Northamptonshire will charm you with its rolling green countryside, elegant manor houses and some of the prettiest historic towns and villages in the East Midlands. Visit the ancestral home of Princess Diana, admire paintings by European masters and marvel at one of the largest shoe collections in the world.
Things to do in Northamptonshire
Northampton is the largest city in the county and combines historic charm with a contemporary edge. Strolling around the city, you’ll be impressed by dozens of centuries-old churches. St Peter's Church boasts a magnificent Norman façade decorated with stone carvings while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre features a unique circular design. Step into All Saints’ Church to marvel at the intricate barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Althorp Estate dates back to the 1500s and is set in beautiful, manicured gardens. The estate is the final resting place of Princess Diana, and a poignant memorial pays tribute to the beloved British royal. Within the manor is a public gallery where you can admire masterpieces by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Rubens. Sulgrave Manor is another historic gem built in the Tudor style. Walk around the flower-filled gardens, learn about the manor’s connection to George Washington and enjoy scones, jam and cream in the tearoom.
The Northampton Museum & Art Gallery features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the city’s proud legacy of shoemaking. View one of the largest collections of shoes in the world, with everything from wooden clogs and deerskin moccasins to Nike trainers and stiletto heels on display.
Venture into the Northamptonshire countryside to discover the chocolate-box towns and villages of the East Midlands. The peaceful village of Eydon is set on a hillside and surrounded by farms and fields. Stroll along the meandering country lanes and enjoy a drink at the 17th-century pub. Crick is set on the Grand Union Canal and filled with heritage-listed buildings.
Getting around Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire is well-connected by roads, buses and trains and all towns and villages are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Northamptonshire at your own pace. Birmingham Airport is a one-hour drive from Northampton.