Northampton

Just 15 minutes off the M1 motorway, you will find yourself in the very heart of rural England . Welcome to Northamptonshire – a county of diverse delights!

Northamptonshire has a great number of stately homes and castles ranging from Rockingham Castle, a medieval castle built by William the Conqueror, to Althorp, the final resting place of Diana, the Princess of Wales.

Northamptonshire can boast over 200 medieval churches and 80 church spires.

If you like to drive in the fast lane, you could visit the UK ’s only US styled speedway circuit, and Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix.

If shopping’s more your thing Northampton town hosts one of England ’s largest open-air markets on most days of the week, and you can shop ‘til you drop in the town’s pedestrianised high street. Historic market towns throughout the county offer unique shopping experiences, with regular farmers’ markets, antique emporiums, speciality foods and antiquarian bookshops.

Other things to do in Northamptonshire are lazy boat trips on our canals, invigorating works through the beautiful countryside, rural shopping villages, steam train rides, hot ait balloon festivals, open air, classical and jazz concerts and enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

Northampton town hosts one of England's largest open-air markets and the town's pedestrian high street is home to major retail outlets, arcades and boutiques. Northampton Balloon Festival in August lets 80 hot air balloons take to the skies.

For the whole family, roller coasters, water attractions and playgrounds are on offer at the nearby Wicksteed Park in Kettering.

A wide choice of cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and clubs are available to enjoy after dark. Northampton's theatres regularly host local and west-end productions from the Derngate and Royal Theatres in Northampton.