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10 Things To Do In Northamptonshire
This is a guest post from Rebecca from the wonderful Northamptonshire Mums and Kids. She certainly knows her stuff about Northamptonshire! Read on for Rebecca’s suggestions for 10 things to do in Northamptonshire.
Castle Ashby Gardens
Set in the picturesque village of Castle Ashby is Castle Ashby house and gardens. While the house is not open to the public, the gardens are and are well worth a visit. Made up of a number of different gardens and an orangery you can easily spend an hour or two exploring. Set in the middle is a menagerie where you can see the meerkats, giant rabbits and chipmunks and from there the small farmyard area containing pigs, goats, birds and chickens.
Afterwards you can enjoy some tea and cake in the coffee shop while the kids burn off the last of their energy in the large outdoor play area.
Boost
Boost is essentially a warehouse full of trampolines. Book a 1 – 3 hour session and jump your heart out. THere is also a bouncy dodgeball area, battle beams, high platforms to jump off and foam pits. Boost have also recently added a slide and a playframe.
Rushden Lakes
Fancy some shopping? Rushden Lakes is ideal for this. The two lines of shops lead you down to the various cafes and restaurants, the cinema complex which also homes Play 360, Flipout, Rock Up and Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
If it is a nice day then you can also take a relaxing walk around the lake and let the kids play in the small play area.
Jeyes of Earls Barton
Sitting on the Square in Earls Barton is Jeyes. Originally just a Chemist, this family owned business has grown to be so much more. Inside you will find tearooms serving cakes, sandwiches and light lunches, a gift shop, toy shops featuring Rupert The Bear and a great selection of Sylvanian Families. Plus, upstairs are some small Museums, one of which is dedicated to Northampton’s own story of Kinky Boots!
The Ice Cream Parlour
Amongst a few other shops in Billing Garden Village is The Ice Cream Parlour. This is an absolute must stop for any ice cream lover. Again, this is a family owned business where you will find a huge selection of flavours as well as milkshakes, crepes and coke floats!
Irchester Country Park
Irchester country park is the place to go if you have any little dinosaur enthusiasts in your family. Choose one of the trails depending on accessibility and time and see if you stumble upon one of the dinosaur eggs or skeletons. After your walk you have a choice of playing in the large wooden play frame, soaring through the trees in the Jungle Parc, visiting the train museum or just grabbing a drink and snack in the cafe.
Stanwick Lakes
For any nature lovers Stanwick Lakes is well catered. Check out their website ahead of time and see what events they may be running. There are classes for all ages and abilities. Alternatively, just head along for a walk around the lake, followed by a play in either the indoor or outdoor play areas and something to eat in the cafe.
Summer Leys
Summer Leys is a great place for some fresh air. Located between Wollaston and Great Doddington, Summer Leys offers a short 10 minute trail or a longer trail. It is set around a large lake and there are plenty of opportunities to see some birds. The views over the valley are beautiful and at their best in Spring.
Stoke Bruerne
Stoke Bruerne features a beautiful canal with locks. Take a walk along the canal and see the river boats that are moored up. Afterwards head into one of the local pubs for a spot of lunch.
Castle Ashby Deli
Castle Ashby Deli is one of my favourite spots in Northamptonshire and is perfect to team with a visit to Castle Ashby Gardens mentioned above. Inside you will find a selection of cheeses, deli meats, sweet and savoury snacks, delicious flavoured vinegars, pastries and alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks – many made locally. There is even a section at the end of the deli to sit and enjoy some of the amazing treats.
Read more from Rebecca at Northamptonshire Mums and Kids
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