Northampton Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Northampton

    The settlement of Northampton dates back to Saxon times, and this is probably where its name came from.Northampton used to have a castle, on the site of the current train station. The town also has an underground maze of medieval tunnels and cellars, but these have been sealed off for safety reasons. Northampton’s Market Square is one of the oldest and largest market squares ...Read morein England and dates back to 1235. There are many historic buildings in this area dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Leather and shoemaking have been important industries throughout the town’s life. Read less

  • 2. Now in Northampton

    The Market Square is still an important part of the town, and busy markets are held here six days a week. Northampton is one of the largest towns in the UK. It is a popular place for holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the surrounding countryside and take part in outdoor activities. It is also popular for short-term breaks due to its fairly central location in the UK. Northampton ha...Read mores become a thriving centre for businesses due to its central location. Read less

  • 3. Events in Northampton

    Northampton International Raceway is an oval track for stock car racing, banger racing and other major racing events. Althorp Literary Festival takes place every year at the grand Althorp House in Northampton. The Merry Tom Folk Festival takes place at Brixworth Country Park and attracts visitors from all over the country. Northampton Balloon Festival is another annual event, t...Read moreaking place at the Billing Aquadrome holiday park. Public events take place regularly in Market Square, including a talent show and a dog show. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Northampton

    Althorp House is open to visitors and includes a park and gardens and plenty of rooms to explore, including the Spencer family’s apartments. There is furniture, paintings, photographs and ceramics on display. Award-winning exhibition Diana: A Celebration is also at Althorp House. Country parks in the Northampton area are Brixworth Country Park and Sywell Country Park.Northamp...Read moreton Museum and Art Gallery houses a famous shoe collection as well as many other exhibits and events. Historic house 78 Derngate was remodelled by famous designer and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is now an award-winning attraction, which includes an art gallery. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Northampton

    Abington Park Museum tells the history of life in the town and has costume collections and a display about the Northamptonshire Regiment. Parks in the town include Abington Park, Beckets Park, Bradlaugh Fields, Dallington Park and The Racecourse.

  • 6. Business in Northampton

    The Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton has over 60 shops, as well as cafés and restaurants. Peacock Place is a two-level shopping centre housing many high street names. Market Square has stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to electrical goods and fashion.

  • 7. Transport in Northampton

    The M1 links Northampton to the north and south while major A-roads the A43, A45 and A46 link to the east and west. There are frequent trains to Northampton from Birmingham and London, and rail links are good to other destinations in the UK.

  • 8. Entertainment in Northampton

    The Castle is a theatre, cinema and arts centre in Wellingborough, on the outskirts of Northampton. Theatres in Northampton include Moulton Theatre, Royal and Derngate and The Deco. Venues for live music include the Roadmender and Northampton Soundhouse.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Northampton

    Althorp House and estate covers 14,000 acres of countryside. The house was built in 1508 and has been home to the Spencer family for nearly 500 years. It became famous around the world following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in August 1997.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Northampton

    Princess Diana is buried in the grounds of Althorp, on an island in a lake.

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Northampton Events

  • 01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013

    Northampton Music Festival

    The music festival centres around Northampton’s Market Square over one week in June. Live gigs take place in pubs and venues across the town during the week. The week of performances ends with Festival Sunday, which attracted 22,000 people in 2010. The day includes t

  • 01 July 2013 - 31 July 2013

    Dragon Boat Race

    The Rotary Clubs of Northampton have been running the Dragon Boat Race every year since 2004. The event in July is free to attend. Any money collected and raised on the day is given to local charities and over £200,000 has been raised over the years. Most of the money

  • 01 August 2013 - 31 August 2013

    Northampton Balloon Festival

    Northampton Balloon Festival has been an annual event in the area since 1989. The festival takes place over three days at the Billing Aquadrome, and if the weather is good enough, balloonists will fly at 6am and 6pm on each day. Balloon pilots and crews answer questions

  • 01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013

    Althorp Literary Festival

    The Althorp Literary Festival is held in June, and was extended from two days to three due to its popularity. The festival takes place at Althorp House and has been running for eight years. Authors appear at the festival and there are also concerts, drama performances

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