Northamptonshire Tourist Information

Northamptonshire, situated in the south east midlands of England, is known as the County of Squires and Spires.

Today there may be fewer Squires, but the beautiful Spires of Northamptonshire churches remain graceful landmarks across the County. Northamptonshire Tourist Information can be found in many towns and will be happy to help with any enquiries.

You can contact Northamptonshire Tourist Information Centres for details of the many country parks, cycle ways, bridal paths and walking routes within the County.

In spite of industrial development in the north, much of the land is still agricultural and contains rich pastureland and areas of woodland survive from ancient Rockingham Forest, where centuries ago Kings of England hunted fallow deer.

Although far from the sea, you are never far from water in Northamptonshire, there is lots of opportunity for water sports, boating and fishing on the canals, reservoirs and rivers.

Northamptonshire has many connections with English history. The village of Naseby situated near the source of the rivers Avon, Nene and Welland is the site of the battle of the same name in 1645, which, with the victory of Fairfax’s army, effectively ended the Civil War. A monument just outside the village commemorates the battle.

Kettering is becoming a centre for tourism in Northamptonshire, with Wicksteed Park, the UK's first leisure park, and Boughton House, the Northamptonshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and his Montagu ancestors since 1528, there is plenty to see near this busy town.

William the Conqueror built the former royal castle of Rockingham (open to the public), and Henry VIII granted the Castle to Edward Watson, ancestor of the present owner. The mainly Tudor building, within Norman walls, has architecture, furniture and works of art from almost every century. Charles Dickens, a frequent visitor, based 'Chesney Wold' in his novel Bleak House, upon the castle.

Northamptonshire has many other stately homes to visit, to name just a few: Althorp (home of the Earl of Spencer), Southwick Hall, Coton Manor, Canons Ashby House and Lamport Hall.

The County town, Northampton, on the banks of the River Nene, is well known for the manufacture of footwear. A lively market town with historic buildings, as well lots of up to date shopping and leisure facilities. Annual events held in Northampton include the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Northampton Country Fair and Sheep Dog Trials.

The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery tells the town's story from the Stone Age to the present day. Northamptonshire Tourism Information is available in the Guildhall.