By Kate Williams
Whether it’s a weekend break or a mid-week treat, 48 hours in Northamptonshire is a guaranteed feast for all the senses. Try our suggested itinerary for the perfect whirlwind adventure!
Day one
Begin your stay by heading to the county town of Northampton and enjoying a tasty breakfast in one of the many independent cafes, before embarking on the Heritage Trail (maps can be downloaded from northampton.gov.uk). The three-mile route begins at the oldest building in town – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – and ends at the top of the Drapery, with plenty of opportunity for a bit of shopping and further exploration along the way. The Cultural Quarter in particular is worth spending some extra time in.
Book into The Dining Room restaurant at the historic Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house, 78 Derngate. Here you can enjoy delicious food in an elegant setting – just make sure to leave room for dessert.
After lunch, take a tour of the house itself which is now a multi award-winning visitor attraction, and spend some time browsing the stylish design shop and art galleries before heading out into the countryside.
A short drive from Northampton will get you to the village of Stoke Bruerne, perched right on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. You can learn all about the heritage of the waterways in the Canal Museum, and take a lovely walk right up to the entrance of the famous Blisworth Tunnel.
Head back into Northampton for an extensive choice of places to eat, and then spend the evening watching a show at one of the theatres, or enjoying some live music in one of the town’s many pub venues. If you’re out for the duration then go for a tipple at one of the Cultural Quarter’s classy bars.
Learn all about the heritage of the waterways in the Canal Museum, and take a lovely walk right up to the entrance of the famous Blisworth Tunnel
Day two
Take a drive out to Northamptonshire’s most famous stately home – Althorp House – and spend the morning marvelling at the beautiful interiors and private collections of the Spencers, and exploring the grounds. There are seasonal exhibitions on throughout the year and plenty of refreshments at the Stables cafe.
Two of the county’s best gastropubs are a stone’s throw from Althorp: The Red Lion in East Haddon, and The Kings Head in Spratton. Take your pick and enjoy a fine dining experience in the heart of the countryside.
Continue to explore the county of Spires and Squires with a drive to nearby Boughton House, or indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea at Rushton Hall. Alternatively, head up to Naseby to stand on the most famous battle ground in England.
Round up your Northamptonshire stay by returning to Northampton for another tasty meal out. More fine dining can be found at the Church restaurant which delivers stunning food in the surroundings of a stunning 12th-century building. Formerly known as St John’s Church, this Grade 1-listed venue is the oldest secular building in Northampton. Or you can enjoy something a little less flashy in one of the trendier joints such as The Smoke Pit which offers a succulent and flavoursome BBQ menu that is sure to impress. And if that’s not enough, you can finish things off by enjoying a night on the town.
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