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NorthamptonshireNorthampton

Northampton's position in the centre of England has given it national importance ever since the Norman Conquest of 1066.  It is the county town of Northamptonshire, also know as the county of 'squires and spires'.

For centuries boots and shoes were manufactured here and this industrial past is celebrated at the renowned Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. 

Since the decline of the leather industry Northamptons's prosperity has mainly derived from service industries, the transport firms that now ring the town and brewing (Carlsberg's UK base is located here).  

The attractive old town has a fine market square, one of the largest and most impressive in England.   Although the town was seriously damaged by the Great Fire of 1675, many interesting historic buildings have survived. 

The well-preserved Norman church of the Holy Sepulchre is one only four remaining round churches in England.  Founded in 1100 AD by Simon de Senlis, first Earl of Northampton, the church is Northampton's oldest standing building.  All Saints Church in George Row is a magnificent Grade I listed building, rebuilt in 1680 after the Great Fire.

The Welsh House and Hazelrigg House in Northampton are also handsome buildings and a social history museum in Abington Park is housed in a 15th century manor house, once the home of Shakespeare's granddaugher.  

Northampton's splendid Guildhall, a gem of Victorian architecture, was designed by the celebrated architect, Edward Godwin. 

Northampton also boasts many modern facilities including the pedestrianised shopping area of Abington Street and several indoor shopping precincts. 

Don't miss 78 Derngate, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh ( advance booking required - see below).

The town has many attractive parks, gardens and riverside walks.  Members of the royal family have visited the town on many occasions, from the time of Henry I right up to the the late Princess of Wales, whose family home was at nearby Athorp. 

      Location Map of Northampton
What To See -

Northampton Tourist Attractions

 
78 Derngate, Northampton, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and previously owned by Northampton businessman Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke , the house is now restored, and in the adjoining house is a modern gallery. Pre-booked timed tickets only. Closed in winter.
2005 opening: 23 Mar 2005 - 27 Nov 2005 Tel: 01604 603407 Admission Charge
 
Mount Baths, Upper Mounts, Northampton, steam baths, pool, suana, fitness rooms. Tel: 01604 837400 Admission Charge
 
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Northampton.
 
Guildhall, splendid building in St Giles Square, built in 1864 by Edward Godwin. Tours available Tel:; 01604 838400
 
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Central Museum and Art Gallery, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Special sections on footware together with art gallary and cermics, temporary exhibits held.
Open: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00 and Sun 14:00- 17:00 Tel: 01604 838111
 
Abington Museum, Abington Museum, Abington Park, Northampton, in a 15th century manor house, local exhibits with military history and fashion and leathercraft galleries. Cafe in the park.
Open: Mar-Oct: Tue-Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 13:00-17:00 Nov-Feb:Tue-Sun 13:00-16:00 Tel:01604 631454
 
Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Road, Hunsbury, Northampton. Pool with flume, raincloud and jacuzzi, fitness centre, climbing wall. Tel: 01604 837200 Admission Charge
 
Northampton & Lamport Railway, Chapel Brampton NN6 8BA, off A508 north of Northampton.
Operated by volunteers since 1995, steam and diesal locomotives run on a stretch of the former Northampton to Market Harborough branch line through picturesque Brampton Valley.   Operates short train rides and special events throughout the summer. 14 mile cycle and foot path running beside the line.  Tel: 01604 820327
Admission Charge
 
Hunsbury Hill Country Park, Hunsbury Hill Road, Danes Camp Wa, Northampton, off A43 Towcester Road. 80 acres of park with nature reserve, picnic and barbeque areas, playing fields, children's activity area, playground, and view point. Site of the Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust's railway and museum.  There is also an Iron Age hill fort. Open: all year Tel : 01604 233500 ext. 4469
 
Haddonstone Show Gardens, Church Lane, East Haddon NN6 8DB, north on A428, set in the walled grounds of a manor house, these beautiful gardens are laid out on different levels with shrub roses, clematis, climbers and conifers.  The gardens are a showcase for Haddonstone's classic garden ornaments and display urns, statuary, troughs, bird baths, sundials and balustrading.  Open: Mon-Fri, excluding Bank Holidays and Christmas. 09.00-17:30
 
Brixworth Country Park, A508, 5 miles north of Northampton, this country park overlooks Pitsford Water.  Bikes can be hired here and there are trails around the reservoir. 
 
Sywell Country Park (off A4500 east of Nothampton, woodland, a small wildlife display, a play area and walks around the lake (a reservoir and waterworks opened in 1906).  Fishing is also permitted here. Tel: 01604 810970  
 
Sywell Country Park (off A4500 east of Northampton, woodland, a small wildlife display, a play area and walks around the lake (a reservoir and waterworks opened in 1906).  Fishing is also permitted here. Tel: 01604 810970  
 
Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens, Northampton NN6 8PF10, miles north of Northampton at Creaton on A5199, a magnificent Queen Ann house set in beautiful gardens, reputed to be the original of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.The exterior of the house is little since the early 18h century. Italianate gardens, park, formal forecourt garden.
Open 2005 :2nd May-June: Wed-Thur, 14:00-17:30. Jul-Sept: Thur 14:00-17:30pm, Bank Holiday Mon from May to Sept, 14:00-17:30  More InformationTel: 01604 505808  Admission Charge
 
Althorp, 6 miles west of Northampton on A428 Northampton - Rugby road, the home of the Spencer family for 500 years. The present Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess of Wales, has converted the stable block to provide the setting for an exhibition, "Diana: A Celebration". Set in parkland, visitors can view the house, the exhibition and grounds as well as the Island were the Princess is buried. All visits must be booked in advance.
Open 2005:
Tickets from the Gate House, House and Grounds: Jul-Sept 2005, closed 31st August, 11:00-last admission 16:00  More InformationTel: 01604 770107 to book  Admission Charge
 
Holdenby House Gardens & Falconry Centre, Northampton, NN6 8DJ, 6 miles north-west of Northampton off A428 or A5199, built in the 16th century by Sir Christopher Hatton just two miles from Althorp. Holdenby House provides a backdrop to the wonderful grounds.Elizabethan Garden, Silver Border, Fragrant Border and a Falconry Centre are amongst the features here.
Open: 2005 House: Easter Mon (28th March) and Mon 30 May 12:00-17:00 other times by arrangement. Gardens and Falconry Centre: Sun and Bank Holiday Mon from Easter Sun-25th Sept 13:00-17:00. may vary if special events.
Tel: 01604 770074
Admission Charge More Information
 
Canons Ashby, A5, on B525 Banbury - Northampton road, an ancient courtyard house that time has hardly touched. Features include the domed ceiling of the drawing room, a painted parlour with classical trompe-l'oeil, a 70 acre parkand a formal garden created around 1710 with a flight of terraces.
Open 2005: House: 23 Mar–28 Sep Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 13:00-17:30 Oct 13:00-16:30 Gardens: 23 Mar–28 Sep & Oct Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 11:00-17:30 ; 5 Nov–18 Dec Sat-Sun only 12:00-16:00
 More Information Tel: 01327 860044 Admission Charge
 
Lamport Hall, Northampton NN6 9HD, 8 miles north of Northampton on A508. The home of the Isham family from 1560 to 1976, an extended and modified Tudor house, Rooms with furniture and pictures, with possibly the oldest garden gnome in England. Gardens and park.
Open:
Easter-Sept: Guided tours on Sun at 14:30, 15:30, except on fair days Hall open 14:15-17:.15 (last admission 16:00) for non guided visits  More Information Tel: 01604 686272 Admission Charge
 
The Menagerie , 5 miles south-east of Northampton. The Menagerie is a very unusual house and garden.,an outstanding 1750s rococo folly was built in the grounds- restored in 1975.The garden has formal pools with fountains and there is also a wetland and bog area. More Information Tel: 01604 870957 Admission Charge
 
Coton Manor Gardens, Coton, Nr. Guilsborough, Northamptonshire, NN6 8RQ, 9 miles north-west of Northampton, -between A5119 and A428 Traditional English garden on different levels around a stone manor house dating from 1662. Features include lawns, rose garden and herbaceous borders with an extensive range of plants. Tropical house, water garden, bluebell wood. Open 2005: Good Friday Mar 25th - 1 Oct: Tue-Sat and Bank Holiday Weekends. Also Sun in April-May 12:00-17:30 Last admission 16:45. Tel : 01604 740 219 Admission Charge More Information
 
Castle Ashby Gardens, between Bedford and Northampton, off A428, the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton, was built in 1574, the house is not open to the public but the gardens are open throughout the year. The park surrounding Castle Ashby was landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. Admission Charge More Information
 

Where To Stay in Northampton

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels


Sedgebrook Hall Chapel Brampton near Northampton NN6 8BD MAP
Sedgebrook Hall is a 4 star style of property in Chapel Brampton, one of the most picturesque villages in the area. Very near to Althorpe House it has 102 en-suite bedrooms, indoor pool, gym (over 18s only!), sauna, tennis courts and snooker room..

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £78 per room
Northampton Marriott Hotel Eagle Drive Northampton NN4 7HW MAP
An innovative hotel set in landscaped gardens overlooking Delapre Lake and adjacent to Delapre Golf course. An excellent touring base for visiting Stratford, Oxford, Warwick, Cambridge and Northamptonshire. The hotel offers the stylish Chats bar ...

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £55 a room a LivePriceTM
Quality Hotel Northampton Ashley Way Weston Favell Northampton NN3 3EA MAP
Easily accessible from the A43 and A45, this traditional hotel is set in its own grounds and is located a few minutes drive from Northampton and is convenient for Silverstone.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £85 a room a LivePriceTM
Holiday Inn Rugby-Northampton M1 Jct18 Crick near Northampton NN6 7XR MAP
Ideally located off junction 18 of the M11, this spacious, elegant and modern hotel is set in its own grounds on the outskirts of Rugby. The Holiday Inn Rugby/Northampton has 2 rooms equipped for customers with special mobility needs.

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? Price Guide shown for a room for 2 people per night is based on the lowest price per person per night available in the future
Price Guide: from £45 per room
Express by Holiday Inn Northampton Junction 15, M1 Cheaney Drive, Grange Park Northampton NN4 5FB MAP
The Express by Holiday Inn Northampton is ideally located off Junction 15 of the M1 with easy access to Northampton, Silverstone and Althorp House.

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Park Inn Northampton Silver Street Northampton NN1 2TA MAP
Easily accessible from the M1 or by rail, this hotel is situated in the heart of the town centre. With the combination of 13 meeting rooms accommodating a maximum of 600 people, and 145 bedrooms this hotel is a prime location for the Business..

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Broomhill Hotel Holdenby Road Near Northampton NN6 8LD MAP
Uniquely set in its own grounds of 16 acres of parkland, Broomhill overlooks some of Northamptonshires most beautiful countryside, offering fantastic A La Carte dining together with Table d'Hote and good value bar snacks. The hotel is..

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £75 a room a LivePriceTM
Highgate House, A Sundial Group Venue Creaton near Northampton NN6 8NN MAP
Originally a 17th century Coaching Inn, Highgate has evolved as a dedicated conference centre over the past forty years. Highgate House is a Venue moving with the times whilst still retaining its original character and charm.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £50 a room a LivePriceTM
Best Western Lime Trees Hotel 8 Langham Place Barrack Road Northampton NN2 6AA MAP
Lime Trees Town House Hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the town centre, by the park in an elegant terrace. Built in the 1860s we offer a warm welcome, comfortable restaurant, car parking and 28 individually designed bedrooms.

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? Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £65 a room a LivePriceTM
The Langham Hotel 4-5 Langham Place Barrack Road Northampton NN2 6AA MAP
Conveniently situated a short walk from the town centre, our hotel is minutes from the town's mainline railway station and within easy access of business and industrial estates.

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Travelodge Northampton Upton Way A45 Upton Way Northampton NN5 6EG

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Overstone Park Resort Hotel with FREE GOLF (MON-THUR) Billing Lane Near Northampton NN6 0AS MAP
Set in 165 acres of beautiful Victorian Parkland, Overstone Park Hotel is a unique and unusual resort, themed on a Scandanavian Style village. Just minutes from J15 of the M1 or the A1/A14 links, the resort is ideal for business guests..

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The Walnut Tree Inn 21 Station Road Blisworth near Northampton NN7 3DS MAP
Relaxed and informal country inn with confortable ensuite rooms and an excellent restaurant serving freshly prepared food. A lively bar and regular live music. Close to Silverstone and Junction 15..

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Around The Northampton Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Towcester (8.48 miles) Wellingborough (9.63 miles) Olney (10.09 miles) Daventry (11.22 miles) Harrold (12.36 miles) Kettering (13.13 miles) Milton Keynes (15.38 miles) Market Harborough (16.69 miles) Buckingham (16.71 miles) Brackley (17.87 miles) Corby (19.21 miles)

Info
Tourist Information Centre

Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area
Area Telephone Code
01604
Tourist Information Office
The Visitor Centre, Guildhall
10 St Giles Square
Northampton
Tel: 01604 838800

Tel: 01536 407507
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