Northampton is a beautiful town in the East Midlands. Although the settlement is widely unheard of, it was named one of England’s hidden gems, due to a number of interesting cultural hotspots available to the public. The town isn’t a city, but it is the largest town without city status in the UK. and this doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of exciting attractions and opportunities waiting to be visited. Just an hours train journey from the centre of London, Northampton is one of the greatest undiscovered places to travel to in England.
Must-Do
There are several attractions that are worth visiting scattered around the town. Take a trip to the Royal & Derngate Theatre for incredible live performance – there is always something good on! Have a look at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery full of historical artefacts and beautiful paintings. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can also watch the Northants Steelbacks Cricket team play a Twenty20 game at the County Ground – it’s always a tense match and a great source of entertainment, too!
What Do You Like Best About Your Town?
Personally, I love how unknown the town is, and how despite this, there are a plethora of British celebrities who were born and raised in Northampton. These include ‘Doctor Who’ actor Matt Smith, ‘Game of Thrones’ actress Sophie Turner, Radio DJ Jo Whiley, ‘Mr Bean’ actor Rowan Atkinson and Comedians Hugh Dennis and James Acaster.
Best Walks
Northampton is slap-bang in the middle of the countryside, so there are plenty of scenic walks in and around the county. However, for a walk inside the town, I would recommend Abington Park. It spreads across the Southern part of town, near Weston Favell. Start at the County Cricket Parking area, and follow the walkways through the trees, past the lakes, over the football grounds and then back around towards the bandstand.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a walk around the town, then I would suggest starting at the racecourse, heading towards Northampton Cathedral, and then up the road to Thornton Park, a walk which gives a view of the prettiest streets in the town and some of the best attractions too.
However, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, then you can head outside the town to one of many parks in the countryside. Irchester Country Park has several walks through the woods and a play area for the kids, Fermyn Woods provides a scenic walk and a small cafe, as does Barnwell Country Park, and Stanwick Lakes not only gives a great walk in between the reservoirs, but also includes a huge water-based play area, assault courses, ziplines and a helpful visitor centre.
Best Places to Eat in Northampton
Northampton is a vibrant town located in the East Midlands region of England, offering a diverse range of cuisines from all around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full-course meal, Northampton has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat in Northampton UK:
- Bread & Pullet Bread & Pullet is a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Northampton, offering a range of British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They pride themselves on their homemade bread, which is baked fresh daily. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and craft beers to complement your meal.
- Hibiscus Hibiscus is a family-run restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine. They have an extensive menu, featuring both traditional and contemporary dishes, and they use only the freshest ingredients. Hibiscus also offers a great value lunchtime buffet, making it a great choice for a quick and affordable meal.
- Bistro Prego Bistro Prego is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Northampton. The menu features a range of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto. The restaurant also has a great selection of Italian wines and spirits to complement your meal.
- The Church Restaurant The Church Restaurant is housed in a stunning 12th-century church, making it a unique dining experience. The menu features a range of British and European dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and craft beers, and the setting is perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Saffron Saffron is a popular Indian restaurant that serves delicious, authentic dishes from all over India. The restaurant has a great ambiance and a range of seating options, including a cozy lounge area. They also have a great selection of wines and beers to complement your meal.
- Lasaan Lasaan is a popular restaurant that serves delicious Bangladeshi and Indian dishes. They use only the freshest ingredients, and their menu features a range of classic and contemporary dishes. Lasaan also has a great selection of wines and beers to complement your meal.
- The Smoke Pit The Smoke Pit is a popular BBQ restaurant that serves delicious smoked meats and sides. They have a great range of BBQ dishes, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers and cocktails to complement your meal.
Best Music Festival
Northampton puts on several music festivals each year, but there is only one big festival worth attending, usually held in July. The Northampton Town Festival is like a giant funfair, with live music, entertainment, hot air balloons and fireworks to finish the evening. This thriving event is also completely free to attend, making it even more worthwhile, and pets are allowed to come along too. The festival is easily accessible, as it is held right in the centre of town, and promotes new local talent in music to the community.
Best Nightlife
Northampton is a town located in the East Midlands region of England. Although it may not be as famous as some of the bigger cities in the UK, Northampton boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with friends or a night of dancing, Northampton has something for everyone. Here are some of the best nightlife and bars in Northampton UK:
- The Old Bank The Old Bank is a popular bar and club located in the heart of Northampton. With a spacious dance floor, comfortable seating, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to spend a night out. They also offer a range of cocktails, beers, and spirits, as well as live music and DJ events on the weekends.
- Picturedrome Electric Theatre Picturedrome Electric Theatre is a unique bar that is housed in a former cinema building. They serve a range of drinks, including craft beers, cocktails, and wines, and host regular live music events and comedy nights. The interior of the bar is stunning, with ornate ceilings and vintage decor, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.
- The Wig and Pen The Wig and Pen is a traditional British pub located in the town center. They offer a wide range of real ales, ciders, and craft beers, as well as a menu of hearty pub food. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s a great place to unwind after a long day.
- The Loft The Loft is a stylish cocktail bar and nightclub located in the center of Northampton. With a rooftop terrace and two floors of dance floors, it’s the perfect place for a night out with friends. They serve a range of cocktails, beers, and wines, as well as hosting regular DJ events.
- The Black Prince The Black Prince is a popular live music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years. With a capacity of over 700 people, it’s a great place to catch a gig or attend one of their regular club nights. They also have a range of drinks available, including a selection of real ales.
- The Lamplighter The Lamplighter is a popular pub and live music venue that has been a fixture of the Northampton nightlife scene for over 20 years. With regular gigs from local bands and musicians, it’s a great place to catch some live music. They also have a range of drinks available, including a selection of real ales and craft beers.
- The Garibaldi Hotel The Garibaldi Hotel is a traditional British pub located in the town center. With a range of real ales and pub food available, it’s a great place to unwind after work. They also have regular live music events and quiz nights, making it a great place to socialize with friends.
In conclusion, Northampton offers a diverse range of nightlife and bars, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, a cocktail, or a quiet pint, you’re sure to find something to suit your mood in this vibrant town.
Best Places to Stay in Northampton
I have added some of the most popular places to stay in Northampton. Please click on the links if you’d like more details or would like to see customer reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Northampton Marriott Hotel is a comfortable 4-star hotel with an array of amenities, we cater to both business and leisure travellers. Experience the best of Northampton, United Kingdom from our hotel’s front door, or stay in an enjoy a delicious meal at Cast Iron Bar & Grill.
- Hilton Northampton Hotel is adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1 Motorway and only 20 minutes from Silverstone Formula 1 racing circuit. Enjoy the convenient location just ten minutes’ drive from Northampton town center and 20 minutes from Milton Keynes.
- (Historic Hotel) Flore House is a Grade II listed Jacobean Hunting Lodge. It is set in 5 acres of gardens and 14 acres of parkland. The accommodation comprises of two self contained rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has a king size bed, smart TV, fully equipped kitchenette and an eclectic mix of bespoke furniture.
- The Walnut Tree Inn is a beautifully spacious reasonably priced hotel in rural Northamptonshire, near the home of British Grand Prix – Silverstone. Fantastic dining, a relaxed atmosphere and a lively bar.
Best Day Trips Out of the Town
Whilst Northampton has loads of attractions worth visiting, there are also some great places to travel to outside the town. Wicksteed Park is Northamptonshire’s biggest theme park, attracting tons of visitors every year. Based in Kettering, the park is perfect for a day trip out with the family and is no more than a 30-minute car drive from the centre of town.
For those car enthusiasts, the Silverstone Racetrack is a great attraction. The track hosts the British Grand Prix every year, as well as loads of other, smaller championships like the Superbike World Championship and the European Formula Two Series. One reason to visit is that you can pay to drive one of the fastest, sportiest cars available around the Silverstone track if you wish.
Finally, for a more historical look at Northamptonshire, you can visit Rockingham Castle, just a 20-minute drive from the town. The Castle is more than 900 years old and contains rooms filled with beautiful interior decor available for public viewing.
Something Not Many Travellers Know About Northampton
Northampton is a lot more culturally important than most people think. In our county, we run 3 of the 4 Weetabix factories in the UK, the only Carlsberg beer factory and we invented and run the only Doc Martens shoe company in the country, all of which are great places to visit.
So, in conclusion, Northampton is a great place to travel to. With plenty of entertainment, nightlife, important tourist attractions and scenic country walks, the county is jam-packed with amazing days out just waiting to be had. Some of the most famous companies in the UK started and still run here, tons of actors, comedians, radio DJs and YouTubers grew up here, and the town is filled with bustling life every day, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday.
10 Interesting facts about Northampton
- Northampton is located in the East Midlands region of England, and it’s the largest town without city status in the UK.
- The town was originally a Saxon settlement, and it grew as a centre for shoemaking in the 19th century.
- Northampton was an important center of the English Civil War, and it was the site of a major battle in 1645.
- The town is home to several historic buildings, including the 12th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is one of the largest and best-preserved round churches in England.
- Northampton is known for its shoe industry, and it’s home to several shoe museums, including the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.
- The town has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several theatres, art galleries, and museums, including the Royal & Derngate Theatre, which hosts a variety of productions throughout the year.
- Northampton is home to several notable sports teams, including Northampton Town F.C. and Northampton Saints rugby team.
- The town is also known for its annual Northampton Balloon Festival, which is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Europe.
- Northampton has a rich literary heritage, and it’s the birthplace of several notable authors, including Alan Moore, the creator of the graphic novel “Watchmen.”
- Finally, Northampton is located just an hour’s train ride from London, making it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.