If you live in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. It’s a town filled with heritage and family-friendly days out. There’s also a lively night life, a good sports scene and plenty of excellent restaurants to try. Here are some of the top ideas of things to do in Northamptonshire for you and your family:
78 Derngate
This Derngate town house is a famous Northampton landmark due to its renowned interior designer: none other than artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The house needed renovation after being purchased by a local engineer, who decided that Mackintosh was the right man for the job. The house is open to the public to look around, as well as offering art exhibitions and outreach events for children.
Parks
Northampton has parks aplenty, so if the sun is shining you won’t be short of green spaces to relax in. Abington Park and Delapre Abbey have now been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award, showing that they are amongst some of the best parks in the country. Many of the parks around the county have excellent facilities, including children’s playgrounds, gardens, lakes and areas of historical interest like houses and museums.
Althorp House
If you’re interested in history, Althorp is unmissable. As well as being a beautiful estate to explore, it was the home of Princess Diana and has become famous the world over for this. The estate hosts a number of events and exhibitions, and it’s really well worth a visit.
Royal and Derngate Theatre
Northampton town centre’s local theatre is in the part of town known as the Cultural Quarter, and it delivers an excellent programme of events each season. Many new plays receive their premières here and there are plenty of other events such as concerts and comedy clubs.
Guildhall
This imposing building is worth a look just for its attractive façade. It dominates a large part of the town centre and is just as attractive inside as it is out. There are a number of events which happen here, from craft fairs to concerts, so it’s always worth seeing what’s going on.
Castle Ashby Gardens
These beautiful gardens belong to the Castle Ashby Estate and feature Italian gardens, an orangery, an arboretum and nature trails. A wander around the gardens will make a great day out. There’s even a menagerie and a tea room!
Sports
Northampton is home to The Saints rugby team and The Cobblers football team, who both have stadiums in close proximity to one another in the town. It’s always worth trying to watch a match whenever possible, and there’s a great atmosphere on match days.
Stanwick Lakes
This quiet, peaceful corner of Northampton is a lovely place for a walk with some wonderful scenery. It’s dog and family friendly as well.
Silverstone
Northamptonshire is the location of the world-famous Silverstone racetrack. It is home to the British Grand Prix, which was first held there in 1948. The track is easy to reach, and is close to the villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury.