Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Northampton, Northamptonshire to Northampton, Northamptonshire in Northamptonshire, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Culture, Nature, Classic road trip, Scenic.

Northamptonshire Grand Estates Loop from Northampton

Q: How long is the Northamptonshire Grand Estates Loop from Northampton route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

1
Northampton
2 nights
A county town steeped in royal history, Northampton is home to the round Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of only four surviving Norman churches of this design in England. The Northampton Museum holds the world's largest shoe collection. Althorp House, the Spencer family estate and memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, is 8km north.
A county town steeped in royal history, Northampton is home to the round Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of only four surviving Norman churches of this design in England. The Northampton Museum holds the world's largest shoe collection. Althorp House, the Spencer family estate and memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, is 8km north.
Althorp House opens July to August and select dates; tickets must be booked in advance at althorpestate.co.uk. The Museum and Art Gallery on Guildhall Road is free to enter.
2
Daventry
1 night
A quiet market town on the edge of the Northamptonshire uplands, with Borough Hill Iron Age hillfort offering wide views across five counties. Canons Ashby, a National Trust Elizabethan manor with formal topiary gardens, is 20km south. Daventry Country Park, 1km from the centre, has woodland trails around a reservoir.
A quiet market town on the edge of the Northamptonshire uplands, with Borough Hill Iron Age hillfort offering wide views across five counties. Canons Ashby, a National Trust Elizabethan manor with formal topiary gardens, is 20km south. Daventry Country Park, 1km from the centre, has woodland trails around a reservoir.
Canons Ashby is open Wednesday to Sunday from March to November; National Trust members enter free. Borough Hill footpath starts at the edge of the town centre and is well signposted.
3
Kettering
1 night
A Victorian market town at the heart of Northamptonshire's grand estate country. Boughton House, the baroque mansion known as the English Versailles, is 3km to the north. The Rushton Triangular Lodge, an Elizabethan folly built entirely around the number three, is 6km northwest and one of the strangest buildings in England.
A Victorian market town at the heart of Northamptonshire's grand estate country. Boughton House, the baroque mansion known as the English Versailles, is 3km to the north. The Rushton Triangular Lodge, an Elizabethan folly built entirely around the number three, is 6km northwest and one of the strangest buildings in England.
Boughton House opens in August only; grounds accessible year-round. Rushton Triangular Lodge (English Heritage) is open April to October, paid. Both are under 15 minutes from Kettering.
4
Oundle
1 night
A beautifully preserved medieval market town of honey-coloured limestone on the River Nene. Wander North Street and the Market Place, visit the 13th-century Church of St Peter and dine at a coaching inn in use since the 17th century. Fotheringhay Castle ruins, where Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587, are 7km north.
A beautifully preserved medieval market town of honey-coloured limestone on the River Nene. Wander North Street and the Market Place, visit the 13th-century Church of St Peter and dine at a coaching inn in use since the 17th century. Fotheringhay Castle ruins, where Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587, are 7km north.
Fotheringhay is 15 minutes north on the A605 then local lanes; park by the village church and walk down to the castle mound. The church holds the tomb of Richard, Duke of York, father of Richard III.
5
Wellingborough
1 night
A market town on the Nene with a fine parish church, a good café and restaurant scene, and access to the Nene Valley walking routes. Irchester Country Park, 5km south, is a former ironstone quarry now a woodland nature reserve with an industrial heritage trail. The station has direct trains to London in under an hour.
A market town on the Nene with a fine parish church, a good café and restaurant scene, and access to the Nene Valley walking routes. Irchester Country Park, 5km south, is a former ironstone quarry now a woodland nature reserve with an industrial heritage trail. The station has direct trains to London in under an hour.
The market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Irchester Country Park has free parking. Wellingborough station gives a direct option to London St Pancras if you prefer not to drive back.
6
Northampton
Return to Northampton via the A509 and A45 (22km, under 25 minutes). A final morning in the county town could include a last visit to the round Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a walk around the restored Market Square, or a stop in Becket's Park beside the River Nene.
Return to Northampton via the A509 and A45 (22km, under 25 minutes). A final morning in the county town could include a last visit to the round Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a walk around the restored Market Square, or a stop in Becket's Park beside the River Nene.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is open daily without charge. The Market Square and Becket's Park are a 10-minute walk from the station, making a final wander convenient before departure.

Northamptonshire Grand Estates Loop from Northampton

The route · 6 stops

Northampton

Daventry

Kettering

Oundle

Wellingborough

Northampton

Route highlights

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Northamptonshire Grand Estates Loop from Northampton

The route · 6 stops

Northampton

Daventry

Kettering

Oundle

Wellingborough

Northampton

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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