marketplace for farmers and craftsmen. Eventually, as they prospered, the wealthier traders and merchants built shops and houses and so the beginnings of the town. To date, Oundle remains a traditional Market Town in every sense of the word and holds a general market every Tuesday and a farmers market on the second Saturday of each Month, allowing the opportunity to buy fresh local produce.
The centre of Oundle has a truly unspoilt beauty with some of its exceptional buildings having survived from the Medieval, Elizabethan and Stuart periods. Local jurassic limestone and colleyweston slate were mainly used in their construction and they remain buildings of historical and architectural interest.
Many of the ancient buildings around the Town Centre belong to the internationally renowned Oundle School, founded in 1556 by William Laxton, a local boy, who became Lord Major of London. The school continues to play a large part in the activities of the town, as do the pupils.
The graceful 13th century parish church of St Peter is considered to be the most beautiful in the Nene Valley, if not the Midlands. It contains many wonderful stained glass windows, a colourful 16th century pulpit and delicately carved wooden screens. It’s striking tower and spire, standing at over 200 feet high, makes it a landmark
for miles around. Other buildings of note are, The Town Hall, The Museum, Latham’s
Hospital, The 17th century Cobthorne and four pretty Almshouses.
No market Town would be complete without its Inns or Public Houses and Oundle has a number of such hostelries. Those remaining that were former coaching Inns are, The Ship, The Shuckburgh Arms and the oldest The Talbot Hotel. This was rebuilt in 1626, on the site of an original timber hostelry of 638AD. It is said to be haunted by the Ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, who in 1587, whilst imprisoned at nearby Fotheringhay Castle, walked down an Oak staircase to her execution. This staircase was later taken from the ruins of the castle and used in the rebuilding of the hotel. A warm welcome, pleasant accommodation, good food and Real Ales await any visitor to these Inns. Other ancient public houses in the Town are, The Rose & Crown, The George, The Angel and on the outskirts, Barnwell Mill.
Shopping in Oundle is a delight. The Town is well know in the area for its selection of quality independent specialist shops for clothes, shoes, gifts, delicatessen, picture framing, rare books, arts and crafts, antique shops, galleries, a saddlers and even a pottery, so, if you want to find something different, then Oundle is the likely place to find it. In addition, every day needs are also very well catered for in small, well stocked family run shops. There are also two small supermarkets.
Not forgetting the inner man, as well as the Inns and Public Houses already mentioned, there are tea shops, a trendy coffee shop and several good restaurants. Some of these can be found tucked away in pretty courtyards or alleyways, which adds to their atmosphere and charm. In addition, you will find a take-away or two in the main street.
Oundle has a thriving community spirit and offers a wide range of sporting and recreational activities to suit all ages and abilities. Spend some time at Oundle Marina, Barnwell Country Park or Stanwick Lakes in the heart of the Nene Valley National Park, where you can follow adventure trails and playgrounds, waterside walks, spend time Fishing, go Cycling or Cruise out from Oundle Marina to enjoy the tranquillity of the Nene and its Watermeadows, or if you are looking for a unique experience, then go to the Oundle Maize Maze.
There are also three festivals held throughout the Year in Oundle that encourage people in all aspects of the arts. In July, The International Festival, this is a jazz and classical music festival, culminating in an open air jazz concert and firework display. During the same week, The Horticultural Show takes place and The Oundle Artists Group Exhibition is held in the Yarrow Gallery. In March/April, The Festival of Music and Drama, a competitive festival, is held at Oundle School. Also in March, for any budding authors or poets, The Oundle Festival of Literature is held.
Any visitor to Oundle would miss out if they did not spend some time exploring
the unspoilt villages nearby, as each one has something unique to offer. For example, Ashton, a complete village, built in Tudor style, on the estate of Lord Rothschild for his estate workers, where, Every October, the World Conker Championship is held. Barnwell village, Country home to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, whose Manor House is the only Royal Mansion in the County. Nassington and Prebendal Manor. Lyveden and its New Bield, or Fotheringhay and its Castle Ruins, birthplace to Richard 111 and prison to and execution site of Mary Queen of Scots. These are all a must to visit.
Walking is another popular activity and most walks are well signposted. You can follow routes from, Aldwincle to Wadenhoe, Fotheringhay to Woodnewton, Nassington & Yarwell, along The Nene Way or The Lyveden Way to name but a few and of course, you could also explore Rockingham Forest. In all, there are 250 miles of walks to choose from in this area of Northamptonshire alone and you will find superb scenery and an abundance of wildlife at every turn.
Oundle is undoubtedly a gem, a quintessentially English Market Town that wholeheartedly embraces the twenty first century yet manages to retain a unique charm and unspoilt beauty.
Travelling to get here:-
From the A1 take the A605 West from Peterborough to Oundle.
From Cambridge take the A14 to its junction with the A605 and then in Northerly direction to Oundle.
From M40 take A34 to Northampton follow ring road then A605 to Peterborough.
From London take M1 to the A45 junction near Northampton; follow A45 to theA605 then east to Oundle.