Has the rainy weather got you down? No need to fret, there's plenty to explore in Northamptonshire without having to go outside! From historic houses to exciting escape rooms - there's something in the county for everyone to enjoy without having to get soaked.

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78 Derngate

Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, 78 Derngate has been meticulously restored and opened to the public. On-site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions. 78 Derngate was the architect’s final major commission; his visionary patron, Northampton model engineer, W.J Bassett-Lowke. It is the only place in the world where Mackintosh’s mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting.

As such, the house has drawn many thousands of visitors from around the globe. Now you can follow in their footsteps and see this unique work from one of Britain’s most influential and celebrated designers. Famed, not only for its Charles Rennie Mackintosh design but now also as an elegant and special venue. Afternoon tea, fabulous food, stylish shopping, inspirational art exhibitions, business meetings and corporate events. A warm welcome awaits you!

Find out more about 78 Derngate here: https://www.78derngate.org.uk

Haxed & Rushden Escape Rooms

Based in Rushden, these two venues share a building - meaning you can do both in one day if you'd like! Haxed is a modern axe throwing site, which has 4 throwing lanes designed with safety in mind, so you can throw with confidence, and most of all have FUN! They have experiences for most of your needs. From family fun (10+), to corporate events, to date nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So don’t hang around – ring the bullseye bell and crown yourself the champion! Each session at Haxed is 90 minutes long and are instructor lead, so they can ensure you make that axe stick.

Find out more about Haxed here: https://www.gethaxed.com

Rushden Escape Rooms are right next door - where the excitement and thrill of puzzle solving comes to life! Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience filled with mystery, teamwork and a dash of adrenaline. Gather friends, family or colleagues and step into the captivating world of escape rooms. Fun for all ages and experiences. Rushden Escape Rooms offer an array of intriguing and captivating themes, each designed to transport you into a different world of excitement.

Find out more about Rushden Escape Rooms here: https://www.rushdenescaperooms.co.uk

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre is Northamptonshire’s premier indoor climbing and caving facility. Catering for all ages and abilities, and open 7 days a week, the climbing centre is great for both adults and kids. Offering not only a great selection of routes on 60 lines ranging from beginner-friendly F2, to pro-challenging F8a+, the centre also houses a dedicated bouldering room with problems graded V0 to V8+, and a climbing room purely for group use. Their range of activities focuses around climbing, caving and abseiling. With walls of up to 12.5 metres high, and over 200 routes; you will never get bored scaling the walls!

Numerous courses are on offer from movement masterclasses to climbing taster sessions, including the famed Rockeez Kids Club sessions that run throughout the weeks during school terms. All activities are open for larger corporate events. Whether you are planning a conference, meeting, training or team building event, the facilities are perfect for your staff, clients and colleagues.

Find out more about The Pinnacle Climbing Centre here: https://thepinnaclecentre.co.uk

Pot en Ciel

Pot en Ciel is a studio where adults and children create unique pieces of painted ceramic. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, and suitable for all ages. A variety of blank ceramic pieces are available to choose from, such as mugs and coasters, plates and teapots, to trinket boxes and even seasonal objects. The price is inclusive of your chosen piece, paint and equipment, studio costs and glazing/firing, so there’s no hidden fees.

Adults can enjoy child-free evening sessions, with or without expert guidance, and a glass of fizz! A wide range of painting materials such as stencils, fine-nozzled bottle paints and different paintbrushes are used, so you can create your desired piece whether you’ve never picked up any ceramic, or if you’ve done it 100 times! The on-site café serves hot drinks to your table, so you can enjoy a hot chocolate, coffee or tea whilst you paint. There is also the option of purchasing a scrummy homemade cake to eat alongside your session. 

Each session lasts two hours, and you can use as much or as little paint and stencils as you like! Once you're finished, just pass it over to a member of staff, who will look after it until it goes into the kiln. Then, around two weeks after originally painting it, your pottery will be ready for you to pick up!

Find out more about Pot en Ciel here: https://www.potencielceramics.com

Daventry Museum

Daventry Museum is a small museum, but it showcases a huge history spanning millennia! The museum aims to showcase the history of the town and the surrounding areas through a range of exhibits and displays. The museum has a collection of over 2,000 artefacts, including objects related to the town’s history, such as medieval coins and pottery, as well as items related to local industries, such as shoemaking and leatherworking. There are also exhibits on the town’s role in World War II, including displays on the Daventry Calling radio station and the town’s involvement in the war.

In addition to its permanent displays, the museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, covering topics such as local artists, sport, and culture. The museum also runs a programme of events and activities for visitors of all ages, including talks, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Daventry Museum is a fascinating and informative resource for anyone interested in the history and heritage of Daventry and the wider Northamptonshire region.

Daventry also has its own temporary exhibitions that rotate every few months. These are often interactive, with the latest D-Day exhibition having an entire trench for children to explore and learn about. Visit their social media or website to see what their current exhibition is!

Find out more about Daventry Museum here: https://daventrymuseum.org.uk