Our last blog post focused on the history of our area and linked to several excellent places to visit. Once you start looking however, you quickly realise there are even more local attractions worth a mention and so I thought a second post might be worthwhile to explore some of them.
The industrial heritage of our area was served for many years by an excellent canal network with the Grand Union and Oxford canals joining at the unique triangular junction at Braunston. The junction inevitably led to the construction of a marina and the village now offers a great day out including canal boat hire, several places to eat and some beautiful walks along the tow paths. Combined with our excellent local footpath network it's possible to walk between many of our neighbouring villages and even right into the centre of Daventry without using the roads.
If peaceful walks and beautiful surroundings appeal it's also worth exploring the many stately homes in Northamptonshire whilst you're staying with us too. Althorp House is only 3 miles from our cottages and part of the estate neighbours our farm. Famous as the resting place of Princess Diana and home of the Spencer family, the house has a long and colourful history and is well worth a visit.
Canons Ashby is an Elizabethan manor house set in 18th Century gardens and owned by the National Trust. Beautiful parkland walks and tours of the house are available and there are a wide variety of activities taking place for adults and children throughout the year.
Coton Manor is a 17th Century manor house set in 10 acres of stunning landscaped gardens. The house also has a plant nursery and cafe, making it a great day out for anyone interested in gardening. It's our top recommendation for a peaceful change of pace whilst on holiday in Northamptonshire and is often overlooked in favour of the bigger venues the county has to offer.
Holdenby House claims to have been Elizabethan England's greatest House and went on to become a royal palace. The house is beautifully presented and offers some fascinating history amongst the many rooms open to the public. Please check their website for dates and opening times; there are also many special events throughout the summer worth checking out too.
Lamport Hall is stunning and it also has a active calendar of events which change throughout the season. It's another imposing house with a long and varied history, beautiful gardens and stunning scenery. Lamport claims to be the birthplace of the garden gnome; quite a niche claim but one backed up by the original being on display inside the hall!
Kelmarsh Hall hosts a variety of events throughout the year including the huge Original Land Rover Show in late July. This in particular is a great day out for kids with lots of live demonstrations and mini 4x4 driving events for them to take part in.
Fawsley Hall offers yet another take on a modern stately home having been converted into a Spa. Obviously we'd rather you chose to stay with us whilst in Northamptonshire but for a relaxing and pampering day out the spa facilities offering day packages are well worth a look!
For more ideas on places to visit in Northamptonshire I'd recommend you visit Love Daventry; it's a local tourism website which offers suggestions on places to visit and things to do and is particularly useful for our end of Northamptonshire.
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