things to see

Corby

Geddington village – just 5 miles from the hotel is where you can one of the three remaining ‘Eleanor’ crosses and the old jail house. The pub opposite offers excellent food and Boughton is just a stones throw away.

No visit to the area would be complete without a visit to the historic town of Stamford. Only 17 miles away with a plethora of shops, marvellous architecture, old English pubs and eating houses, it is also a feast for antiques collectors.

Places to visit in and around the Borough include the historic Rockingham Castle, Kirby Hall and Rockingham Speedway.

Northampton

The attractive old town has a fine market square, one of the largest and most impressive in England.   Although seriously damaged by the Great Fire of 1675, many interesting historic buildings survive. The well-preserved Norman church of the Holy Sepulchre is one only four remaining round churches in England.  Founded in 1100 AD by Simon de Senlis, first Earl of Northampton, the church is Northampton's oldest standing building.  All Saints Church in George Row is a magnificent Grade I listed building, rebuilt in 1680 after the Great Fire.

The Welsh House and Hazelrigg House in Northampton are also handsome buildings and a social history museum in Abington Park is housed in a 15th century manor house, once the home of Shakespeare's grand-daughter.   Northampton's splendid Guildhall, a gem of Victorian architecture, was designed by the celebrated architect, Edward Godwin. 

Northampton also boasts many modern facilities including the pedestrianised shopping area of Abington Street and several indoor shopping precincts.  Don't miss 78 Derngate, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.The town has many attractive parks, gardens and riverside walks.  Members of the royal family have visited the town on many occasions, from the time of Henry I right up to the late Princess of Wales, whose family home was at nearby Althorp.

Stately homes and houses

Boughton House, The Northamptonshire home of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry Boughton House is often referred to as the 'English Versailles'. Its stunning classical exterior houses a collection of fine art from the renowned Buccleuch Collection including 17th & 18th century English and French furniture, tapestries and porcelain. This 500 year old Tudor house is set in stunning gardens with sparkling lakes and pleasant riverside walks. To take a tour of Boughton House click here

Rockingham Castle, A6003 1 mile north of Corby, in the reign of Elizabeth I, this attractive country house was constructed behind the curtain wall of Rockingham Castle, built by William the Conqueror.  The Norman fortress was able to withstand repeated assaults during the Civil War.  Today the site of the keep is marked by a rose garden but the outline of the two baileys can be seen and the drum towers are well-preserved.  The castle was a royal fortress for 450 years and the Elizabethan house, containing furnishings and artwork, is surrounded by 12 acres of gardens. 

In 1850 Charles Dickens often visited the then owners Richard & Lavinia Watson and drew inspiration from Rockingham Castle in the writing of ‘Bleak House’. There are transcripts in the castle of passages from Bleak House and other works .

Take an online tour of Rockingham Castle

Kirby Hall, Corby,4 miles north-east of Corby, 2 miles west of Deene Park, off A43 Corby to Stamford road, a splendid stone-built Elizabethan mansion, the house looks intact, but was abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century and today is mostly ruinous. Famous courtyard façades, gardens. The location for the filming of  ' Mansfield Park' by Jane Austen, made in 1998.

Althorp House, Althorp, 6 miles west of Northampton on A428 Northampton - Rugby road, the home of the Spencer family for 500 years. The present Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess of Wales, has converted the stable block to provide the setting for an exhibition, "Diana: A Celebration". Set in parkland, visitors can view the house, the exhibition and grounds as well as the Island were the Princess is buried. All visits must be booked in advance.

Take an online tour of Althorp House

For railway enthusiasts

Nene Valley Railway
Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6LR
14.3 miles from Corby

All the sights and sounds of the golden age of steam come alive at Nene Valley Railway, also the home of 'Thomas' the children's favourite engine. Full Steam Ahead for a great day out!

Railworld
Located in the Environment City of Peterborough, 20 miles from Corby, Railworld is a visitor centre that provides a great day out for the whole family. Straddling the beautiful River Nene in the heart of the city, Railworld offers railway exhibits old and new as well as masses of information about railways all over the World.

Other attractions

Rockingham Forest - Once a royal hunting ground and now covers 200 square miles in NE Northamptonshire. Today Rockingham Forest has delightful walks through quiet countryside, dotted with attractive grey-stone cottages and several country houses. 

Red Kites at Rockingham Forest - Fineshade, Rockingham Forest, Red kites @ Rockingham is signposted from the A43, between Corby and Stamford. The Red Kite, an eagle-like bird, was extinct in Britain by the end of the 19th century and this beautiful bird is being slowly re-introduced. There are now around 70 birds, and 40 breeding pairs.  The Red Kite Visitor Centre, has live video feeds from nests in the forest, and organises guided walks. 

Rockingham Speedway - Mitchell Road, Corby, NN17 5AF, Britain 's newest motor racing track is Britain's first all-seater motor sports stadium. It covers a 300-acre site near Corby and was was the first new oval race track since Brooklands in Surrey closed in 1936.The circuit has hosted a variety of races including Champ Car, ASCAR, British Superbikes, Formula Three and Days of Thunder. Enjoy pop concerts there too, attracting such names as The Darkness, Blue, Busted and Lemar.

Deene Park - Corby, NN17 3EW, 6 miles north-east of Corby on A43 Kettering - Stamford road, a Georgian mansion set in beautiful gardens - originally a medieval manor around a courtyard. During the Crimean War the 7th Earl of Cardigan led the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava. Gardens and lake, walks.

Sherwood Forest - 30 miles from Corby, and f amous around the world as the legendary home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, at the heart of Nottinghamshire, has fascinated visitors since Victorian times. Within its glades stands the mighty Major Oak, one of the largest and oldest oak trees in England. A good place to begin any exploration of Sherwood Forest, though, is at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre

Fermyn Woods Country Park - C reated from Brigstock Country Park and Fermyn Woods , open grassland and ancient woodland, wildlife, trail, adventure play area, Visitor Centre. Also visit Brigstock village with its Saxon church, in the past the bell was rung three times a day to aid anyone lost in the woods, and Elizabethan market cross.

Harringworth Viaduct - Near Harringworth Village, off A6003, north of Corby, the impressive Harringworth Viaduct stretches for 3/4 mile across the western side of the village.  Constructed in 1874 - 79 for the London & Midland Railway, the blue and red brick structure has 82 arches, each 40 feet wide.  Access to Harringworth is limited but spectacular views can be found in locations in the village.

East Carlton Country Park - West of Corby, A427, between Market Harborough and Corby. Ideal for country walks.  Heritage Centre in a converted coach house and stables, a few craft workshops, cafe. The Hall is not open to the public.

Wicksteed Park - Wicksteed Park is a great day out for the whole family! There's rides and attractions that will appeal to everyone ... Wicksteed Park is this country's oldest leisure park and consists of 150 acres of parkland and lakes with over 40 rides and attractions for both young and old alike.

Take an online tour of Wicksteed Park