Althorp

Places of historical interest, an abundance of parkland and plenty to appeal to groups with an interest in sports… who would have thought Northampton and the surrounding Northamptonshire area had so much on offer?

A whole lot of history

Northampton is steeped in history and home to many grand homes such as Althorp House, which has been the family home of the Spencers for generations, including Princess Diana. It is also home to a wide collection of furnishings and art galleries, and surrounded by parkland. Groups should look out for Althorp’s Food & Drink Festival on 6th-7th May and The Literary Festival on 15th-18th October.

Holdenby House is a great example of an Elizabethan property, and in fact it is thought to have formerly been the largest house in Elizabethan England, and was once used to imprison Charles I. It also boasts beautiful gardens and groups can enjoy daily falconry displays.

Other historical places include Delapre Abbey, if you’re lucky perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the infamous grey lady who supposedly haunts the place; Rockingham Castle, built by William the Conqueror; and Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens, an 18th century Palladian style house.

Pictured: Rockingham Castle

A question of sport

Northamptonshire has a rich connection to a variety of sports, with three sports grounds just in Northampton town alone – a rugby ground, a football ground and a cricket ground.

Groups can enjoy a visit to Silverstone Race Circuit, the home of the British Grand Prix, which holds various sporting events throughout the year including its most famous, the Formula One British Grand Prix.

Pictured: Silverstone Race Circuit

A walk in the park

When the sun’s out, groups can enjoy Northamptonshire’s many parks and gardens. Coton Manor Garden welcomes group visits and offers a group menu for those after refreshments. It is also known for its bluebell wood which in spring is covered with a carpet of the blooms. 

Delapre Park is a 586 acre estate and boasts a golf course as well as many footpaths and trails for those who enjoy walking. Other group friendly parks include Abington Park, which features Abington Park Museum; Brixworth Country Park; Pitsford Reservoir; and Sywell Country Park.

Salcey Forest, the former Medieval hunting forest, is a great choice for those seeking an up-in-the-trees adventure. The Tree Top Way is a 15 metre high walkway that allows visitors to see the forest from above.

Pictured: Tree Top Way at Salcey Forest

Leisure, food and accommodation

Northampton’s Royal & Derngate is a theatre complex in the Cultural Quarter, consisting of the Royal Theatre and the Derngate Theatre. Groups can choose from a line-up of shows each year including musicals, stand-up comedy, ballets and plays. Group rates are available.

For those after pre-theatre dining, the theatre is set in the town centre where a variety of different restaurants, pubs and bars can be found.

Northampton is not short of places for groups to stay, with a Holiday Inn, boutique hotels, and B&B’s for those seeking a longer stay.

For more information on what groups can do in Northampton and Northamptonshire, visit www.visitnorthamptonshire.co.uk. 

Photo credits: VisitBritain

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