Things To Do In Northamptonshire

Located in the very heart of England, Northamptonshire is a picturesque gem with countless dog-friendly pubs with rooms and gastropubs to stay at while you soak up the rural beauty. When planning your stay, there’ll be no shortage of things to see and do, with miles and miles of countryside brimming with fun and adventure for couples, families, or dog owners – put simply, if you like the outdoors, then this serene slice of the East Midlands is the place to be.

Things to do in Northamptonshire for families

For families of any size with kids of all ages, Northamptonshire is jam-packed with outdoor fun that will keep everybody entertained for the duration of your stay.

Wicksteed Park is a must-visit attraction, located in the historic market town of Kettering. Founded by Charles Wicksteed in 1921, Wicksteed Park is the oldest theme park in mainland UK and could easily fill an entire day with rides, games, and lush woodland.

For more furry fun, families can take a trip to Catanger Llamas: a llama breeding farm and trekking centre situated in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside. Guests can explore the 20 acres of Northamptonshire countryside at their leisure, and there’s even the option to stay at the centre’s authentic gypsy caravans or shepherd’s hut for the full immersive experience.

Interested in a singalong, or want to catch the latest blockbusters? Visitors to Northampton town itself will want to swing by the Royal & Derngate Theatre, which has a packed schedule all year round.

Things to do in Northamptonshire for couples

As well as romantic walks through the countryside, or peaceful cycling routes across intimate woodland, there are lots of fun things to do in Northamptonshire for couples.

For the thrill-seeker in your life, the Tanks-Alot tank driving experience could be just the ticket. Based at Spring Farm in Helmdon, the centre provides a variety of experience packages to suit your budget. These include car-crushing sessions, as well as clay pigeon shooting and survival training.

Interested in vehicular adventures with a little more speed? The Silverstone Circuit is one of the biggest tourism draws that Northamptonshire has to offer, with thousands of motorsport fanatics visiting the home of British Motorsport every year. If you or your partner is interested in Formula 1, Silverstone offers a variety of track days and ticketed experiences to satisfy the need for speed.

Historic things to do in the East Midlands

Looking to embrace the historic side of Northamptonshire’s scenic beauty? Numerous estates and gardens occupy the pristine landscape – perfect for a cultural day out.

Althorp Estate, the residence of the Spencer Family, is open to the public at certain times of the year. As well as being home to the resting place of Princess Diana, the estate has scenic gardens which can be enjoyed alongside a spontaneous picnic.

A short 10-minute drive from Althorp Estate will take you to Coton Manor Garden, winner of The Nation’s Favourite Garden and the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. The gardens were originally laid out in the 1920s, and are maintained all year round with visitors able to enjoy the scenery from March until September.

Continuing the historic theme, Canons Ashby is a tranquil Tudor manor house set in terraced gardens. Situated to the south-west of Northampton, the property has survived largely unaltered since 1710 and presents a perfect slice of Northamptonshire countryside for guests to enjoy.