Northampton has many things to offer. There are high energy sports, idyllic rural walks, nationally acclaimed music venues, and historic theatres. There are wonderful cafes, independent restaurants and friendly pubs. There are regular fairs and street markets and theres the annual Food and Drink Awards too. Northampton is home to Premiership Rugby, a purpose-built athletics stadium, motor racing and a white-water rafting centre. The countryside of Northamptonshire offers a network of cycle ways and canals, historic homes and gardens. There's plenty of shopping, with all the high street brands and some inspiring independent boutiques. There is also a number of out-of-town retail parks and shopping villages offering convenient shopping locations throughout the county.
A little bit of history
Northampton is the county town of Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of England. It lies on the River Nene, about 60 miles north-west of London and 45 miles south-east of Birmingham as the crow flies. One of the largest towns in the UK, Northampton has a population of over 240,000. Northampton's royal connection languished in the modern period; the town supported Parliament (the Roundheads) in the English Civil War, which culminated in King Charles II ordering the destruction of the town walls and most of the castle. The town also suffered the Great Fire of Northampton (1675) which destroyed most of the town. It was soon rebuilt and grew rapidly with the industrial development of the 18th century. Northampton continued to grow following the creation of the Grand Union Canal and the arrival of the railways in the 19th century, becoming an industrial centre for footwear and leather manufacture. After the World Wars, Northampton's growth was limited until it was designated as a New Town in 1968, accelerating development in the town.
Need to know
Northampton Collingtree park golf club hosted the British masters golf tournament in 1995
Shopping
Northampton has a large shopping Centre right in the heart of the town set on a Market Square which hosts a market daily. A twenty-minute drive away you will find Rushden lakes which offers a unique place to shop, eat and explore. Set right by the river there are several water activities to enjoy. A 25 minute drive from the center you will find Milton Keynes boasting large shopping range which includes a variety of well-known brands and small individual boutique shops.