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The project to create an educational centre for British motorsport began in 2012 with the charitable mission of bringing to the public a museum for the exhibition and preservation of artefacts, archives and collections of educational and historic value. All those involved in achieving this mission were delighted to see the Silverstone Interactive Museum open its doors in 2019. The excitement starts to build as you prepare for Silverstone Museum with entry into our thrilling pre-show.

Walk into the tunnel to take your place on our virtual grid and prepare to travel back through Silverstone’s past as you kick off your visit in the most exciting way. Rub shoulders with racing drivers and mechanics from throughout the years as they prepare their cars to race around you. Hear the roar of the engines as the lights go out and the race begins, then start your journey into the heart of motor racing. The Silverstone Museum Café is open daily 10am to 4pm.

Brixworth Country Park is a gorgeous park with a view over the Pitsford Reservoir. The situation of Brixworth Country Park at the north-western shore of Pitsford Water make the park a popular location for events such as triathlons, running, cycling and charitable walking events, and fundraisers. Visit Rutland Cycling to hire, or bring your own and cycle the beautiful 7.5 mile surfaced circuit around Pitsford Water. Allow 2 to 4 hours for walking and 1 to 2 hours for cycling (depending on ability). Follow the blue route to discover the story of the last four gnomes in England.

Follow the red trail out to the Memorial Meadow and Barn Owl Meadow, these are perfect places to get your kites airborne. Visit the sensory play garden nearby to the café, or try the main playground to let little ones run off some steam. Let your youngsters explore the woodlands where they will find secret paths, den building, trees to climb, log steps and balance beams amongst the trees. Reward your efforts with a treat in the Willow Tree cafe.

A popular park ideally situated in the urban fringe of Daventry, within one mile of the town centre and easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot. Including an exciting adventure playground, with something for all ages. There is a castle-themed fort with slides, a net bridge, a climbing wall, a variety of swings, a spring-mounted jeep ride, a smaller fort for toddlers, and a zip wire among other items of equipment. Stroll along one of the parks three circular trails including the 2.5 mile Reservoir Walk, 1.5 mile Meadow Walk and 1 mile woodland walk.

The new woodland walk has 20 markers featuring etching plaques depicting a range of different animals and insects. Bring a piece of paper and some crayons or a pencil to complete your etchings and see how many you can find. Routes are marked around the park and on the information maps available at the park entrance and outside the Raisborough Centre. There is also a nature trail created with help from pupils at Falconers Hill School and volunteers from Cummins which features six information boards dotted around the park.

Built by the ancestors of George Washington and saved from ruin by donors from both the UK and USA, Sulgrave Manor is the original home of the Special Relationship. Some of the most influential people on both sides of the Atlantic funded the restoration of Sulgrave Manor, the home of George Washington’s English ancestors, as part of the centenary commemorations for the Treaty of Ghent which established peace between Britain and the United States of America after the War of 1812. Discover the story of America’s first President.

Yew hedges divide the garden into rooms, each one with its own atmosphere. Topiary peacocks welcome visitors at the front door and densely planted borders ensure botanical interest from spring through to autumn. The Tudor Villagers Garden boasts historic vegetables and herbs, whilst mature trees provide shaded seating and stunning autumn colour. Heritage fruit trees grow in the orchard and there’s a designated Silent Space should you wish to simply sit back and enjoy views of the surrounding rolling countryside.

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!

Nene Park is a large area of parkland to the west of Peterborough and is the region’s favourite place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Providing a permanent haven for heritage and wildlife and a wide choice of recreational activities for the people of Peterborough and the wider community. Enjoy a night under canvas in the peaceful campsites on the banks of Gunwade lake. The bell tent village is ideal for families. Woodlands, meadows, lakes, the River Nene and miles of paths and trails make Nene Park a lovely place to walk.

Most of the paths in the central area of Ferry Meadows and at Orton Mere, Thorpe Meadows and Woodston Reach are surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Ferry Meadows leaflet shows a choice of walking routes of various lengths. In the Visitor Centre you’ll find handy pocket sized OS maps showing paths in and around the whole of Nene Park for those wanting to explore further afield. The maps are water-resistant and are priced at £2.99.

The Chester House Estate is a nationally significant heritage site, being one of the few places in the country which can demonstrate over 10,000 years of human activity. On site, the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) is a state-of-the-art facility that acts as the publicly accessible archaeological archive store for the county. They have a research room on-site that can be booked by any who wish to study their collections.

The collections currently consist of over 20,000 boxes of archaeological material from around 3,000 sites across Northamptonshire with space for another 15,000 boxes from future excavations. Enjoy local walks, guided tours, family friendly events and much more on site throughout the year. Come and enjoy coffee and cake at the Farmhouse cafe and you can also spend the night in the Farmhouse Apartment.

Located in the attractive Northamptonshire market town of Higham Ferrers, Chichele College (English Heritage) is a rare surviving example of a chantry college. It was founded in 1422 by the locally born Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury. Such colleges, common in England in the 14th and 15th centuries, were groups of priests who shared a communal life that was less strictly controlled than that of a monastery.

The gatehouse, chapel and other remains of the college buildings survive, and the chapel is now regularly used for events, and art and heritage exhibitions. Chichele College is managed by Higham Ferrers Tourism, Business and Community Partnership. The college is in the centre of the pretty, historic market town of Higham Ferrers with plenty of places to eat and shops nearby.

Flag Fen is famous for being the site of an ancient bronze age causeway, discovered by Time Team’s Francis Pryor. At Flag Fen, you can discover what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors in a reconstructed Bronze Age village. Follow the footsteps of our ancestors and explore the reconstructed prehistoric landscape and discover treasures from over 3000 years ago. The park that you can visit today was first laid out in 1987 on the site of the earlier platform excavation, becoming a place for experimental archaeology and for public engagement.

The Archaeology Park has since grown to cover almost the entire length of the causeway, making it an important haven for archaeology and wildlife, protecting the site from urban and agricultural disturbance. Visit the museum to see one of the earliest wheels discovered in Britain, experience what life was like in a Bronze Age round house and children can have a go at archaeology in ‘The big dig’ – a mock-up of an archaeological dig. Top off your day with a relaxing light lunch and treat in the café whilst the kids explore the play area.

The museum is run on a day to day basis entirely by volunteers with them changing the theme every year to educate and interest the community in its long and varied historical heritage. If you have the time or expertise to offer then why not become a volunteer or Museum steward Oundle Museum is run by the people of Oundle for the community and visitors, for young and old alike. To volunteer or become a steward, please get in touch by phoning the museum office on 01832 272735.

Peterborough Museum has a wealth of stories to fascinate and enthral the whole family with amazing objects and interactive displays for all ages. From Mansion to Museum, discover the changing faces of Peterborough Museum and the city in which it sits, as you explore millions of years of Peterborough’s history, from Jurassic Seas and Roman fortresses to the advent of the railways and modern industry.

Peterborough stands on dry land today, but the sea bed beneath our feet is packed with clues from the past. Learn about Jurassic Peterborough as you explore one of the world’s finest collections of Jurassic marine reptiles, including unique specimens of Ichthyosaurs, Pliosaurs and Plesiosaurs.

Rushden Museum is a small museum located in Rushden, Northamptonshire, UK. It is housed in a former Victorian school building and showcases the history of the town and its surrounding areas. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 artifacts, including photographs, documents, and objects related to local industries, such as shoemaking, agriculture, and lace-making. The museum also has displays about local sports teams, schools, and notable individuals who have lived in the area.

It provides a valuable resource for the community, preserving and sharing the local history and heritage for future generations to enjoy and learn from.Volunteers play a vital role in keeping Rushden Museum open. If you have a spare hour or two over the weekend why not join them? To register interest, contact them through a form on their website. Roles available include working as a steward at the museum, helping prepare exhibits or researching and cataloguing work.

The Key Theatre is a vibrant cultural hub located in Peterborough, England. It is situated on the banks of the River Nene and provides a wide range of entertainment options, including theatre performances, music concerts, comedy shows, and dance productions. The theatre has a 358-seat auditorium, a studio theatre, and a spacious foyer, all of which are modern and well-equipped. The bar and café makes it a great place to socialise before or after a performance. The Key Theatre hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests.

From Shakespearean classics to contemporary plays, from family-friendly productions to cutting-edge contemporary dance, there is something for everyone. The theatre is also committed to supporting local artists and performers, and regularly hosts community events and workshops. It is a vital part of the cultural landscape of Peterborough and continues to inspire and entertain audiences from all walks of life.

Beans Coffee Shop is a popular coffee house located in the picturesque town of Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. It is a family-run business that offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for its customers. The shop serves a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as homemade cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Beans is known for its high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. The interior of the coffee shop is cozy and comfortable, with a rustic feel that complements the town’s historic charm.

It has ample seating, including outdoor seating during warmer months, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Beans is also involved in community initiatives and events, such as hosting live music performances and supporting local charities. It is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a warm and welcoming place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in the heart of Oundle.

Barnwell has much to offer the visitor which includes nature trails, waterside walks, bird hides, visitor centre, ice cream parlour and picnic and barbecue areas. The large woodland play area is a favourite with children of all ages while the fishing lakes attract anglers from all over the country. To follow the half-mile nature trail on accessible stone paths, follow the red route and look out for the numbered nature trail way markers on posts, benches and fences.

Viewable from the deck of the Kingfisher Cafe is an artificial nest bank for Kingfishers. We are hoping this will enable kingfishers to breed in the park once again. This dazzling bird needs vertical banks in which to dig nesting tunnels that are safe from predators such as mink and grass snakes. The interpretation panels by the cafe will tell you more about the kingfisher and the park’s history and wildlife.

Fermyn Woods Country Park is a beautiful woodland park located in Northamptonshire, England. The park covers 200 hectares of ancient woodland and offers a range of activities for visitors, including walking, cycling, horse riding, and picnicking. The park has several trails, including the popular Butterfly Trail, which is known for its abundance of butterflies and other wildlife. There are also several ponds and lakes in the park, which are home to a variety of aquatic species, including fish and waterfowl.

Visitors can go fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The park has a café, picnic areas, and a children’s play area, making it a great destination for families. There is also a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the park. Fermyn Woods Country Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature.

A stunning country park set in 102 acres of parks and woodland near Corby featuring a cafe, shop and free parking for all visitors. Head along to Foxy’s Woodland Shop in the heritage centre. There are more shops on the first floor available by appointment only. In the heritage centre you can also find the cafe and extended indoor seating areas. Read information boards about the history of the steel works and iron ore. Enjoy the swings, basket swings, multi activity units, giant group rope swing and sand – bring a bucket and spade!

Follow the trail around the park where you will meet many wooden carved characters on your journey. Explore 102 acres of open space and woodland. Pick up a leaflet detailing the trails from the cafe. A walking group meets every Monday and Wednesday morning in the car park. Have you tried the Love Exploring Dinosaur Safari Trail at West Glebe Pavilion and East Carlton Countryside Park? Download the free app and follow the map around the parks to find the dinosaurs. Test your knowledge as you go!

Situated at the heart of Nene Park, one of the largest country parks in the region, its varied landscapes make it the favourite destination for thousands of visitors throughout the year. The park is made up of six different areas: Ferry Meadows, Orton Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach, Thorpe Meadows and The Rural Estate made up of parkland, meadows, woodlands and lakes. The River Nene runs through all the areas connecting them together.

Whether you’re looking to walk, cycle, try some water sports, go fishing, or just have a cup of tea and a slice of cake there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a night under canvas in our peaceful campsites on the banks of Gunwade lake. Campers who wish to bring their own tent can book a pitch in the grass campsite or for those who want the fun of camping without the hassle why not book one of the spacious bell tents and arrive to find your tent pitched and ready for you!

A former ironstone quarry that has a children’s play area as well as a network of long and short trails through 83 hectares of mixed woodland. ​Follow the ironstone trail to discover the history of the park. Find the Dragline Viewpoint and the Megalosaurus skeleton in the woods. ​Bring your bikes to explore the surfaced tracks around the woods.

Visit Irchester Railway Museum and discover the history of ironstone quarrying at the park. Climb, swing and zip through the trees on the Jungle Parc UK high ropes. ​Visit the Quarryman’s Rest cafe and enjoy a special coffee, home made cake or choose from the menu of locally sourced produce including Sunday roasts.

Sywell Country Park is a beautiful park located in Northamptonshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 200 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park features a large lake, woodland areas, and meadows, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors. The park has several walking trails, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. There are also several picnic areas, a children’s playground, and a visitor center, which provides information about the park and its history.

One of the main attractions of Sywell Country Park is its wildlife. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, including swans, ducks, and geese, and the woodland areas are home to several species of birds, mammals, and insects. Sywell Country Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you would like to get fit, help local wildlife, learn a new skill and make some new friends, contact us to discuss what opportunities are available. It’s up to you how much, or how little you wish to be involved. We can also offer group volunteer sessions. The rangers actively encourage people to volunteer and work with with the team to develop and enhance the parks. Tasks are undertaken at your own pace and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments.

If you are unsure about your fitness and wish to further discuss what is involved, please get in touch. The types of work undertaken are extremely varied but conservation work such as tree planting, hedge-laying and access improvements are popular. Some people get involved in the day to day management of a park, Friends of Parks groups, or specific projects. Not all parks are able to offer volunteering opportunities to individuals due to the nature of the work involved and rangers’ availability.

Sitting beside the river Nene and surrounded by the gentle rolling Northamptonshire countryside, Yarwell Mill Country Park is an idyllic riverside camping, touring park with mooring located in the Nene Valley not far from Peterborough. Visitors camping, touring or mooring a boat are welcomed to the beautiful parkland setting to enjoy a relaxing, step away from the general bustle of life.

Having taken ownership in 2015, the team at Yarwell have created a real oasis of calm. Whether it is a short overnight stay with the children, or an extended break throughout the year, Yarwell Mill Country Park offers excellent facilities within a peaceful, secluded setting with plenty of nearby attractions and activities on offer.

A family friendly restaurant that offers wide range of food, drinks, snacks, sandwiches and cakes. Now serving afternoon tea. Great stop for exploring the town with a number of independent shops selling local goods and services. The perfect base to explore local walks around the sailing lake with access to the old railway line from Thrapston to Rushden Lakes.

Established in 2010, Bewiched Coffee aims to provide better service, better coffee & better food, than the generic brands. Their cafés are bursting with the freshest and tastiest of hot and cold drinks, treats and snacks. Bewiched’s coffee has been roasted locally within the last 12 days, making it super fresh, vibrant & smooth. Their ‘food lab’ central kitchen is just up the road in Higham Ferrers, and delivers fresh food to their stores on a daily basis.
The teams also holds public barista experience sessions (from their Higham Ferrers branch) on a monthly basis so you can develop and hone your coffee-making skills! Bewiched’s Coffee shops have a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular destination for meeting friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone.

They currently have coffee shops in Northampton, Kettering, Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough, Rushden Lakes, Rothwell, Corby, and Burton Latimer.