10 Best Things to Do in Northampton

Althorp Estate offers access to the Spencer Family home where you can view the resting place of Princess Diana and tour a museum tracing the history of the famed family. The estate building and grounds date back hundreds of years and haven't been changed since the end of the 1700s and is a stunning example of the rchitecture of the era. Inside you can see photos of the original Tudor building as well as portraits of James I and Charles II as well as the 'War and Peace' painting by Anthony van Dyck. The grounds are immaculately maintained. The estate is located just a 15-minute drive to the north and west of the city centre.

Stanwick Lakes offer a serene country escape on the shores of a serene lake with cycling and hiking as well as a splash park and playground for the kids. The grounds are peaceful and surrounded by lush green grass, verdant trees and calm waters.

It's a popular destination for those looking to just breathe in the fresh air and spend a quiet afternoon. The playground area and splash park are great fun for the kids while couples on a romantic vacation will enjoy walking hand-in-hand around the lake itself.

Coton Manor Gardens features a brilliantly colored garden dating to the 1920s and surrounding a historic 17th-century manor house. The walls of the manor are covered with climbing roses, shrubs, and clematis in rare varieties with graceful York stone terraces bursting with color in the summertime thanks to plots of heliotropes, salvias, verbenas and pelargoniums, among others.

Throughout the gardens, you'll find fountains, natural running streams and ponds. A quick walk away lands you in the bluebell wood or the wildflower meadows. No matter what time of year you visit this attraction just ten miles from the city centre, you'll find peace and historic beauty.

Royal and Derngate Theater sits directly in the town center of Northampton and features ballet performances, live comedy shows, musical performances, opera and drama. It's a prestigious venue that offers good views from almost every seat in the house, even way up at the top, and the variety of types of performances mean you're likely to find something to enjoy.

The complex consists of two theaters—the Royal Theater and the Derngate Theater. The Royal Theater is a Grade II listed historic building. To the side of the complex, a third building, the Errol Flynn Filmhouse, is an independent movie theater showing new and classic movies.

Abington Park offers buildings that have stood for over 7 centuries, 2 lakes, vast green space, and a fragrant garden for the blind with textured plants and flowers. Hiking trails abound and a dedicated fitness trail offers exercise equipment at 8 different places.

For the kids, playground facilities offer climbing, swinging, sliding and fun. Tucked in the heart of the park is a 500-year-old building housing the Abington Museum which offers dozens of artifacts and exhibits from militaria to historic photos of domestic life.

Delapré Abbey is a historic country house and former monastery that offers delicate flower gardens, artwork, historic architecture, and relaxation. This monastery dates to the 12th century and has seen centuries of history pass through its walls.

The gardens are a prime attraction, neatly tended and bursting with color in the spring and summer. Inside you can visit a quaint cafe for a coffee, a cup of tea and pastries, then view the historic artwork inside. The Abbey isn't far from the city, just an 8-minute drive from the city centre.

Rookery Open Farm is a cattle and sheep farm offering the chance to learn about farming and get up close to farm animals and even, in-season, watch them being born. You can participate in the farm tasks and learn how animals are cared for and raised, the purpose they serve in agriculture and get hands-on with cows and sheep.

Guided tours take you and your family through the entire farm operations in a safe, fun and educational way. Besides sheep and cows, you'll come up close to pygmy goats, and the kids can play in bouncy castles, sandboxes, or take a miniature tractor and go-kart rides.

Pitsford Water is a serene outdoor reservoir and nature reserve that's a popular spot offering paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing or hiking and outdoor adventure. The reservoir features more than seven miles of hiking trails. You can also enjoy a picnic area, a cafe within easy walking distance and a playground for the kids to enjoy.

The reservoir and surrounding grounds are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and are equally popular for cycling, fishing and bird watching. It's the largest body of water in the county and can be reached via a 14-minute drive to the north of the city centre.

Aspers Casino is a complete entertainment complex with a flashy atmosphere that offers gaming, dining, bars and plenty of nightlife-based entertainment. For gaming, the casino offers dozens of slots and electronic games, table games, and exciting games like double zero roulette as well as poker tables.

The Tanzibar club offers a modern mix of comfortable, casual sofa seating with splashy cutting-edge modern design with an illuminated bar and spirits display. A wide range of beers, champagne and craft cocktails are available. The Casino is located right in the heart of the Northampton city centre.