Discover Northamptonshire

03/02/2025

Did you know that we add vegan and gluten free tags to all our food and drink businesses on our website? 🌾

We know how frustrating it is to never know whether a restaurant will be able to cater for specific diets, which is why we've gone through and checked each and every eatery on our website and added these icons where they apply.

Just click on the destination you're interested in, and check to see if these icons appear in the corner to make sure they serve vegan and/or gluten free products.
Never have to worry about not being able to order food again!

Check out our website here: www.discover-northamptonshire.co.uk



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

03/02/2025

If you're an animal-lover like us, then you'll be happy to know that there's plenty of animal focused attractions throughout Northamptonshire for you to experience!

🦙If you fancy getting in some exercise whilst petting some incredibly soft animals, Catanger Llamas is perfect for you! With a wide range of walks and llamas, it's an experience you'll never forget.

🦅 Something a little quicker more your style? Why not visit Icarus Falconry at Holdenby House? They offer both open weekends as well as experience days - so whether you want to get up close and personal with these majestic birds of prey or are content to watch them from afar, they've got you covered.

🐮And if you want to get even closer to some more cuddly animals, Colready Highlands is the one to go for! It’s not every day you get a chance to meet these animals, and these gentle giants never say no to a little fuss and love... just make sure to prepare for plenty of scratches and headrubs!

🐑If you're looking for something for the little ones in your life, then Mini Meadows Farm is a fantastic experience for them. They recognise the positive impact a farm visit and meeting animals can have – transforming pictures seen in books into a living experience, building confidence, and providing simple good fun!

📸: Catanger Llamas



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

02/02/2025

Are you a public destination in Northamptonshire? Or hosting an event in the county? Or are you even a local group/society?

Drop off some of your leaflets into the Discover Northamptonshire Hub! We host a wide range of leaflets in our display cabinet - from world famous attractions to small-scale village events.

We promote all events and attraction leaflets completely free! Just bring some over to us in Rushden Lakes and we'll pop them in our leaflet stock.



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

02/02/2025

The year is 1965:
🎵 The Beatles are in full swing...
🦅 Goldie, London Zoo's golden eagle is recaptured after 13 days of freedom...
⚽ Liverpool win the FA Cup for the first time in their history...
AND Thunderball starring Sean Connery is released!

Did you know that the iconic, exhilarating chase scene was filmed at Silverstone Circuit? 🏎️💨

🎥 Make sure to read our Northants, Camera, Action! blog to discover even more blockbusters that chose Northants as their backdrops:
https://discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/northants-camera-action/?sourcepage=blog



West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

02/02/2025

We are so lucky to have this important wetland in the heart of the Nene Valley and the work that goes on to protect our environment is incredible 👏👏

01/02/2025

We've got some fantastic new stock in from KB Premium Designs !

From candles to car diffusers, there's something for everyone - and each scent smells divine! Why not pop into the Discover Hub and grab one?

We are open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm (Sundays: 11am-4:30pm), and you can find us next to Starbucks at Rushden Lakes.



North Northamptonshire Council

01/02/2025

Today marks the beginning of LGBT+ History month. Northamptonshire has played an important part in LGBT+ history – we’ve compiled a few examples below:

🏳️‍🌈 The First Le***an MP:
Maureen Colquhoun was elected in 1974 to represent Northampton North. Coming out in 1973, Maureen faced a great deal of discrimination and abuse from other MPs, with her direct response being, "My sexuality has nothing whatever to do with my ability to do my job as an MP.” Whilst there is no statue of Maureen, you can visit the Northampton Guildhall where she would’ve worked.

🏳️‍🌈 Secret Tunnel:
Apethorpe Palace, situated just above Oundle, holds some incredibly important architecture for understanding pre-modern LGBT+ history. During his regular visits to the palace, King James I met his Favourite and speculated lover George Villiers here. In the 2000s, whilst English Heritage were undertaking restoration work, a hidden passageway between the King’s bedchamber and Villiers’ bedchamber were discovered. Historian Keith Coleman states the passage is evidence that physical intimacy between the two men occurred and lasted into King James last few years of life. Despite now being privately owned, Apethorpe is open to members of the public on various dates throughout the year, where you can see these important passages for yourself.

🏳️‍🌈 Shoes fit for a (Drag) Queen:
Kinky Boots, the world-famous film and Broadway musical was based on a real-life story from Northampton! Steve Pateman saved his family’s shoe factory by making shoes specifically for drag queens – a scene dominated by LGBT+ people. Tricker’s Factory, the filming location for the Kinky Boots film, is located in Northampton where you can visit their shop and get a sneak peak into the factory itself!

In the present day, Northamptonshire has a booming LGBT+ community, with bars such as The Boston, community groups such as Q Space and multiple pride events taking places throughout the county, from Daventry’s Pride Party In The Park to Corby’s Pride Festival!



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants / Northamptonshire Heritage Forum

31/01/2025

31/01/2025

Here's one of our favourite places to eat - The Talbot Hotel Oundle!

The iconic building is a former 16th century coaching inn and is as comfortable and elegant today as it was in its coaching heyday. It was so well loved that it’s where King Charles I chose to visit back in 1645, the day before the famous battle of Naseby.

Only the best regionally sourced ingredients are used in their dishes - the chefs incorporate their enthusiasm and affection for food to every meal. The restaurant is the ideal place to dine with family and friends for a Sunday lunch in Oundle!



North Northamptonshire Council / Oundle Town Council / Explore West Northants

31/01/2025

It was great to host the latest Northamptonshire Heritage Forum meeting here at the Discover Hub last night!

Did you know you can book us as a meeting space? Email [email protected] for more information and our availability!



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Rushden Lakes / Explore West Northants

30/01/2025

Our February half-term magic show is now officially SOLD OUT!

This means we will no longer be taking drop-ins on the day - if you haven't booked a ticket please do not arrive to this event.

However, we have some other exciting half-term events to reveal soon... keep a look out on our socials! 👀



Rushden Lakes / North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

30/01/2025

🐾 DOG-FRIENDLY AFTERNOON TEA 🐾

Enjoy an afternoon tea with your four-legged friend at Whilton Locks Garden Village Sat 8th Feb!

Pawesome Pooch:
⭐Meaty sausage
⭐Selection of Natural Treats
⭐Liver Pupcake
⭐Carrot Woofin

Adults:
⭐Selection of Sandwiches
⭐Paw-tato Chips
⭐Homemade Scone with Raspberry Jam and Cornish Clotted Cream
⭐Homemade Pupcake
⭐Homemade Victoria Sponge
⭐Homemade Cake Tasters
⭐Jelly

Childrens, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options available.

🐶 BOOK NOW: https://discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/event/puppy-love-afternoon-tea/?sourcepage=whats-on-online

30/01/2025

On this day in 1649, King Charles I was beheaded for treason - the only English king in history to have been executed.

Before he was taken to Whitehall to be executed however, he was imprisoned right here in Northamptonshire - at Holdenby House. It was here that Charles first learnt of his upcoming demise at the hand of Oliver Cromwell and his Parlimentarians.

Holdenby House is now a historic site open to the public - why not visit and stand on the very spot Charles did? It's marked in their gorgeous gardens with a plaque!



West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants / Northamptonshire Heritage Forum

29/01/2025

Have you visited Towcester Museum & Visitor Centre yet?

Situated in the oldest town in Northamptonshire, the exhibitions cover Towcester's 5,000 year old history. From the Roman fort of Lactodorum to the role Towcester played in the World Wars, the museum holds a wealth of knowledge about the town - both for locals and for tourists!

Towcester Museum is currently open from 10am-4pm on Tuesday-Saturday, and is completely FREE! Why not plan your visit?



West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants / Northamptonshire Heritage Forum

29/01/2025

‼️LIMITED SPACES REMAINING‼️

Our February half-term magic show has just 3 tickets left! This event is always a fantastic activity for children to enjoy, so grab your tickets before it's too late!

Book your tickets here: www.discover-northamptonshire.merlintickets.co.uk



Rushden Lakes / North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

29/01/2025

Absolutely fantastic to see Northampton featured on Canal Boat Diaries! 😍

28/01/2025

We now have the National Garden Scheme Northamptonshire leaflets available to pick up at the Discover Northamptonshire Hub!

Raising money for Hospice UK, the NGS is a fantastic way to support local, help a charity raise funds, and have a great day out.

The Discover Hub is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm (Sundays: 11am-4:30pm), and is located next to Starbucks at Rushden Lakes.



North Northamptonshire Council / West Northamptonshire Council / Explore West Northants

28/01/2025

⭐ Happy National Lego Lovers Day! ⭐

Let's celebrate the creativity that Lego inspires by taking a look at some photos of the recent National Brick Event that took place in Northampton last weekend!

Thanks to KopyKatz Cosplay for capturing these great shots 📸

Were you there?!