Northampton Attractions
Northampton, county town of Northamptonshire, is an important industrial town, noted particularly as a center for the boot and shoe industry. At the end of the 17th century the town was ravaged by a fire which destroyed many historic old buildings, including some dating from the Saxon and Norman periods. The town, which lies on the northern bank of the River Nene, possesses two important churches and one of the largest market places in England. Northampton's oldest building is the Church of The Holy Sepulchre, built in 1100.
The dispute between Henry II and Thomas Becket in 1164 took place in Northampton Castle, the site of which is now occupied by a railroad station. During the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485), Lancastrian forces were defeated not far from the town in 1460 and Henry VI was taken prisoner.
Northampton has several parks, the Billing Aquadrome leisure park and two indoor shopping centres.
The dispute between Henry II and Thomas Becket in 1164 took place in Northampton Castle, the site of which is now occupied by a railroad station. During the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485), Lancastrian forces were defeated not far from the town in 1460 and Henry VI was taken prisoner.
Northampton has several parks, the Billing Aquadrome leisure park and two indoor shopping centres.
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Churches
Near the Market Square stands All Saints Church, built after the 1675 fire, with a 14th century tower which survived the fire. On the front there is a statue of Charles II wearing a toga and a full wig (1712). The Church of St Peter, in Marefair, is a typical example of the richly decorated Middle Norman style (about 1160). St Matthew's Church in Kettering Road is worth a visit for the sake of Henry Moore's "Madonna and Child" (1944) and Graham Sutherland's "Crucifixion" (1946).
Museums
The Museum and Art Gallery in Guildhall Road reflects Northampton's main industry and contains a collection of footwear from Roman times to the present day. Nearby in Bridge Street there is also a leatherwork museum (including objects from ancient times to contemporary designs).
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Guildhall Road
Northampton NN1 1DP
England
Guildhall Road
Northampton NN1 1DP
England
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Northhampton - Shopping and Entertainment
In the city center, the shops in the Grosvenor Centre and around the neighboring Market Square offer an excellent choice. The modern Derngate entertainments complex offers both cultural and sporting events, including the Victorian Theatre Royal.
Northampton Surroundings
Abington Mansion - Museum
Abington Park (1mi/2km; on the Wellingborough road out of Northampton) was once the home of Shakespeare's granddaughter, Lady Elizabeth Bernard. The mansion, which dates from the 15th century, was substantially rebuilt in 1740 and is today a museum.
Althorp House
Althorp House (6mi/10km northwest of Abington Park) is the seat of the Earl Spencer. The mansion was built in 1573, but its present appearance is owed largely to alterations carried out by Henry Holland at the end of the 18th C. In summer the house is open to the public and visitors can admire the outstanding collection of paintings, which includes works by Reynolds, van Dyck, Kneller and Gainsborough, as well as the valuable porcelain collection.
All values are in local currency
Hours
July 1 to August 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
| Family | 28.50 |
| Adult | 11.50 |
| Senior | 9.50 |
| Child 17 & under | 5.50 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Corby, England
Corby (pop. 52,300) was founded as a steel town in the 1930's. Corby has a large Scottish population and their heritage is a treasured aspect of life in the town. There is an annual Highland Gathering.
Corby - Kirby Hall
(In Corby, England)
Kirby Hall is an English Heritage property located near Corby. The stone-built Elizabethan mansion was begun in 1570, but also has 17th century alterations.
All values are in local currency
Kirby Hall
Corby NN17 3EN
England
Corby NN17 3EN
England
Hours
March 21 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
September 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 12:00 | Closed | Closed | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
| Family | 12.30 |
| Adult | 4.90 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 3.90 |
| Child | 2.50 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Daventry, England
Daventry (pop. 61,600) is an old town with a country park and reservoir, Daventry Country Park. It is a nature reserve and popular for birdwatching and fishing.
The town hosts a street market every Tuesday and Friday, and a farmer's market on the first Saturday of each month.
The town hosts a street market every Tuesday and Friday, and a farmer's market on the first Saturday of each month.
Ecton - Birthplace of Benjamin Franklin
This period village near Northampton was home to Benjamin Franklin during his youth.
Nene Way Walking Trail
The 110-mile / 176-kilometer trail follows the river Nene from its source in Northamptonshire, through Wellingborough, Northampton, Peterborough and Wisbech, before heading for its final destination at the river's mouth on the Wash.
Oundle, England
(In Corby, England)
Oundle (pop. 3,500) is a small market town, that served as a trading place for farmers and craftsmen, with many interesting houses. Oundle also has several churches, the Stahl Theatre and a skatepark.
Wellingborough, England
Wellingborough (pop. 71,100) is located on the Nene River 60mi/97km northwest of London. The Castle Theatre is located on the site of Wellingborough's old Cattle Market and features a 500 seat main theatre, drama room, art gallery and studio theatre. Wellingborough is home to many major retail chains on High Street and in the main shopping centre. The local market is held twice per week.
Wellingborough Tourist Office
Wellingborough Library
Pebble Lane
Wellingborough NN8 1AS
England
Wellingborough Library
Pebble Lane
Wellingborough NN8 1AS
England
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