Northampton is a large market town on the River Nene. Historically it was known for its shoe and leather industry. Northgate Bus Station is ½ mile from the railway station.
Museum displays cover the history of Northampton. A gallery is dedicated to shoes, an important local industry.
Art exhibition galleries (see website). Admission free, donations welcome. Café.
Open TWThFS 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
www.northamptonmuseums.com
78 Derngate was re-modelled by the architect and designer Charles Rennioe Mackintosh in 1916 for his client,
model engineer W J Bassett-Lowke. It is an early example of the Art Deco style in Britain. Events programme. Dining Room Restaurant.
Open Feb-mid Dec, TWThFSSu & BH 1000-1700.
www.78derngate.org.uk
The museum has an extensive collection of leather goods and leathercraft tools. The museum is in the
Grosvenor Shopping Centre, enter from the Market Square.
Open only by appointment, see website.
www.museumofleathercraft.org
Delapré Abbey is a former Cluniac nunnery founded in 1145 with a rich history.
Explore the historic rooms, walled and semi-formal gardens, plus the Park beyond the gardens. Café.
Open Mar-Oct, WThSu 1100-1600.
www.delapreabbey.org
The Museum is in Abington Park, in the original manor house of the Abington estate. See historic rooms and displays covering
the history of the house and the people who lived there. Military Galleries. Art exhibition gallery. Café in Park.
Admission free, donations welcome.
Open SSu (also TWThF in school holidays) 1200-1600.
www.northamptonmuseums.com
Bus 1 and 16 from Northgate Bus Station (½ mile from railway station)
to The Abington PH, opposite Abington Park, 9 minutes journey. Daily, about every 10 minutes.
Operated by Stagecoach.
A heritage industrial railway in the grounds of Hunsbury Hill Country Park. Small museum and workshop.
Rides in various vehicles including a converted brake van. Events programme.
Open see website.
www.northantsironstonerailway.co.uk
Bus 13 from Drapery (½ mile from railway station) to opposite entrance
(Hounsbury Hill Country Park), 15 minutes journey. Return bus from same stop (circular route). M-S hourly.
Operated by Stagecoach.
A 2 mile standard gauge heritage railway on part of the former Northampton to Market Harborough railway.
Steam and heritage diesel trains at weekends. Events programme. Buffet.
Open see website for open days and train times.
www.nlr.org.uk
Bus 14 from Northgate Bus Station (½ mile from railway station)
to 'Brampton Lane' stop in Welford Road (ask for the Windhover Pub), 17 minutes journey. Then walk forward to the
roundabout - the Railway is on the other side. Return bus from same stop (circular route). Daily every 30 minutes.
Operated by Stagecoach.
A Country Park on the edge of Pitsford Water reservoir with waymarked trails (download a map from the website).
Also a longer trail of 7½ miles around Pitsford Water. Children's play area. Café and picnic area. Admission free.
Open Daily dawn-dusk.
www.westnorthants.gov.uk
Bus X7 and 17 from Northgate Bus Station (½ mile from railway station)
to Brixworth (Hill Farm stop) immediately after the roundabout signposted for the Country Park, then ½ mile walk.
About 20 minutes journey. X7 Daily, hourly. 17 M-F hourly.
Operated by Stagecoach.
Developed from a Tudor manor house the Hall has a classical frontage by John Webb. It contains collections
of furniture, books, china and paintings. The Gardens include herbaceous borders, shrubbery walks, a walled garden
and a remarkable rockery. Café. Events programme.
Open Apr-Sep, WTh Garden 1000-1600, House 1030 tour then 1200-1500.
www.lamporthall.co.uk
Bus X7 from Northgate Bus Station (½ mile from railway station)
to Lamport, The Swan, about 30 minutes journey. Daily, hourly. Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Market Harborough.
An elegant 18th century Palladian style country house surrounded by historic gardens. See fine rooms on the
ground floor and bedrooms plus Victorian life 'below stairs' in the servants' quarters. The Gardens include herbaceous borders,
a rose garden and a walled garden. Lakeside and woodland walks. Tearoom. Events programme.
Open Easter-Sep, TWThSu 1000-1600.
www.kelmarsh.com
Bus X7 from Northgate Bus Station (½ mile from railway station)
to Kelmarsh crossroads, about 35 minutes journey. Daily, hourly. Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from Market Harborough.
