Northamptonshire Holiday Guide

Northamptonshire is a mainly rural county in the East Midlands of England, with gently undulating countryside.  Affectionately dubbed as the ‘Rose of the Shires’ by some, this county is found mid-way between London and the Midlands. 

 

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What Does Northamptonshire in England Offer for Cottage Breaks?

Northamptonshire has lots to offer and discover on a cottage break, including:

•    Beautiful Northamptonshire countryside

•    Historical houses and castles

•    The city of Northampton

•    Pretty towns and villages in Northamptonshire

•    Outdoor pursuits galore

•    Northamptonshire Attractions

 

Scenic Northamptonshire Countryside

Although there are no national parks or national landscapes in Northamptonshire, there are many beautiful nature reserves such as Summer Leys, Stanwick Lakes and Nene Wetlands, as well as and country parks where you can appreciate nature at its finest.  Also in this area are the Northamptonshire uplands; an area characterized by rolling limestone hills, valleys and rivers.
 

 

 

Historical Houses and Castles in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire is home to some fascinating historical country estates and even a castle!  The beautiful Althorp Estate belongs to the Spencer family and features tranquil manicured gardens.  Princess Diana is buried here, on an island that sits within a lake.

Although the Althorp Estate is undoubtedly Northamptonshire’s best known and best loved country estate, there are other impressive historic houses to visit within the county, including Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, Holdenby House, and Castle Ashby House.

Rockingham Castle is an impressive medieval fortress to catch a glimpse of in the distance but is not currently open for visits.

 

The City of Northampton

The main city is Northampton, a market town of over 200,000 inhabitants, and worth visiting to view the magnificent buildings of the Victorian Gothic former Guildhall in Northampton's market square, now county council offices, All Saints Church and other historic buidlings. There is a good shopping centre, a daily market and plenty of places to eat out.
 

 

Pretty Towns and Villages in Northamptonshire

There are pretty towns and village to visit throughout the county for pleasant walks and places of interest during your cottage holiday.

 

Outdoor Pursuits Galore in Northamptonshire

With its plentiful rivers and canals; including the Grand Union Canal, you can enjoy waterside walks along tow paths where you can admire the brightly coloured canal boats or feed the swans. There are numerous fishing lakes and fisheries where angling enthusiasts can fish, safe places to cycle and walk.  Northamptonshire is an ideal place to book a holiday cottage to use as a base whilst you explore some of the best of the East Midlands of England.

 

 

 

Northamptonshire Attractions

Other points of interest within Northamptonshire include
 
•    Silverstone Race Track (home of the British Grand Prix and a Visitor Centre),

•    Woburn Safari Park (lies within nearby Bedfordshire) is an amazing family attraction close to the Northamptonshire border.

 

 

Whether you opt to explore the scenic Northamptonshire countryside on holiday, visit historic houses, dine out in the city of Northampton, discover local cuisine in country inns in Northamptonshire's towns and villages, enjoy outdoor pursuits galore, or visit Northampton's top attractions, have a superb self-catering break in this area of the East Midlands.