Local Attractions
Kelmarsh Hall
Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732. The Kelmarsh Estate is now in the care of a charitable trust, charged with maintaining it in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation.In 2004, Kelmarsh (Events) Limited was set up as a commercial arm of the business to support the Charitable Trust.
Althorpe
Charles, Ninth Earl Spencer has been in charge for just 23 of the House’s 500-year history but has striven in that time to make a positive difference, by taking an uncompromising approach to the continuing wellbeing of Althorp.
Showcasing one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics, each intriguing room of this magnificent family home has a fascinating story of its own.
Summer 2016 – Open until 11th September. Gates open at 11am and last admission for house tour is 3pm. The cafe, gift shop and exhibition close at 5pm.
Two fantastic exhibitions in The Stables – one of works by Paul Brason who recently painted a portrait of Lord Spencer’s late father and one of 12 Edwardian photos of the Spencer family which Lord Spencer discovered in The Stables earlier this year.
78 Derngate
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the renowned Scottish architect, artist and designer, transformed this town house into a startlingly modern home. His last major commission features interiors of striking originality. Located in Northampton town centre, NN1 1UH
Tel: 01604 603407 for information and bookings.
Rockingham Castle
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham is the best-preserved example of a Norman Castle in Britain. A royal fortress for 450 years, it has been a much-loved family home since 1544. Beautifully furnished rooms tell the story of its long history. Surrounded by 18 acres of widely varying gardens the Castle commands spectacular views of 5 counties.
Telephone 01536 770240. Please visit the website at www.rockinghamcastle.com
Lamport Hall
Home to the Isham family for over four centuries. Now run by The Preservation Trust, the hall contains an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings, and books. Home to the original garden gnomes. Wide programme of events and courses.
Tel: 01604 686 272 or visit www.lamporthall.co.uk
Royal & Derngate Theatre
“I can think of few arts complexes that induce such a rush of excitement on arrival.” The Daily Telegraph
Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northampton. Recently the subject of a £15 million redevelopment project, the theatre offers two auditoria and Underground, a creativity centre that’s home to the Youth Theatre and a wide range of workshops and projects for the local community.
Telephone 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Displays include one of the finest collections of footwear in the world. Admission is free. Open all year. Northampton Borough Council also operates Abington Park Museum, which focuses on social history of Northampton together with regimental displays. Details of both museums can be found at www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Cottesbrooke Hall & Gardens
Winner of the HHA / Christies Garden of the Year Award. Nominated as one of the best gardens in the world by 2007 publication; “1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die”
“There is no landscape in England more dreamily picturesque than the park of Cottesbrooke Hall” Clive Aslet, The Telegraph
Telephone 01604 505808 or visit www.cottesbrookehall.co.uk
Deene Park
Deene is a largely sixteenth-century house incorporating a medieval manor. It is built around a courtyard and has important rooms added during the reign of George 111. Deene has belonged to the Brudenell family since 1514 and was the seat of the Earls of Cardigan, of whom the most notable was the 7th who led the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava in 1854.
Telephone 01780 450278 or visit www.deenepark.com
Northampton Football Club
For Cobbler fans, Northampton Football Club is situated in Northampton town. For directions or to book tickets, visit www.ntfc.co.uk
Telephone 01604 683700 or Box Office 01604 683777
Towcester Racecourse
Towcester Racecourse hosts seventeen National Hunt meetings which run from October to May. The racecourse also offers a wide range of conferencing, wedding and hospitality facilities.
Telephone 01327 353414 or visit www.towcester-racecourse.co.uk
Castle Ashby Gardens
Set in the heart of a 10,000 acre estate and open 365 days a year, the extremely tranquil and extensive gardens at Castle Ashby boast an array of styles including the butterfly garden, the picturesque rainbow border, a colourful fuchsia house, formal Italian gardens and orangery.
Telephone 01604 695 200 or visit www.castleashbygardens.co.uk
Brixworth Country Park
Developed with Millennium Commission funding, the park is a national showpiece for accessible countryside – providing access for all irrespective of physical or mental ability and social or cultural background.
Telephone 01604 889478 or visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk