Best attractions and places to see around Little Harrowden offer a glimpse into rural English life within North Northamptonshire. This quiet village provides a peaceful retreat with historical landmarks and opportunities to enjoy its natural surroundings. The area features rolling countryside, ideal for walking and cycling, alongside significant historical sites. Visitors can explore a mix of natural features and man-made monuments.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22 km) traffic-free trail between Northampton and Market Harborough, following a disused railway line. Itβs popular with cyclists, walkers, and horse riders thanks to its mostly flat, scenic route through countryside and woodland. Two long, unlit tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon add an adventurous twist β lights are essential. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt, best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes.
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When King Edward Iβs beloved first wife, Eleanor of Castile, died in 1290, he spent three days in intense mourning, unable to leave the Nottinghamshire village of Harby where she died. He then led her funeral procession, journeying some 200 miles to London over many days. To commemorate Eleanor, Edward commissioned three tombs and had 12 stone crosses built to mark each place where her body rested overnight on its final journey. He employed the best masons in the land to build them. (Text from: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eleanor-cross-geddington/history/ )
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A great route from Northampton to the picturesque town of Market Harborough and beyond, an especially easy route to and from the Railway Station in both towns. There are two tunnels, one at Kelmarsh and another at Oxendon so don't forget your lights, other things to mention are, where route 6 crosses the A5199 at the Windhover Pub to un-adopted road leading to Northampton via Windrush Way the path is tarmac, north from the Windhover is all gravel and quite bumpy in parts. If you have time why not visit Pitsford Country Park, its roughly 7 miles round some stunning countryside and you can grab drinks and eats at the Willow Tree CafΓ©!
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One of the more spectacular of the surviving Eleanor crosses. A good challenge is to ride the route of all the crosses from Lincoln to London. I and others did it raising money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.
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The church in Hannington is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul and is one of only two in England with a bisected nave; the other (at Caythorpe in Lincolnshire) had a north aisle added in Victorian times, spoiling the symmetry, and therefore this church could be considered to be unique in England. 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. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire
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Beyond the village's own historic St Mary's Church, you can visit the unique St Peter and St Paulβs Church, Hannington, known for its bisected nave. Another significant historical landmark is the Eleanor Cross, Geddington, one of the most spectacular surviving crosses commissioned by King Edward I.
Yes, Pitsford Water is a prominent natural feature, offering a large lake with walking and cycling paths around its perimeter. The surrounding Northamptonshire countryside itself provides serene views and a peaceful rural atmosphere.
The area boasts excellent cycling opportunities. You can explore National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, which includes two tunnels requiring lights. Another popular option is the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile traffic-free trail on a disused railway line, suitable for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. For more road cycling options, you can find routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Little Harrowden guide.
Absolutely. Pitsford Water is highly recommended for families, featuring a cafe, public toilets, bike hire, and open grassed areas with a children's play area. The Brampton Valley Way and National Cycle Route 6 are also family-friendly for walking or cycling.
Yes, Little Harrowden is surrounded by rolling Northamptonshire countryside with numerous footpaths. You can enjoy peaceful countryside walks directly from the village. For structured routes, explore the Easy hikes around Little Harrowden guide, which includes options like the Wicksteed Park loop or the Sywell Reservoir loop.
St Mary's Church is the most significant landmark in Little Harrowden, a Grade II* listed building dating primarily from the Norman period, with its oldest part from around 1195. It showcases Transitional style architecture and features a chancel, nave, aisles, and a south porch. Although its original tower and spire were lost, it retains immense historical importance as a central part of the village's heritage.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The tranquility of the rural setting, the well-maintained cycle routes like the Brampton Valley Way, and the facilities at places like Pitsford Water are frequently highlighted. The historical significance of landmarks such as the Eleanor Cross also leaves a lasting impression.
Pitsford Water is noted for its accessibility, offering a main walking/cycle path around the water and an accessible garden with raised beds. Its facilities, including public toilets, also contribute to a more comfortable visit.
Little Harrowden provides an authentic English village experience with a timeless atmosphere. Its charm lies in its quiet nature, allowing visitors to enjoy a slower pace of life amidst traditional houses, old stone walls, small gardens, and narrow roads. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat in serene countryside.
Yes, the Brampton Valley Way offers a 14-mile (22 km) traffic-free route, and National Cycle Route 6 connects Northampton to Market Harborough, providing extensive options for longer excursions.
Little Harrowden offers a peaceful retreat year-round. The rolling countryside is beautiful in spring and summer for walking and cycling, while autumn brings vibrant colors. Even in winter, the quiet village and its historical sites provide a serene escape, though some paths might be muddy.
Yes, for runners, there are several trails available. You can find various routes, including moderate and difficult options, in the Running Trails around Little Harrowden guide, such as the Cheesecake Spinney loop or the River Ise loop.
The walks around Little Harrowden are primarily through rolling Northamptonshire countryside. You can expect a mix of footpaths, open fields, and potentially some woodland sections. Trails like the Brampton Valley Way have a surface that is a mix of gravel and dirt, best suited for hybrid or mountain bikes, but also suitable for walking.


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