Spring into Northamptonshire!
Having fun this spring doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg! We've compiled a list of 20 places under £20 for you to visit in Northamptonshire - read on and discover more...
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The Chester House Estate:
Why not spend the day exploring the site over at Chester House? With free entry and free parking, it’s the perfect place for a day out for all ages! Go for a walk around the area, visit their museum, and sample some of the delicious handmade food in the Farmhouse Café!
Find out more about The Chester House Estate here: www.chesterhouseestate.org
Barnwell Country Park:
Explore the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside at Barnwell Country Park! Stop by the visitor centre for free activity sheets for kids, along with skulls, feely boxes, and nature games. Afterwards, enjoy the view from the Kingfisher Cafe’s lakeside deck - if you're lucky, you might spot one of the park's kingfishers! With free entry and parking costing just £3.80, it’s a great day out in good weather.
Find out more about Barnwell Country Park here: www.northnorthants.gov.uk/barnwell-country-park
Stanwick Lakes:
A heritage and wildlife treasure trove, Stanwick Lakes is a fantastic day out for everyone! With their massive playground able to keep children entertained, a great museum for anyone interested in local history, some gorgeous trails around the site, and a great café to boot, it’s a bargain for a day out – entry is free to the site, and all-day parking is just £6.40!
Find out more about Stanwick Lakes here: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Abington Park Museum:
Ever wanted to learn more about Northampton’s history? Why not take a trip to Abington Park Museum? With free entry and free parking around the park, and some fantastic local eateries nearby, why not make it a day out and explore the heritage of our county?
Find out more about Abington Park Museum here: www.northamptonmuseums.com
Delapré Abbey:
One of the largest attractions in Northamptonshire, Delapré Abbey highlights 900 years of history in Northampton. However, if history isn’t really your thing, they have a picturesque walk around the Abbey, and some fantastic eateries on-site too. They also host a wide range of activities and events. With free entry to the site and free parking, with entrance to the Abbey itself being just £5 per adult and free for anyone under 18, it promises to be a terrific day out.
Find out more about Delapré Abbey here: www.delapreabbey.org
Colready Highland Farm:
Fancy doing something a little different? Why not book onto a Highland Cattle experience at Colready Highlands? As of Spring 2023, they’ve been running a Highland Cattle Experience – a chance to meet the wonderful cows up close and personal! You’ll get a chance to help hand feed the cattle, take photos alongside them, learn about the breed, and give them as many pets as you want. From just £5 for children and £15 per adult, it’s incredible value for money!
Find out more about Colready Highland Farm here: www.colreadyhighlands.co.uk
Coton Manor Garden:
Named the Nations Favourite Garden, everyone can enjoy the Coton Manor Garden’s charm and atmosphere. Beyond the garden is a magical five-acre bluebell wood and a wildflower meadow, and you can visit The Stableyard Cafe where you can grab some homemade lunches and teas. With prices starting at just £4, and free on-site parking, it’s guaranteed to delight anyone!
Find out more about Coton Manor Garden here: www.cotonmanor.co.uk
Wellingborough Museum:
Fancy travelling back in time? Wellingborough Museum is filled with fantastic interactive exhibitions, including a fully functional penny arcade – just exchange a few pounds at the register and win some prizes on authentic Victorian machines! It’s free to enter with free on-site parking, and situated right next to the town centre, so you can make a day of it and grab a bite to eat afterwards!
Find out more about Wellingborough Museum here: www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk/museums-and-galleries/wellingborough-museum
Stoke Bruerne:
If you’re looking for something a little calmer, why not make your way down to Stoke Bruerne? The village is situated right on the Grand Union Canal and makes for a lovely day out. With the free canal museum, some great local cafés, and a stunning walk around the locks, it’s easy to spend the entire day here, and with parking costing just £5 for the entire day, why wouldn’t you?
Find out more about Stoke Bruerne here: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/the-canal-museum-stoke-bruerne
Sywell Aviation Museum:
A wonderful showcase of aviation history, Sywell Aviation Museum highlights some of the most incredible parts of Northamptonshire’s history. From cockpits you can sit in, to original World War Two artefacts, it’s a hidden gem. Once you’re finished in the museum, why not head over to The Pilots Mess and have a bite to eat in an authentic 1920s restaurant? With free entry to the museum and free on-site parking, it’s something different to do!
Find out more about Sywell Aviation Museum here: www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk
Laser Maze:
If you’ve got a competitive streak, why not go to Laser Maze? A Laser Tag centre and arcade in Wellingborough, this high-action game is perfect for both adults and children. And at £5 per game, it’s a superb way to let some energy out! They also have an arcade area with games like table football, air hockey and a pool table, along with a host of other arcade games and prize machines.
Find out more about Laser Maze here: www.lasermaze.co.uk
Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre:
If art is more your thing, pop on over to Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre! The centre provides an insight into the local history and heritage of the town and its surrounding areas and features exhibits and displays that showcase the rich history of Rothwell. It plays gallery to a host of local artists, with displays changing multiple times a year. Whilst the Centre may only take a few hours to go through, it’s right in the town centre – why not have a wander and a coffee in the historic town afterwards? With free entry and free parking throughout the town, it’d be a shame not to!
Find out more about Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre here: www.rothwellheritage.org.uk
Northampton & Lamport Railway:
Northampton & Lamport Railway is a great day out just on how unique the venue is – there’s not many places in the county where you can ride on a steam train! Tickets start at just £6.50 per person, and parking on-site is free. There’s also a quaint café run by the volunteers within an old steam carriage, serving delicious handmade coffee and cake!
Find out more about Northampton & Lamport Railway here: www.nlr.org.uk
Northampton Bike Park:
A former golf course has been transformed into a new 40 acre specialist mountain bike park, welcoming cyclists from Northamptonshire and beyond. The park has a range of trails available, perfect for both people only just starting out to the most experienced riders. The park is free to use, you just need to pay for parking if arriving by car – this is just £7.50 for the full day. It’s a fantastic way to keep fit and spend the day on a budget!
Find out more about Northampton Bike Park here: www.northamptonbikepark.org
Salcey Forest:
Just a short jaunt from Northampton, discover Salcey Forest, an ancient woodland filled with fantastic walks and things to do. If you’re bringing little ones, they’ll love the play areas and character trails. Keep an eye out for the magnificent Gruffalo sculpture — it’s a hit with kids and adults alike! Enjoy endless walking trails, a family cycling trail, adventure play area and even an onsite café selling tasty homemade meals and cakes in a warm, friendly environment. Finish your cycle ride in the forest with a homemade cake and a coffee.
Find out more about Salcey Forest here: www.forestryengland.uk/salcey-forest
Evenley Wood Garden:
A hidden gem situated in the south of the county, Evenley Wood Garden is a beautiful place to explore. Containing a large and notable collection of plants; ranging from unusual trees and shrubs to a wide selection of lilies and other bulbs, the garden’s unusual band of acid soil in this otherwise predominantly alkaline area provides the opportunity to cultivate plants which would not ordinarily thrive in this location. Entry costs £9 per adult and just £1.50 per child, with free on-site parking. Why not bring a picnic and make a day of it?
Find out more about Evenley Wood Garden here: www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery:
One of the largest museums in the county, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery always has something new on offer. From its incredible interactive exhibition highlighting the history of Northampton, to rotating displays on different arts and heritage sections of the county’s history, to numerous events for all ages, it’s a guaranteed good time. The museum is free to enter, and hosts its own independent café serving incredible coffees – why not spend a day out here?
Find out more about Northampton Museum & Art Gallery here: www.northamptonmuseums.com
Jeyes of Earls Barton:
The home of the Northamptonshire Sauce, which appeared on ALDI’s Next Big Thing show, the locally owned Jeyes of Earls Barton is one of the best places to visit. From delectable homemade food and drink to a mini museum, this locally owned attraction really has it all! The site is free to enter (though we do recommend treating yourself to some of the food!), and there’s free parking nearby in the square.
Find out more about Jeyes of Earls Barton here: www.jeyesearlsbarton.co.uk
Kirby Hall:
Enjoy a great day out at Kirby Hall, exploring the beautiful grounds and rich decoration of one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses. Step back in time through their interactive exhibition ‘Kirby Hall: Rise and Fall’ and experience what the hall would have looked and sounded like in its heyday, when King James I was a frequent visitor. Wander through The Great Hall, restored to its historical colour palette, and take in the sounds of the blazing fire and guests arriving in the grand reception room. Then, put your best step forward and be greeted by music and the sounds of dining in the Great Chamber, before having a go at one of their fun interactive games. Ticket prices change depending on the time of year, but standard pricing for a family of 4 costs just £15, with free parking on-site.
Find out more about Kirby Hall here: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirby-hall
Nene Wetlands:
The Nene Wetlands is situated right next to Rushden Lakes and is not only a brilliant walk around Skew Lake but is also home to many nationally important assemblages of breeding and wintering birds! Twenty thousand waterbirds use the wetlands every year, for breeding, for their winter quarters or as vital stopping points on their long migration routes. You’ll find a mile-long nature loop with seating areas, viewpoints, a sculpture trail and play area surrounding the wetlands. Entry is free, and with the Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre located on the outskirts, there’s always something fun going on there too!
Find out more about the Nene Wetlands here: www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/nene-wetlands
Find your perfect day out yet? There's tons of different attractions available throughout Northamptonshire. Why not check out our Days Out page of the website to find more places to visit? Or you could check up on our What's On page - we have hundreds of events listed happening throughout the county!
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Have a favourite spot in Northamptonshire not on our website? Email us at info@discover-northamptonshire.co.uk and let us know, or pop into the Discover Northamptonshire Hub at Rushden Lakes and talk to a member of staff. We'll do our best to contact the site and put it on our website!
