Northampton in A Day: What to See & Do

26 July 2017

If you are visiting us in one of our parks near Northampton, you may be wondering what you should see while you’re in town.

There are so many great cultural and historical attractions in Northampton. As well as family friendly ways to spend an afternoon, and great places to sit down for some food. So much in fact, that you may be a little overwhelmed by the choice.

With that in mind, we thought we would put together this little guide to highlight a few of the great things Northampton has to offer that you may wish to try and fit into a day out!

Local attractions

78 Derngate

78 Derngate is a house that was designed by Scottish architect, artist, and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It has been meticulously restored and opened for public viewing.

Rather than your usual museum, you will find a stylish boutique restaurant, a design shop, art galleries, and really unique rooms that are available for hire for meetings and events.

Riverside Hub

There’s a great variety of things to see and do at the Riverside Hub, so you could either make a day of it or just fill an afternoon with fun.

Kids will love the soft play facilities, climbing tree, go-karts, crooked house toddler village, and laser tag. Most of the facilities can be used by children with special needs, so it’s truly inclusive.

There are 20 zones to explore full of puzzles, mazes, and interactive games as well as sensory spaces. Plus a creative studio, where little ones can create things from teddy bears to pottery to take home.

There is also a cafe, serving up a range of healthy meals and drinks, and you can get a free drink with admission with our Holiday Passport!

Castle Ashby Gardens

The 7th Marquess of Northampton’s ancestral home, Castle Ashby has 35 acres of incredible gardens. They are open every day of the year.

There are several different styles of garden. From the romantic Italian Gardens to the stunning Arboretum and even a menagerie with marmosets and meerkats. There is also an orangery, a children’s play area, and tea rooms, as well as a gift shop and plant centre.

Royal and Derngate Theatre

Catch a show at the Royal and Derngate Theatre, with everything from comedy to musicals as well as concerts and plays, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

There’s bound to be something to suit your tastes, so why not check what’s on here and enjoy an evening out while you’re in the area?

Grab a bite to eat

No need to go hungry during your day out, as there are lots of fantastic options for somewhere to eat in Northampton.

La Terraza Tapas Bar

For a delicious selection of Spanish style cuisine, La Terraza Tapas Bar is a great choice, with mouthwatering traditional-style dishes cooked by their chefs from Valencia and Madrid.

Relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere with a selection of dishes and a glass of wine. Dishes that contain gluten, nuts, or dairy are clearly marked on the menu, making it easy for those with allergies to spot what to avoid.

The Church Restaurant

If you want to experience fine dining in a truly grand setting, why not book a table at The Church Restaurant.

This 12th-century former church opened as a restaurant in 2005. It serves outstanding food that is always beautifully presented in a warm and friendly environment.

And of course, you can enjoy a free children’s meal if you buy two adult main meals at our Billing Aquadrome onsite restaurant The Venue with our Holiday Passport, so you don’t even have to stray too far if you’re hungry!

We hope this has given you some inspiration on how to fill a day in Northampton! If you are staying with us at one of our parks, be sure to ask about our holiday passports for great offers on local attractions.