Attractions and Places To See in Northamptonshire - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Northamptonshire include a diverse range of notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The county features gently rolling, limestone hills and valleys, with rivers such as the Nene, Cherwell, and Welland flowing through the area. Visitors can explore historic estates, architectural marvels, and serene natural spaces, reflecting over 10,000 years of human activity. This region offers a variety of places to visit, from historical sites to outdoor activity hubs.
Best attractions and places to see in Northamptonshire
- The most popular attractions is Welland Viaduct, an other man-made structure and historical site. This bridge is the longest masonry viaduct across a valley in the United Kingdom, featuring 82 arches.
- Another must-see spot is Iron Trunk Aqueduct, a man-made monument and historical site. Built in 1811, it carries the Grand Union Canal over the River Great Ouse, offering excellent walking opportunities in the surrounding Ouse Valley Park.
- Visitors also love Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, a historical site with facilities. This location provides a deli with locally sourced products, a traditional tea room, and various shops for gifts and antiques.
- Northamptonshire is known for its historical sites, natural features, and family-friendly attractions. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles and stately homes to expansive country parks and unique architectural follies.
- The attractions in Northamptonshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across its highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Welland Viaduct
Highlight • Structure
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Iron Trunk Aqueduct
Highlight • Monument
There is a wealth of excellent walking in the surrounding Ouse Valley Park, including two excellent nature reserves. A popular itinerary is to link the Iron Trunk with the village of Cosgrove, with a visit to the Barley Mow pub.
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Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard
Highlight • Historical Site
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Kelmarsh Tunnels
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed.
The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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Northampton Bike Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Canons Ashby House and Priory Church
Highlight • Castle
Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era.
The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters.
Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby."
Cit. nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest
Highlight • Natural Monument
There are three waymarked walking trails, a cafe and toilet facilities, making this an ideal day out for the family. Crucially, dogs are welcome too. There's also a play area for the little ones and a treetop walkway for those of a stern constitution.
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Stony Stratford Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Created in 1979 from the gravel workings used in the building of the nearby A5, the reserve comprises five lakes and 57 acres (23 ha) of wet meadow. It is owned and operated by the Parks Trust.
Two hides allow you to spot various bird species, depending on the time of year. Terns, oystercatchers and lapwings nest on the islands between March and June. It’s a good place to see a number of raptors, including kestrels, sparrow-hawks, buzzards and red kites. It is not uncommon to spot ospreys on autumn passage.
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Nene Whitewater Centre
Highlight • Cafe
Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington
Highlight • Historical Site
Once a major part of village life, the church was built in the late 13th century, though it incorporates some stonework from an earlier period.
By the mid 19th century the church had fallen into a serious state of disrepair and was little more than a ruin, but thankfully in 1869 the building was restored to its former glory and a new Rectory was built alongside it. The person responsible for this was the Rector, John Downes. He personally paid for the restoration and for the building of the Rectory, now called Hannington House. It was John Downes' wife Lucy who founded the school in Hannington in 1871, and this school building still exists and is used as the Village Hall.
Ref. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire
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Tips from the Community
The Nene Whitewater Centre is the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course, offering activities for all skill levels – from families to seasoned kayakers. Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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Very impressive viaduct. You arrive there when you pass into Rutland area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites and landmarks can I explore in Northamptonshire?
Northamptonshire is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Welland Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in the UK, or the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, an 1811 structure carrying the Grand Union Canal. Other notable sites include Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family, and Boughton House, often called 'England's Versailles'. Don't miss Canons Ashby House, an Elizabethan manor, or the unique Rushton Triangular Lodge.
Where can I find natural beauty and outdoor spaces in Northamptonshire?
The county offers beautiful countryside with rolling limestone hills and rivers like the Nene. Popular spots include Sywell Country Park, Pitsford Reservoir for walking and water sports, and the Nene Wetlands nature reserve. You can also explore Salcey Forest, known for its ancient trees and wildlife, or the serene Stony Stratford Nature Reserve.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Northamptonshire?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. Welland Viaduct and Iron Trunk Aqueduct offer scenic walks. Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard provides shops and eateries. Wicksteed Park is a free-to-enter urban park with rides and extensive grounds. The Nene Whitewater Centre offers active fun, and many country parks like Sywell are great for outdoor family days.
What cultural sites and museums are available in the region?
Northamptonshire has several cultural institutions. Delapré Abbey is a restored mansion offering history and events. The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery houses the world's largest collection related to the history of shoes. Abington Park Museum delves into local history, and the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne provides insights into Britain's canal heritage.
Where can I go for walking or hiking in Northamptonshire?
The county offers numerous walking opportunities. The Ouse Valley Park around the Iron Trunk Aqueduct is excellent for walks. The Brampton Valley Way, which includes the Kelmarsh Tunnels, is a popular route along a former railway trackbed. For more options, explore easy hikes like the Sywell Reservoir loop or the Ravensthorpe Reservoir trail. You can find more details on easy hikes in Northamptonshire.
Are there cycling routes or bike parks in Northamptonshire?
Cyclists have a variety of options. The Northampton Bike Park offers 9 trails ranging from green to black for mountain biking. For road cycling, consider routes like the Tour de Reservoir loop from Northampton or the Welland Valley Viaduct loop from Kettering. More cycling routes can be found on the Road Cycling Routes in Northamptonshire guide or the general Cycling in Northamptonshire guide.
What unique architectural sites can I visit?
Beyond stately homes, Northamptonshire features unique architectural marvels. The Rushton Triangular Lodge is an intriguing folly designed by Sir Thomas Tresham. You can also visit 78 Derngate, a Grade II-listed house redesigned by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, offering a glimpse into his distinctive style.
Are there any attractions with facilities like cafes or shops?
Yes, Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard is a great stop, featuring a deli with local products, a traditional tea room, and various shops for gifts and antiques. The Nene Whitewater Centre also has cafe facilities.
Can I find wheelchair-accessible attractions in Northamptonshire?
The Iron Trunk Aqueduct and its surrounding Ouse Valley Park are noted as wheelchair accessible, offering opportunities to enjoy the historic structure and natural surroundings.
Where can I learn about specific historical events in Northamptonshire?
For those interested in pivotal historical events, Naseby Battlefield marks the site of a significant English Civil War battle in 1645. Fotheringhay Castle is known as the birthplace of Richard III and the site of Mary Queen of Scots' execution.
What are some popular outdoor activities involving water?
Pitsford Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and various water sports. For a more adventurous experience, the Nene Whitewater Centre offers artificial whitewater courses.
What do visitors enjoy most about Northamptonshire's attractions?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from the historical significance of sites like the Welland Viaduct to the natural beauty of places like Salcey Forest. The walking opportunities around the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and the unique shopping and dining experience at Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard are also frequently highlighted.
Most popular routes in Northamptonshire
Most popular attractions in Northamptonshire
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