Northamptonshire is a county in the picturesque Midlands region that offers the quintessentially English combination of small charming villages, timbered cottages and country gardens, as well as winding country lanes breaking up endless fields and meadows. It seems to offer historic sites at every corner, from ancient Saxon churches to stately homes and sprawling country estates. Then again it has always attracted historic events.
The village of Naseby was the site of the Battle of Naseby in 1645 where Fairfax’s army won and effectively ended the English Civil War and a monument stands there to this day. William the Conqueror built his royal Rockingham Castle in Northampton, which Henry VIII later gave to Edward Watson, ancestor of the current owner. The castle is essential viewing, mostly Tudor in design with Norman walls and works of art from every century. In addition, the stately homes of Lamport Hall, Canons Ashby House, Coton Manor, Southwick Hall and Althorp (home to the Earl of Spencer) are also found in Northamptonshire.
For those looking for outdoors pursuits, Northamptonshire is still an agricultural landscape and beautiful ancient woodlands such as Rockigham Forest have been the site of hunting by Kings of England for hundreds of years. Similarly there are miles and miles of canals and river ways and large picturesque reservoirs to enjoy sailing, canoeing, swimming and windsurfing.
In addition, Northamptonshire has hundreds of miles of cycle ways, bridal paths and walking trails passing through breathtaking countryside and numerous villages centered around ancient churches. Not for nothing is it known as the County of Squires and Spires. If you fancy seeing these spires without the walking, one delight of Northumberlandshire is the Nene Valley Railway, the UK’s best Steam Railway, which takes a 15 mile round trip through the gorgeous Nene Park. Add in the fascinating county town of Northampton and you have a midlands county that is well worth a weekend away.
Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonFresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him. …
The Cresset, PeterboroughAmerican stand-up comic Doug Stanhope brings to audiences his hilarious comedy material that ranges from 'true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism'. Vulgar, opinionated and brutally honest, his material shocks but entertains, and is certainly not for everybody. Doug was selected by both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch.…
The heavy metal music scene has seen the entry of various bands recently and it has become really difficult for bands to sound fresh and keep the fans interested. If there is one band that has been able to deliver that constantly over the years it has to be Chimaira. These boys from Cleveland are part of the burgeoning heavy metal scene in America and they know their metal well. Formed in 1998, Chimaira has come a long way from recording their first EP ‘The present Darkness’ to their latest album ‘The Age of Hell’. The band has gone through a lot of changes in their li…
Broadway Theatre - Peterborough, PeterboroughFor over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour. The Osmonds are unique in their success as a band and as solo performers. They have recorded over 200 albums, selling over 100 million copies with 59 gold and platinum recordings. They have sold out venues worldwide, breaking box office records and received countless awards; most notably in 2003 when they were honoured by the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.…
Funny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonThe award-winning comedian, actor/screenwriter (Grandma's House) and presenter (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Popworld) returns with a brand new stand-up tour for 2012. Intensely vulnerable and painfully honest, Amstell attempts again to heal himself in public, following 2009's critically acclaimed 'Do Nothing'.…
Motorsport legends converge at Silverstone's famous racetrack for the highlight of the British motorsport calendar - The Formula One Santander British Grand Prix. One of the most exciting races of the F1 calendar, drivers are faced with the challenges of Copse, Stowe and Club corners, some of the most famous in the world. Although tickets (and hospitality packages) are notoriously expensive - general admission tickets are more than £100, the thill and adrenaline of the British Grand Prix more than make up for it. Tickets sell out quick, so get them early.…
Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonHugely popular in the 1980s and early 90s, English pop/rock band 'Level 42' are famed for hits such as 'Running in the Family' and albums such as 'World Machine'. Originating from the Isle of Wight and with the high calibre musicianship of lead vocalist Mark King and the falsetto backing vocals of Mike Lindup, the band were successful until they disbanded in '94, only to reform again in 2001 with an altered line-up. They are currently on a 30th anniversary tour of the USA and are thought to releasing an acoustic album soon.…
Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonAt 24 years of age, Kevin Bridges is one of the most popular up and coming comedians in the country. His big break came at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he won the 'So you think you're Funny' competition. Bridges has since gone on to appear on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road Show and 'Live at the Apollo'. He is currently touring Scotland and N. Ireland and has released 'Kevin Bridges: The Story so Far ...Live in Glasgow' on DVD this year.…
Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonDescribed as Britains First Lady of Song, Joan Armatrading has been nominated for a Grammy Award on no less than three occasions. Possessing an extremely unique voice and strong rhythmical acoustic guitar, she is touring again in concerts that will delight audiences with her hits such as Love and Affection, Drop the Pilot and Lovers Speak.…
Ladies Night Out*Friday, 24 February 2012Oh What a Night! - It's ladies night, so make sure you and your girls get the VIP treatment. Join us on our ladies night this February with drinks on arrival, three-course dinner and a full evening of entertainment. Plus why not make more of your
Other concerts, music and gigs in Northamptonshire are:
Grease Tribute Night*2 Mar, TowcesterMadonna Tribute Night*9 Mar, TowcesterChimaira15 Mar, NorthamptonGeorge Michael Tribute Night*16 Mar, Towcester70s Party Night*23 Mar, TowcesterThe Best of Boybands*30 Mar, TowcesterElectro80s6 Apr, MansfieldAlthorp Park Battle Proms Concert11 Aug, AlthorpLevel 4214 Oct, NorthamptonJoan Armatrading7 Nov, Northampton
Sport in NorthamptonshireRoyal and Derngate TheatreOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Royal and Derngate Theatre, located in Northampton. See what shows and performances are on this week at Royal and Derngate Theatre.
Brixworth Country ParkJoin the Rangers for an exciting afternoon trying to catch some of the amazing variety of small creatures that live in the pond. New pond pack for everyone. All nets and trays provided, for half hour sessions. 24 April and held monthly until September 1pm - 3.30pm. …Location: Northampton
Some other fun family days out in Northamptonshire are:
Abington Park MuseumIrchester Country ParkSywell Country ParkIrchester Country ParkCanal MuseumAbington Park Museum
Flag Fen Bronze Age CentreStep back in history and visit on of Europe´s most important Bronze Age sites. Bronze Age and Iron Age roundhouses in reconstructed landscape. Roman Herb Garden ,Museum and Preservation Hall with 3000 year old artefacts and remains on display. Visitor Centre with shop and cafe. Special Events thr…Location: Peterborough
Some other notable historic attractions in Northamptonshire are:
Flag Fen Bronze Age CentreCanal MuseumSulgrave ManorAbington Park MuseumAlfred East GalleryPeterborough CathedralNorthampton And Lamport RailwayAlthorp HouseDeene ParkPrebendal Manor House
By Chris HaycockVeteran rock star and former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney has unveiled his plaque on the iconic…
By Chris HaycockFresh snow has settled on many parts of Britain over the last 48 hours, as residents brace for long cold spell.
By Chris HaycockThe Queen and Princess Anne have planted a tree in Sandringham Estate to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
By Paul ArnoldThere's an exciting weekend of Premier League action ahead with another instalment of the bitter, on…
By Amanda ArnoldAlan Carr has hit back at hurtful comments made by Karl Lagerfeld about his pal Adele.
By Chris HaycockLeading ticket company viagogo has been named the official ticketing company for Madonna's forthcomi…
By Lucy MiddletonA medieval building once dubbed 'the cathedral of Middlesex' has been bought by English Heritage to …
By Lucy MiddletonA recent survey reveals only 57% of gay actors feel they are able to be open about their sexuality t…
By Lucy MiddletonHollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has cast Scarlett Johannson to star alongside him in his directorial debut.
By Lucy MiddletonThree paintings from the late actress Elizabeth Taylor's personal art collection have been sold by C…
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London Olympics 2012 - be wowedForget about the London 2012 Olympic logo - get ready to be wowed! We look at what the forthcoming games have in store for both athletes and Londoners, detailing some of the venues that will be used for the games, the events that will be held, and what the city will be lifet with after the London Olympics have finished.
Britain's Top 10 Tourist AttractionsIt's no surprise that most of the top 10 visitor attractions in Britain are in our capital city, London. However, with Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers bucking the trend, there's much to be seen outside of London. Why not take a look.
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American football popularity grows in UKWith another full-house at Wembley for the fifth NFL International Series game it’s clear the popularity of American football continues to grow in the UK. Paul Arnold, a self-confessed American football fanatic visits Wembley for some NFL action.
