Attractions and Places To See around Daventry - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Daventry include a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. This historic market town in West Northamptonshire offers extensive walking and cycling paths, including those along the Grand Union Canal and within local nature reserves. Visitors can explore ancient hill forts, historic churches, and reservoirs, providing diverse outdoor and cultural experiences. The area is known for its natural features and outdoor attractions, alongside notable landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Daventry
- The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake that offers a walking/cycle path around the water, picnic areas, and a children's play area. It features facilities like a cafe, bike hire, and an accessible garden.
- Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, a trail through disused railway tunnels. These tunnels are part of the Brampton Valley Way and require lights for passage.
- Visitors also love Daventry Country Park Reservoir, a lake within a popular park. It offers a trail around the lake, an adventure playground, and accessible bird hides.
- Daventry is known for its natural parks, historical sites, and canal routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient hill forts to historic churches and reservoirs.
- The attractions around Daventry are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and over 30 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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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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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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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Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
The Norton B-17
On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany.
It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England.
Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine.
On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum.
On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry.
The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Harlestone Firs
Highlight • Forest
There is roadside parking in front of the main entrance, though this can get full quickly on a nice day or at the weekend. An ice cream van parks here most busy days, selling the local Gallone's ice cream, along with all the classics.
You can also visit the garden centre 328 feet (100 m) down from the forest entrance, where there is a cafe, shops and toilets.
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All Saints' Church, Braunston
Highlight • Religious Site
The building is generally of roughly coursed rubble, but has been much restored. The vestry was added about 1860, and the restoration of the chancel took place in 1887–8, when its south wall was rebuilt. The nave was restored in 1890, the old high closed pews and a west gallery erected in 1791 being then removed. The present seating dates from 1928. The tower is said to have been taken down to its foundations and rebuilt in 1728–9, but the old materials appear to have been used again.
The earliest work in the building dates from c. 1150, to which period the half-round responds of the chancel arch belong: they have moulded bases and scalloped capitals with square chamfered abaci or imposts continued along the wall on the nave side. The extent of the nave of the 12th century church was probably the same as at present, but in the first half of the 13th century a south aisle was added and the chancel rebuilt as now existing. The south arcade and chancel arch are of this period (c. 1225–30), and the south doorway is also probably contemporary, though in appearance rather earlier in style. At the beginning of the 14th century a north aisle was added to the nave, and about a century later the tower appears to have been erected, followed shortly after by the addition of the clearstory. New windows were inserted in the chancel and south aisle, the east end of the aisle refaced or rebuilt, and the porch added. All this later work apparently extended over a considerable period towards the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. All the walls are plastered internally.
The chancel has a chamfered plinth, but is without buttresses. At the east end of the north wall is the only remaining 13th-century window, a single lancet, (fn. 107) the hood of which has notch-stops. The fourcentred east window and one in the rebuilt south wall are of three cinquefoiled lights, and there is a square-headed window of two trefoiled lights west of the modern priest's doorway. A round-headed north doorway, now opening into the vestry, may belong to the 12th-century church. The unmoulded trefoiled piscina recess has a slot for a wooden shelf, but the bowl is new; below the south-east window is a rectangular aumbry. The chancel arch is of two chamfered orders without hood-mould. The roof is modern, with flat-boarded ceiling.
The nave arcades are of three bays, with pointed arches of two chamfered orders, those of the 13thcentury south arcade springing from cylindrical piers with circular moulded capitals and bases, and from similar half-round responds. The arches have plain hood-moulds on each side. The piers and responds of the later north arcade are octagonal, with deeper moulded capitals and the hood-moulds of the arches have head-stops.
The south doorway is a good example of early 13th-century work, with semicircular arch of two orders, and hood-mould enriched on the underside with a continuous line of dog-tooth. The inner order has a keel-shaped moulding springing from plain chamfered imposts on nook-shafts with moulded bases, and simple water-leaf (west) and foliated capitals. There are traces of colour on the wall on either side the opening inside the porch, and a scratch dial at the top of the west jamb.
The south aisle is lighted by two windows in the south wall, one on each side of the porch, that to the east being of three lights similar to those in the chancel, and the other a square-headed window of two trefoiled lights. There is also a single-light trefoiled window of c. 1350 in the west wall, but the east wall is blank. In the north aisle are two 14thcentury square-headed windows respectively of three and two cinquefoiled lights, and west of the blocked doorway a modern window of two lights. The end walls are blank.
There are three pointed clearstory windows on each side, all of two cinquefoiled lights, with tracery and hood-moulds, and above them a hollow-moulded string. The low-pitched east gable has a modern apex cross, and stands high above the chancel roof.
The tower is faced with ashlar, and is of three stages, with moulded plinth and diagonal buttresses the height of the lower stage. The pointed bellchamber windows are of two trefoiled lights with quatrefoil in the head, and the tower terminates with a plain moulded parapet behind which the tiny spire is scarcely seen. There is no vice. The two lower stages are blank on the north and south, but on the west there is a square-topped doorway with plain lintel, and above it a second lintelled opening with wooden door; over this again is a glazed pointed opening with central mullion, the whole arrangement apparently dating from the 18th-century rebuilding. There is no arch to the nave, the west wall of which is pierced by a square-headed doorway.
The font is of 12th-century date, and consists of a large rectangular bowl with plain sides and shafted angles with cushion capitals and moulded bases; the capitals have a line of pellets at the angle.
The modern Gothic oak pulpit was formerly in Wisbech parish church.
In the floor at the east end of the south aisle are the brass effigies of Kenelme Cheseldyn of Uppingham (d. 1596) and his wife Winefred, daughter of Francis Say of Wilby, Northants, and an armorial brass plate to Edward Cheseldyn of Braunston (d. 1642). A large blue floor-slab in front of the chancel arch has the indents of a single figure and an inscription.
There are considerable traces of mediæval paintings on the east and south walls of the south aisle. In the middle of the east wall is an image bracket about 6 ft. 6 in. above the floor, which probably supported a figure of our Lady of Sorrows, of which the painting formed the background. An angel with outstretched wings is depicted on either side and on a medallion at the north end are a cross and the instruments of the Passion. On the south wall are portions of a text and fragments of a painting in red and black of the Mass of St. Gregory. It depicts an altar with chalice and paten, and about the altar four candlesticks and a patriarchal cross.
There is a stone coffin in the south aisle, and in the churchyard is preserved a grotesque stone figure (fn. 116) of the type known in Ireland as 'Sheela-na-gigs,' which was found in use, face downward, as a doorstep into the church.
There are four bells in the tower: the treble is by Thomas Newcombe (II) of Leicester (c. 1562–80), inscribed 'S. Thoma,' the second dated 1710, the third by Hugh Watts of Leicester (c. 1593–1615), inscribed 'Praise the Lord,' and the tenor by Thomas Norris of Stamford, 1660.
The plate consists of a cup of 1570–71; a paten of 1640–41; an undated paten with makers' marks 'R-S' only, and a pewter flagon.
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Daventry Country Park Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pitsford Water
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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The Stop House, Braunston
Highlight • Monument
It is part of Braunston.
The nearest place in the direction of Braunston Turn is Braunston Road Bridge No 91; 1¼ furlongs away.
The nearest place in the direction of Braunston Visitor Moorings (marina end) is Gongoozler's Rest Café Boat; a few yards away.
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Popular around Daventry
Tips from the Community
The area is great, lots of paths and variety, but the route given sticks to busy roads where you have to keep your dog on a lead. It also directs you down a private drive with no public right of way. Come to the area and follow your nose, not this route.
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Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.
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You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.
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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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Great to walk around looks very impressive
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for outdoor activities and nature walks around Daventry?
For outdoor activities and nature walks, consider Daventry Country Park Reservoir, which offers trails around the lake, birdwatching, and an adventure playground. Another excellent spot is Pitsford Water, featuring a walking and cycling path, picnic areas, and an accessible garden. You can also explore the extensive trails at Harlestone Firs, known for its forest environment.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit near Daventry?
Yes, Daventry and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a significant National Trust property. Borough Hill, an ancient hill fort, offers panoramic views and archaeological interest. In Daventry town, the Holy Cross Church is a prominent 18th-century landmark, and the Daventry Museum in Moot Hall provides insights into local history.
What family-friendly attractions are available around Daventry?
Families will enjoy Daventry Country Park Reservoir, which has an adventure playground and accessible bird hides. Pitsford Water also offers a children's play area and open spaces for picnics. For a unique experience, the Kelmarsh Tunnels, part of the Brampton Valley Way, can be an exciting adventure, though lights are needed for passage.
Where can I find good walking or hiking trails near Daventry?
Daventry offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can find detailed routes for various difficulties on the Hiking around Daventry guide. Popular spots include the trails around Daventry Country Park, the Grand Union Canal paths, and the routes through Harlestone Firs.
Are there cycling routes available near Daventry attractions?
Yes, cycling is popular in the area. The Pitsford Water offers a dedicated cycle path around the reservoir. The National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough passes through the area, including the Kelmarsh Tunnels. For more options, explore the Gravel biking around Daventry guide.
What are some dog-friendly places to visit around Daventry?
Many natural areas around Daventry are dog-friendly. Harlestone Firs is particularly recommended for walks with dogs, offering miles of criss-crossing paths. Daventry Country Park also welcomes dogs on its trails. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding leads.
Are there any accessible trails or attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, Pitsford Water features an accessible garden and a relatively flat path around the water. Daventry Country Park Reservoir also provides accessible bird hides and paths suitable for various mobility levels. It's always advisable to check specific trail conditions before visiting.
Where can I spot wildlife near Daventry?
Daventry Country Park is an excellent location for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching, with accessible bird hides and diverse species like kingfishers, herons, and woodpeckers. Drayton Reservoir is another good spot for birdwatching. The natural reserves and canal paths often reveal local flora and fauna.
What is there to see along the Grand Union Canal near Daventry?
The Grand Union Canal near Daventry, particularly around the village of Braunston, offers picturesque walking and cycling paths. Braunston is known for its historic canal cottages, narrowboats, and waterside pubs. You can also find historical structures like The Stop House and All Saints' Church in Braunston.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the Daventry area?
For a unique experience, the Kelmarsh Tunnels offer an atmospheric journey through disused railway tunnels, requiring lights for passage. Borough Hill, with its ancient hill fort and panoramic views, is also a significant but perhaps less-known historical site with a rich past, including its role in early BBC broadcasting.
What kind of running trails are available around Daventry?
Runners can find a variety of trails around Daventry. The Running Trails around Daventry guide provides options, including the popular Daventry Country Park loop and routes around Pitsford Water. These trails offer diverse scenery from lakeside paths to woodland routes.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the walking trails in Daventry?
Yes, several attractions have facilities nearby. Daventry Country Park Reservoir has a cafe on-site. Near Pitsford Water, you'll find a cafe and bike shop. The village of Braunston, along the Grand Union Canal, features waterside pubs. Additionally, Harlestone Firs has an ice cream van on busy days and a garden centre with a cafe nearby.
Most popular routes around Daventry
Most popular attractions around Daventry
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