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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Alum Bay

Freshwater

in the county of Isle of Wight

Village sign

Wroxham

in the county of Norfolk

Steam at Douglas, Isle of Man

Douglas

in the county of Isle of Man

Pictures of Northampton

About Northampton

The landscape of Northampton is dotted with reminders of its illustrious history. Despite the great fire of 1675 when much of Northampton was destroyed, it was rebuilt in such a spacious, well-planned manner leading Daniel Defoe (1661-1731) to remark "Northampton is the handsomest and best built town in this part of England", and fortunately today the town remains attractive, retaining the same pleasant atmosphere.

During the 18th-century the town founded its prosperity of the manufacture of leather goods. In the collection owned by Northampton Museum and Art Gallery are the slippers worn by Queen Victoria on the occasion of the marriage to Prince Albert, Margot Fonteyn's ballet pumps, and sandals from Roman times, thus giving credence to the town's place in history as an important centre for leather. This is also famous hunting country and the town was known for its production of riding boots and saddles.

In the town centre visitors can see superb architecture, the guildhall is singularly spectacular, and of interest is the mighty Express Lift Tower which is fondly referred to as " The Northampton Lighthouse" there are some lovely three-storey Victorian houses and All Saints Church is a wonderful example of the rebuilding and restoration work following the fire. The church dominates the centre of the town and is surrounded by a myriad of picturesque streets and narrow alleyways. The central market square remains the hub of the town, it is renowned throughout the county for it lively open-air market. The square is 750 years old, and one of the largest in the country.

The town is fortunate in its spectacular position on the River Nene, the Grand Union Canal is another of Northampton's famous waterways. A couple of centuries ago the canal was the scene of barges hauling goods, now it is narrow boats and eye catching pleasure craft attracting attention. Other leisure facilities close to the town include; Silverstone motor racing circuit, and the Santa Pod and Rockingham Speedway.



One of Northampton's historic treasures is Castle Ashby House, this was built by the Compton family in 1574 with the sole intention of it being a fitting place in which to lavishly entertain Queen Elizabeth I. Today, the family still live in their historic home, but the entertainment is for corporate events and weddings.

Within the town there are excellent shopping facilities, a good choice of pubs and restaurants, and those seeking night-life will find plenty of entertainment in the towns clubs and casino's.

Northampton is surrounded by lovely countryside where you can explore waterways, woods and historic sites. Althorp Park, home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales is within easy driving distance, this for its now legendry associations as well as being the last resting place of the late Princess is well worth seeing.

This is a town that offers huge scope, there are leisure opportunities as well as opportunities to explore the town's social and development history. It is a town of charm which will not disappoint.

Recommended towns & villages near Northampton

Stoke Bruerne

Stoke Bruerne (38 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Northamptonshire

(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction S of Northampton)

Lying just south of Northampton this beautiful canal village offers a wealth of interest to any boating enthusiast or any country lover...

Coton Manor, Near Guilsborough, Northamptonshire

Guilsborough (4 Pictures) in the county of Northamptonshire

(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction NW of Northampton)

Hidden amongst leafy lanes and glorious poppy fields of the undulating Northamptonshire countryside, lies the peaceful village of Guilsborough...

Olney, Buckinghamshire

Olney (62 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Buckinghamshire

(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction SE of Northampton)

Amongst other things the small town of Olney in Buckinghamshire is famous for its hymns - Amazing Grace was one of the so-called Olney Hymns written by the rector John Newton, and William Cowper, the poet...

A picture of Stanford on Avon

Stanford on Avon (8 Pictures) in the county of Northamptonshire

(14.9 miles, 24.0 km, direction NW of Northampton)

Picturesque village straddling the banks of the River Avon...

The old Oak tree in Midsummer Place

Milton Keynes (46 Pictures) in the county of Buckinghamshire

(15.3 miles, 24.6 km, direction SE of Northampton)

Of interest to visitors to the town is Milton Keynes Museum, this preserves the history of the town and its area from the early 19th century through to the present day...

All towns & villages in Northamptonshire
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Nearby attractions..

The Museum, Abington Park, Northampton

Abington Park Museum (10 Pictures)

(1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction E)

..

Billing Aquadrome in Great Billing, Northamptonshire

Billing Aquadrome (2 Pictures)

(3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction E)

..

Althorp House near Northampton, Northamptonshire

Althorp (6 Pictures)

(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction NW)

Althorp (said Althrup) has been in the Spencer family since 1508. It has undergone many major changes over the generations and.....

Salcey Forest, the Elephant Ponds

Salcey Forest (1 Pictures)

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction SE)

Beautiful forest, with massive oaks over 500 years old, situated a short distance from Ravenstone, close to Stoke Goldington. .....

Castle Ashby House, Northamptonshire

Castle Ashby House (4 Pictures)

(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction E)

The magnificent building of Castle Ashby House is guarded by a pair of splendid 18th-century wrought iron gates. The castle was.....

Coton Manor Wildlife Garden

Coton Manor Wildlife Garden (22 Pictures)

(9.5 miles, 15.2 km, direction NW)

"This is a beautifully maintained garden of exceptional charm...there is something for everyone here. This garden could not fail.....

Canons Ashby House, Northamptonshire

Canons Ashby House (44 Pictures)

(12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction SW)

This house was originally part of an Augustinian Priory, it was only converted into a charming Elizabethan manor house during the.....


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