Althorp House, Northamptonshire - © Andrew Walker
Althorp Northamptonshire countryside, this historic house has been the family home for the Spencer family for many generations and is perhaps best known as the final resting place for Diana, Princess of Wales. Over the past few years visitors have come to the estate in large numbers to see the exhibition dedicated to the life and times of the late Princess. The estate has plenty more to offer too, visitors can see the historic house and the extensive grounds contain a park with a lake offering some great countryside scenery.
Attractions
Althorp has been open to the public in the summer for many years, however it is since the estate became the final resting place for Diana, Princess of Wales that the estate has become a popular place to visit for many visitors. The Althorp estate is set parkland offering visitors the chance to see a historic English country house with plenty of history and heritage. The extensive Gardens and Lake are located within the estate and offer some stunning views for visitors to see along with enjoying the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of the English countryside. The lake is known as the Round Oval and is the centrepiece for the park, which is known for its fine collection of rare trees. The estate covers more than 14,000 acres of countryside in Northamptonshire and beyond in Norfolk and Warwickshire. Within the estate area are farms, woodlands, cottages and villages giving a range of landscapes.
Althorp was built back in 1508 and has been the Spencer ancestral home for many generations. Over the years the house has been altered and remodelled, the house as it is today is largely based on the work done by architect Henry Holland who helped to restore the house to its former glory after a period of neglect in the middle of the 18th century. Inside the house visitors will find a classical English stately home with impressive collections of art and paintings, furniture, sculpture and china that have been collected over the years.
The Exhibition is located within 6 rooms at Althorp and is dedicated to the life and times of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. The exhibition gives visitors an insight in to the life of the Princess including audiovisual displays, letters, the royal wedding and details on charitable work carried out by the Princess. The exhibition is a tribute to the Princess and attracts visitors from around the world.
Each year Althorp is the scene for a series of events that take place here, from the Literary Festival to the Althorp open-air Concerts over the summer there are a number of events of interest to visitors.
How to Get There
By Car:
The estate is 7 miles to the west of Northampton off the A428. For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is NN7 4HQ.
If you are travelling from the North, from junction 18 of the M1 follow the signs for Northampton.
If you are travelling from the South, from junction 16 of the M1, Althorp is signposted.
There is a car park outside the entrance to the estate. There is no charge to park there.
The drive is approx 90 minutes from London and 1 hour from Oxford and Cambridge.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is NN7 4HQ.
By Train:
Althorp is approx 7 miles away from Northampton Station. There are regular train services from Silverlink Trains running from London Euston station to Northampton train station.
There are taxis are available from outside Northampton station. There are also buses that go to Althorp from outside the station. There service number 96 operated by Stagecoach offers the service.
By Coach:
There are regular coaches from National Express from Victoria Coach station in central London to Northampton Bus Station.
Contact Details
The Stables
Althorp
Northampton
NN7 4HQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1604 770107
email: mail@althorp.com
Website: Althorp
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
From start of July until end of August:
Open daily from 11.00 to 17.00
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adult: £13.00 approx, Children: £6.00 approx, Concessions: £11.00 approx, Family Ticket: £30.00 approx
The Stable Block café provides eating facilities on site with a range of sandwiches, snacks and cakes along with a range of hot and cold drinks.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Althorp Estate Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
When travelling always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings & environment at all times. Ensure your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Althorp Estate ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Check the latest traffic updates prior to starting your journey.
If you are travelling by public transport, it is useful to check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
