things to do

Explore Northamptonshire

Golf

Enjoy great local golf at nearby Priors Hall Golf Club, Corby – and at Kettering Golf Club, only 8 miles away.

Watersports

You'll be surprised at just how many water activities you have to choose from.

Try your hand at white water rafting or canoeing at the Nene White Water Centre, or try a taster of water skiing, wake boarding and marine biking at Grendon Lakes, or boost your adrenalin levels with jetskiing at Billing Aquadrome. If you enjoy something more sedate, then come along for a weekend of sailing on the picturesque Pitsford Water, where boat hire and camping facilities are available as well as the Royal Yatching Association.

Walking

Northamptonshire is full of variety, with rolling hills, lakes, rivers, canals and a patchwork of interspersing fields, once covered by dense woodland. Ramble along one of the seven long-distance footpaths or wander through many local villages stopping to enjoy the honey stone cottages and refreshments in traditional country pubs as you go.

You can also spend time in one of our forests, Rockingham, Salcey and Whittlewood, originally part of the Royal Hunting Grounds, where you will come across an abundance of plant and wildlife, including ancient trees, swathes of bluebells and kingfishers.

Cycling

Come and revive your senses in the fresh air of one of the many cycling routes throughout Northamptonshire, taking you to mellow stone villages and past meandering waterways, over rolling hills and through open meadows.

With 15 cycle tours including the Brampton Valley Way, The Nene Valley Way, The Bluebell Line and two links to the National Cycle Network Routes, No. 6 Oxford to Leicester and No. 70 Walcote to Lutterworth, you really are spoilt for choice of what to see and where to cycle.

Fishing

If fishing is your forte, Northamptonshire's lakes and reservoirs are just the bait you need to get hooked. With over 40 designated fishing areas, you really must perch on the edge of one of Northamptonshire's waterways.

Set in idyllic locations, you will find some of the region's best, well stocked trout and carp fisheries among many others, many of which offer boat hire.

Country parks

In some of Northamptonshire's best kept areas of natural beauty lie a fantastic selection of country parks, ideal for taking a stroll watching the abundant wildlife, or simply enjoying a relaxing picnic.

Nightlife

Northamptonshire has an exciting mix of nightlife to suit all ages and tastes, so if you're planning a night out with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or an evening at the cinema with your family, you've come to the right place.

Contrast Victorian opulence with contemporary design at Northampton's Royal and Derngate theatres. 

Shopping

Northamptonshire's shops and markets cater for all tastes and budgets, so if you're looking for something for a special occasion or love bargain hunting, you're sure to find something to take home and enjoy.

The county is also a collector's haven, where you can browse antique silverware and furniture to famous memorabilia. The most popular towns for lovers of antiques are Weedon and Brackley.