Originally established as the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Wendelingburgh, Wellingborough is a charming market town in North Northamptonshire. It was a historical hub for the manufacture of leather goods and is a centre for flour milling and brewing, with several impressive churches and a fascinating museum among its attractions.
Things to do in Wellingborough
Learn about the people, events and industries that have shaped the town at the Wellingborough Museum, which is housed within a late-19th-century swimming complex. Built by local brewer David Dulley, the building was later purchased by George Cox and converted into a shoe factory. Today it exhibits cultural and historical artefacts that include a 1920s pianola, vintage arcade machines and a recreated 1940s kitchen.
A short walk from the Wellingborough railway station is the Church of St Mary the Virgin, which was constructed in the early 20th century on a design by Sir Ninian Comper. Now Grade I listed, its Perpendicular Gothic architecture includes a massive ironstone tower, a vaulted ceiling and a gilded rood screen.
Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, which forms part of Irchester Country Park. This scenic green space was established in the 1970s on the site of a former ironstone quarry, with a children’s playground and a network of walking trails winding through its woodland. The museum houses an impressive collection of railway artefacts and rolling stock that includes four steam locomotives.
Getting around Wellingborough
Wellingborough is around 20 minutes’ drive from Northampton and 1.5 hours from Birmingham. Birmingham Airport is one hour away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Wellingborough railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Wellingborough can easily be explored on foot.