13 Of The Best Family Days Out in Northamptonshire

13 February 2017

In the heart of England, you’ll find the county of Northamptonshire. Being the birthplace of television legend Des O’Connor and home to the Boot and Shoe Museum, it’s easy to assume that there isn’t that much going on in this landlocked country.

However, if you thought this, then think again. There’s a whole host of enjoyable things to do in Northamptonshire for all ages. So, with that in mind, here are 13 of the best family days out in Northamptonshire.

Wicksteed Park

Kettering

Set in 157 acres of parkland, Wicksteed is a theme park with something to offer families of all ages.

From rollercoasters to roundabouts, gentle boat trips to the world’s oldest water chute, there’s plenty to enjoy. There’s also an aviary, beautiful gardens, climbing walls, zip lines and much more.

Prices: Adults (17+) £15, Kids £18

Rookery Open Farm

Towcester

This fully functioning cattle and sheep farm welcomes families to visit and learn all about the animals and the day to day life of a farm. Enjoy all of the farmyard favourites such as baby calves and donkeys as well as alpacas, pygmy goats and incubator hatching of chicks.

There’s also Daisy the milkable cow, go-karts, bouncy castles, indoor play structure, playground and more. Perfect for younger families. Try visiting between late March and mid-April to catch the lambing and calving season.

Prices: Adults £6.50, Children & Concessions £6

Bugtopia

Kettering

If you fancy something a bit more exotic than farmyard animals, look no further than Bugtopia. Enjoy the hands-on meet and greets with lizards, tarantulas, stick insects, crabs and more, while the handlers talk in great detail about these weird and wonderful creatures.

Prices: £5 per person for a meet and greet session.

Jungle Parc

Irchester, Wellingborough

Jungle

This high-wire adventure centre offers two different courses, one for children and one for adults and children 11+.

Clamber, tiptoe, jump and swing your way between treetops on courses that are suitable for everyone from grandparents to grandkids. There’s also lots of space to sit and enjoy a picnic together before or after your adventures.

Prices:

X-Plorer Course: Adults & Children £20 per person, Family Ticket £70

Adventurer Course (ages 4-11): £14 each

Northampton and Lamport Railway

Chapel Brampton

This stretch of railway, which runs through Pitsford and Brampton station has been shut since 1981. Since then, it has been up and running with steam and passenger services along the 1.5-mile stretch of track.

Take in the beautiful countryside as you ride a classic locomotive or enjoy all of the memorabilia on show at the station.

Prices: Steam or Diesel Service: Adults £5.20, Children and concessions £4.20, Family ticket £16.50

Sywell Aviation Museum

Sywell

Based at the Sywell Aerodrome, experience the rich history of aviation, from its earliest days to the RAF in WWII and beyond.

The whole museum has a vintage look and feel to it, making it exciting whether you or the kids love history or the invention of flight.

Prices: Admission is free, donations are welcome

The Oundle Treasure Trail

Barnwell Country Park, Oundle

If you’re a family who loves experiencing the great outdoors, but perhaps don’t want to swing from high-wires, why not enjoy a treasure trail?

Get together in teams of four or five and trek this 2.2-mile trail, enjoy interpreting the treasure map and the beautiful surroundings it leads you through.

Prices: £6.99 per trail booklet

Catanger Llama Trekking

Weeden Lois, Towcester

Llama

If you enjoy the company of animals and fancy something completely different then look no further than Catanger Llamas.

Choose between a 2-mile trek around the farm or a half day trek, soaking up the beautiful local countryside. These wonderful animals are breed and raised here, so if your family falls in love with them, there’s even the opportunity to adopt one.

Prices: From £65 for two people.

Rockingham Castle

Market Harborough

Experience over 900 years of English history at Rockingham Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1070, this stunning structure has been at the centre of English history ever since.

Take a tour and learn about the rich history of the castle and its garden surroundings, the castle gallery and the many different events throughout the year. One of the best being the Jousting & Medieval Living Village which appears in the summer and is one the best family days out in Northamptonshire.

Prices: Adults £11.50, Children £7, Family Tickets £30.

Silverstone Tour

Towcester

Perfect for any family with a keen interest in F1 or motorsport in general. Take a 2-hour tour around the home of British motor racing where you’ll learn about its fascinating history, take a look in the workshop, step on the winner’s podium and even get lead around the track itself.

Prices: From £30

Towcester Museum

Towcester

This is a town steeped in history and the museum intelligently takes you through a range of different periods, from the Romans to the Victorian era.

There’s plenty for all ages, with fascinating exhibitions for adults to medieval costumes to dress up in and interactive games for children.

Prices: Adults £3.50, Children £2, Concessions £3

Trapp’d Escape Rooms

Corby

One for families with older children, the Trapp’d escape rooms are the perfect group problem-solving activity.

Choose between three themed rooms, in which you and your companions are locked in for 60 minutes. You must explore the room, find clues and most important of all, find a way out!

Prices: £39 per room, which hold up to 6 people (U10s and over)

The Canal Museum

Stoke Bruerne

Once one of our nation’s most important methods of transport, the canal and canal boats are given the respect they deserve at the fascinating Canal Museum.

Exhibitions explain the history of the great engineers and navvies who created the canals, the lock keeps and boat families who worked on them. There’s also workshops, traditional clothing to try on and plenty of charming boats to check out.

Prices: £4.75, Children £3.35, Concessions £3.80, Family Ticket £12

Please enjoy these fab family days out in Northamptonshire!