Beautiful Places To Visit In Northampton

I would be lying if I said that the small town of Northampton – so small that they do not currently have Uber or Bolt – was ever on my radar as a place I wanted to explore in England. My trip here was solely because my friends and I were searching for a mid-point for all of us to meet, and this was our best option. Turns out though, Northampton is more than meets the eye, and I couldn’t be happier that this is where we ended up. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Northampton as reflected by its 18th-century architecture and natural wonders that bounced back after its devastating Great Fire of 1675.

Visiting this destination is a welcomed change for anyone wishing to escape buzzing metropolitan life and immerse in a laid-back lifestyle dominated by lush greenery or stumble upon luxury manors and estates. Turns out there are many of them across the county. 

Strolling through the Castle Ashby Gardens, in particular, was my favourite thing to do. Surrounded by the delightful sounds of nature and manicured lawns in a peaceful setting felt like a fairy-tale getaway that we all deserve from time to time. Frolicking around the tall trees, beautiful fountains and unique orangery is the perfect place to find serenity in an otherwise chaotic world.

Looking back, I have come to realise that its the places for which we have little expectations that surprise us the most, and that’s what make travelling so exciting. 

Travel and Accommodation In Northampton 

The best way to get to Northampton is by car or National Rail from any major city. London for example is only an hour away by train and therefore, makes the quaint town a lovely day trip from the big city. 

Accommodation here consists of a variety of independent and chain hotels located in and around the city centre, and more luxury stays as you move further out into the countryside. Some of the most popular places include:

• Park Inn by Radisson Northampton Town Centre
• Hopping Hare
• ibis Hotel Northampton Centre

Six Beautiful Attractions In Northampton 

There are many beautiful places to visit in Northampton, however, I was only here for the day. So, here is a list of unmissable attractions if you have as limited time as I did.

Castle Ashby Gardens

A short drive from the town centre, the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton, Castle Ashby Gardens in Castle Ashby village are a paradise of constant bloom and is a wonderful place to find tranquillity in nature. The estate is where you would want to spend most of your time while in Northamptonshire, wandering a stunning 1872 orangery, a maze of beautiful gardens and large Arboretum home to possibly the UK’s largest Weeping Beech.

Although the gardens are open year round, I would highly recommend making your visit towards the end of the winter season to have the place entirely to yourself.

Buy tickets for Castle Ashby Gardens here.

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Northampton Museum and Art Gallery 

The Northampton Musuem and Art Gallery was established in 1865, but moved to the current site in 1884. Its long history is one of the most unique I have come across as it gained fame for hosting the world’s largest collection of footwear (15000 pairs!) and exhibitions on old-time shoemaking instruments.

Still not convinced to plan a visit? What is I told you that the Northampton Museum shoes collection contains products dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt!

The Guildhall

Dominating the town centre is Northampton’s third guildhall, designed by Edward William Godwin in a beautiful Gothic Revival style. It is the site of stunning stained glass, coffered ceilings and a magnificent Great Hall – all of which are an important part of the town’s architectural heritage.

New Lodge Vineyard 

Northamptonshire’s only vineyard allows you to immerse in French or Italian settings without having to travel far. A visit here brings you the British take on a vineyard tour experience, charming visitors with thriving vines and large lawns with a delicious bottle of wine in hand.

While I did not make it here because it was closed, it seems like a lovely experience and one of the best places to visit in Northampton. 

National Lift Tower

The Grade II listed National Lift Tower stands at 127.5 metres high and is one of just two lift-testing towers in Europe. While you can’t go up it (at least for now), this historic attraction in Northampton is something to admire from afar.

The Holy Sepulchre 

The Holy Sepulchre is Northampton’s oldest building and one of only four remaining Norman round churches in England. It’s pretty surreal to be standing next to such an important structure and it exudes so much religious and architectural history. 

Average Cost For A Day Trip To Northampton Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £40

Accommodation: £0

Attractions: £5 (excluding New Lodge Vineyard)

Food and amenities: £25

Keep In Mind

As I said, Northampton does not have Uber and Bolt, and so, if you are planning to visit Castle Ashby Gardens and don’t have a car, you will have to use the local taxi services. These take at least 20 minutes to arrive once you’ve booked one so, use this information to plan your time wisely. 

Practical Information About Northampton

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland