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The Northamptonshire Travel Guide takes you to Northamptonshire, a region that is traditionally rather forgotten on tourist guides. This does the county a disservice given the county has some fine churches and historic houses as well as a world renowned motor racing track. Northamptonshire is a landlocked county that has eight other counties on its borders.



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Northamptonshire Guide

Overview and Attractions
Northamptonshire Hotels
Northamptonshire Map
Northamptonshire Weather
Airfare Deals



Overview and Attractions

Northamptonshire is essentially a rural county with a relatively small population, those seeking peace and quiet in the countryside are likely to warm to Northamptonshire. The gentle rolling hills and farmland characterise much of the county, the county is a contrast to the major tourist centres with the crowds and hectic pace. The county allows you to enjoy its attractions at a more relaxing pace.

The county has played a key role in some important historical events such as in Naseby, the site of one of the most momentous battles of the English Civil War back in the 17th century. The battle sealed the fate of Charles I, who was finally defeated by Oliver Cromwell’s roundheads, he was then incarcerated at Holdenby House. The county became well known in the Middle Ages with the manufacture of boots and shoes and produced the footwear for Cromwell’s large army. With the Industrial Revolution arrived, the natural resources of the region were utilised, in particular the reserves of iron ore in the Corby area.

The town of Northampton has a long history dating back to the Saxon period. However much of the town's early buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1675, meaning much of the architecture in evidence today is Georgian. More trouble was in store when Charles II ordered Northampton Castle razed after the Restoration. There are some notable survivors of all this destruction including St. Sepulchre, a 12th circular century church built in emulation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Northampton is famous for its open markets and boasts one of the largest open markets in the town. There is also a 19th century cathedral in the town. Lamport Hall in Northampton is regarded as an outstanding classical house and home to wonderful period rooms filled with fine furniture and art. For more information please see:

Visit Northamptonshire

A popular visit is to the All Saints church in Brixworth, a few miles north of Northampton. All Saints is England's largest and finest Saxon church still intact, it was thought to have been built around 660. The church incorporates even earlier Roman tiles, has a 9th century tower that was built to withstand Viking raids. There is another Saxon church at Earl's Barton, where the 10th century tower has been augmented by a Norman nave. The upper floors of the tower could only be reached by a ladder, which in turn could then be withdrawn to discourage attackers.

Althorp House is the best known of Northamptonshire's country estates. It is among the finest estates in England and has been in the ownership of the Spencer family for over 500 years and was home to a young Princess Diana. The late Diana, Princess of Wales is laid to rest at the Round Oval in the heart of the mansion’s 500-acre park. The Stables host the extremely popular exhibition entitled ‘Diana, a Celebration’. Inside the house lies among the best collections of portraits in the world that features works from Rubens, Reynolds, Rubens and Gainsborough among others. Althorp is well known as the home of the Earl and Countess Spencer, there has been a house at Althorp since the beginning of the 16th century when Sir John Spence bought land here. The original house provides the main construction of the current house. Althorp is set in spectacular grounds, covering some 450 acres of parkland, it makes for a truly grand site. For more information please see:

Althorp

Canons Ashby House is located in Daventry, Northamptonshire. Located in the tranquil Northampton countryside, this Elizabethan manor house is set in beautiful gardens. There is an impressive collection of wall paintings and Jacobean plasterwork. It has been he home of the Dryden family since its construction, Canons Ashby has survived largely unaltered since c.1710. There is also a formal garden with colourful herbaceous borders, an orchard featuring varieties of fruit trees from the 16th century. There are also the remains of a medieval priory church on the site. For more information please see:

National Trust Canons Ashby House

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is located in the centre of the city. Northampton is known as the boot & shoe capital of the UK and the museum shows this when charting the history of the town through the various ages. The museum has a wide range of collections such as that of shoes, shoe machinery and geology, ephemera, social history, archaeology and fine and Decorative Art. The museum charts the local history using sound and film along with objects, from the Stone Age all the way to the 20th century. For more information please see:

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Coton Manor Garden is a charming garden that has been well maintained. It is located in the heart of the rural English countryside in Northampton. The gardens were laid out during the 1920's and 1930's, the garden is ten acres and is situated on a hillside position extending down from the manor house that itself goes back to the 17th century. The garden is well known for its luxuriant borders, by using a wide range of unusual plants, which provide colour through all of the seasons. The garden has a natural advantage of plenty of water, which is channelled effectively into numerous pools and streams. The Stableyard Café here serves a variety of light lunches, snacks and teas. Visitors can sit outside in the Stable Yard enjoy their tea and snacks and relax admiring the beauty of the garden. For more information please see:

Coton Manor Garden

The world famous Silverstone race circuit is located in the Northamptonshire countryside, it is known as being the home of the British Grand Prix and stages many other races in different formulas. Racing fans can visit the circuit and enjoy the many driving experiences available here. The exhilarating circuit means you can experience the thrill of driving some exotic machinery on the famous track, among the cars are supercars, rally cars, Lotus and Ferrari to name but a few. A visit here is a must for motor racing fans and if visitors come when the British Grand Prix is one, they will experience an unforgettable atmosphere and wonderful race day excitement. For more information please see:

Silverstone Racing

Northampton’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre is England’s largest round church. It is also Northampton's oldest standing building, built in 1100 on the orders of the first Earl of Northampton, Simon de Senlis. It was based on the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Known as the 'Crusader Round', it is a place for worship as well as theatre and concerts. Round churches are rare in the UK, this one has a peaceful atmosphere to it and makes for an interesting visit. For more information please see:

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Visitors with a penchant for the arts can go to The Royal and Derngate Theatres these two theatrical venues located in Northampton. They offer a wide variety of theatre and music. The theatres take part in many new projects, with an aim of having arts more assessable for everyone. There are two auditoria and Underground, a creativity centre and home to the Youth Theatre featuring a wide range of workshops and projects for the community. The diverse programme here varies from opera to stand-up comedy to drama and dance to name but a few. The theatre also offers a programme of Creative Projects giving people the opportunity to become involved in performing, writing and find out more. With its wide array of performances arts fans are likely to find something that appeals to them here. For more information please see:

Royal and Derngate Theatres

The New French Partridge is a restaurant that features an English/French menu located in Horton, Northampton. Housed in a restored building there is also accommodation available here that offers individually designed double rooms and deluxe suites, featuring en-suite bathrooms and other facilities. The restaurant has a top class reputation with its menu of French & English cuisine, the decor is classical throughout the restaurant. Visitors get to dine in elegant and stylish surroundings that compliment the dining experience. There is a good wine list for wine connoisseurs. For more information please see:

The New French Partridge

Revolution Bar in Northampton has a glass ceiling bar area and a cosy fireplace lounge, Revolution Northampton has something to offer all year round. Revolution Northampton has a cool contemporary vibe and a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy drinks and lunch. There are DJ’s every night and a state of the art lighting and sound system, it is a popular place for those wanting to enjoy a drink after work or those in the mood for a spot of dancing. There are two bars and a dance floor. The décor is minimalist and there is comfortable seating where visitors can enjoy chilling out. For more information please see:

Revolution Bar Northampton

Accommodation in Northamptonshire is available to suit a range of budgets, from cheap value for money hotels to hotels offering a more luxurious stay. It is well worth doing your research and ensuring your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the facilities you require. There are a range of hotels available in Northamptonshire, for further information please see:

Selection of Northamptonshire Hotels

For a full list of Northamptonshire Hotels please see:

Northamptonshire Hotels


The look at the often overlooked Northamptonshire with the Northamptonshire Travel Guide has revealed a county that is worth exploring further. It has a fine historical tradition and this sense of history is reflected and preserved in some impressive stately homes and churches in the county. This predominantly rural county offers a great escape in to the gentle countryside. Its location mean it is just a few hours drive or train journey from London and very assessable particularly by motorway for visitors from the Home Counties and the midlands. The quiet, rural and relaxing county does host the British Grand Prix at Silverstone adding plenty of exhilaration, noise and excitement to proceedings. The countryside is on the whole unspoiled by over development, the county is still mainly agricultural that gives the county its rural appeal and charm. The county will appeal to those looking for a break in a relaxing environment away from the crowds.

Northamptonshire Travel Guide

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