Attractions and Places To See around Maidwell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Maidwell include historic landmarks and natural beauty. This village in West Northamptonshire, England, is set within rolling countryside featuring fields, meadows, and woodlands. The area offers a mix of cultural sites, such as Grade II listed buildings and archaeological sites, alongside natural features like the Brampton Valley Way. It provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring historical locations.
Best attractions and places to see around Maidwell
- The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake that offers facilities like a cafe, public toilets, and bike hire. It features open grassed areas for picnics, a children's play area, and a main walking/cycle path around the water.
- Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, a trail consisting of disused railway tunnels. Visitors can explore these tunnels, which are 480 meters long and unlit, requiring lights for passage.
- Visitors also love National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, a cycle way that follows a former railway line. This route offers opportunities for cycling and walking through varied terrain, including two tunnels.
- Maidwell is known for historic landmarks, natural beauty, and walking and cycling routes. The area features historic buildings, archaeological sites, and extensive rural countryside with trails.
- With more than 80 upvotes and 30 photos, the attractions around Maidwell are appreciated by the komoot community.
Last updated: May 4, 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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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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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pitsford Water
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth
Highlight • Religious Site
Arthingworth is just north of the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile (22.5 km) trail that uses the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway. The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn, serves good food and has eight en suite rooms in a separate accommodation block.
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Tips from the Community
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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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Maidwell?
Maidwell is nestled in rolling countryside, offering picturesque settings for walks and hikes through fields, meadows, and woodlands. A prominent natural feature is Pitsford Water, a large lake with open grassed areas for picnics, a children's play area, and a main walking/cycle path around the water. The area also features excellently preserved fishponds to the west of the main road.
Are there historical sites or landmarks to visit in Maidwell?
Yes, Maidwell is rich in history. You can visit the Church of St Mary the Virgin, a Grade II* listed building. Maidwell Hall, a Grade II listed building, also has a long history dating back to 1637. Other Grade II listed buildings in the parish include the Old Bakehouse, the Old House, and the Old Rectory on Draughton Road.
What walking and cycling trails are available near Maidwell?
The area offers several trails, including the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, which follows a former railway line and is suitable for both cycling and walking. This route includes the unique Kelmarsh Tunnels. For more specific routes, you can explore easy hikes around Maidwell or cycling routes around Maidwell.
Are there any family-friendly activities around Maidwell?
Absolutely. Pitsford Water is a great option, offering open grassed areas for picnics and a children's play area. Many of the local churches, such as St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington and St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, are also considered family-friendly historical sites.
What makes the Kelmarsh Tunnels a unique attraction?
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels, part of the Brampton Valley Way. The former 'up' line tunnel is open and unlit, extending 480 meters (1,570 ft). Visitors exploring it will need lights for passage, making it an adventurous and unique experience.
Can I find accessible attractions in the Maidwell area?
Yes, Pitsford Water is noted for its accessibility, featuring an accessible garden with raised beds and a main walking/cycle path suitable for various users.
What kind of archaeological sites are present in Maidwell?
Maidwell parish has evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman settlements, including an early Iron Age site and the location of a Roman Villa. Aerial photography has also revealed two rectangular enclosures typical of the early Christian era. Additionally, medieval earthworks of a watermill, millrace, leat, and dam exist in the Dales area.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near Maidwell's attractions?
While Maidwell itself is a small village, nearby areas offer options. Pitsford Water has a cafe. In Arthingworth, just north of the Brampton Valley Way, The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn that serves food.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Maidwell?
Visitors appreciate the mix of historic landmarks and natural beauty. The komoot community has given the attractions around Maidwell over 80 upvotes and shared more than 30 photos, highlighting the scenic countryside, the unique experience of the Kelmarsh Tunnels, and the facilities at Pitsford Water.
Are there any notable churches or religious buildings to visit?
Beyond the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Maidwell, you can visit St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, known for its unique bisected nave. Also, St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, is a Grade II*-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century.
What is the Brampton Valley Way and how can I access it?
The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile trail that follows the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway line. It passes near Maidwell and offers excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. You can access it from various points, including near Kelmarsh, where the Kelmarsh Tunnels are located.
When is the best time of year to visit Maidwell for outdoor activities?
The rolling countryside around Maidwell is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, when the weather is most favorable for walking, cycling, and exploring the natural features. While some trails are accessible year-round, specific seasonal events are not highlighted.
Most popular attractions around Maidwell
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