Places to Visit
Northamptonshire offers an exceptional variety of places to visit and is fast becoming a popular short break destination.
Motorsport - As you would expect from a county that lies in the heart of the Motorsport Valley, Northamptonshire has much to offer the motorsport enthusiast. Silverstone is home to the British Grand Prix and also hosts world motorsport championships. Rockingham Performance Park is the UK's only US-style oval racetrack and holds race days and family events throughout the year. At Santa Pod you can experience the thrill of some of the loudest and fastest drag racing in the world.
Historic Houses - The county has many historic houses and many of them are still family owned and run, giving a unique glimpse of unspoilt historic house living. World famous Althorp is the final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales, Rockingham Castle in the finest Norman castle in the UK and Boughton House, the stunning home that is known as "The English Versailles".
Waterways - The Grand Union Canal and Oxford Canals weave their way through Northamptonshire and there are many picturesque canal villages along their banks, including Stoke Bruerne which has been called "Britain's prettiest canal village". There are also plenty of towpath walks, canalside pubs and restaurants, and narrowboat trips through the county.
Market Towns - Northamptonshire's rich heritage is reflected in its towns, particularly the market towns such as Oundle, Thrapston and Brackley. Here, you will find beautiful historic buildings, old stone houses, traditional pubs and inns, and speciality shops.
The Arts - Northamptonshire is the birthplace of some of the world's most renowned authors and musicians, such as composer Sir Malcolm Arnold and playwright H.E. Bates. There is a great variety of art galleries, theatres and entertainment venues, with Northampton hosting the Annual Arts Festival in June, the largest festival of its kind in the East Midlands.
Shopping - There are shopping malls in Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough, and several rural shopping villages which offer crafts, antiques, clothing and fine foods. The county also has hundreds of smaller, specilaist shops.
For more information on tourism and places to visit in Northamptonshire, visit the Explore Northamptonshire website.