
I have put together some ideas for days out with the kids in Northamptonshire this Summer. Most, if not all of these do need to be pre-booked so please check their website.
Got any other ideas or recommendations for days out with the kids in Northamptonshire? Add them in the comments below.
Country Parks and Outside Walks
Badby Wood
Owned by the Fawsley Estate, Badby Woods is open to the public and is famous for its Bluebells. You enter the wood through what is left of a fantastic gatehouse. These woods are also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Brampton Valley Way
The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile rail trail built on the way of the former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway in Northamptonshire.
You can read my review of Kelmarsh Tunnel that is situated on the Brampton Valley Way here.
Summer Leys
An old gravel pit transformed into an internationally important haven for breeding and wading birds.
You can find out more in my review of Summer Leys here.
Salcey Forest
Endless walking trails, a family cycling trail, adventure play area, and even an onsite café selling tasty homemade meals and cakes in a warm, friendly environment.
Irchester Country Park
Take a walk around the woods and discover some dinosaur eggs along the way then let the kids burn off the last of their energy in the large play area.
Daventry Country Park
Feed the ducks, take a walk or a bike ride around the lake then a play to finish off.
You can find out more in my review of Daventry Country Park here.
Harlestone Firs
Harlestone Firs is perfect for a walk or bike ride around the shaded woods.
Indoor Play
Boost Trampoline Park
No better way to burn off energy that bouncing for an hour or two!
You can read my full review of Boost Trampoline Park here
Get 20% off your booking by adding code NPTONKIDS20 at checkout.
360 Play
A whole world of role-playing for your little ones.
Read my full review of 360 Play here.
Houses/ Castles and Gardens
Rockingham Castle
Enjoy a tour of the castle or a wander around the gardens.
Evenley Wood Garden
Set amongst the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, this 60-acre privately owned woodland garden contains a large and notable collection of plants; ranging from unusual trees and shrubs to a wide selection of lilies and other bulbs.
Coton Manor Garden
Take a walk around the garden and say hi to the flamingoes on your way round!
You can find out more in my review of Coton Manor Garden here.
Holdenby House
Take a tour of the gardens then visit the Icarus Falconry Centre where you can view their majestic collection of birds of prey.
Sulgrave Manor
A delightful Tudor house in a beautiful country garden setting with something for all the family to enjoy. Younger visitors will enjoy our trails around the Manor. Each week, starting on Tuesday 28th July, there will be a new trail.
Castle Ashby Gardens
Enjoy a walk around the various gardens then visit the animals in the Menagerie
You can find out more in my review of Castle Ashby Gardens here.
Canons Ashby
A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the ‘antient’ Dryden family at its heart
Boughton House
Although the house is going to remain closed for the rest of the year you can still take a walk around the beautiful gardens.
Kirby Hall
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Although this zast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always at the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design.
Delapre Abbey
The Abbey is still currently closed but you can enjoy a walk around the gardens.
Farms
West Lodge Rural Centre
There are animals to visit, nature trails to follow and an amazing outdoor play area.
You can find out more in my review of West Lodge Rural Centre here.
Mini Meadows
You can really get up close to the smaller animals here.
You can find out more in my review of Mini Meadows here.
Zoo
Hamerton Zoo
A perfect way to experience the Zoo on a smaller scale.
You can find out more in my review of Hamerton Zoo here.
Woburn Safari Park
Explore the park either by foot or car.
You can find out more in my review of Woburn Safari Park here.
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is located in Bedfordshire but worth the travel. It is one of two zoos that are owned by the Zoological Society of London, a charity devoted to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
Fruit Picking
Grange Farm Harpole
The perfect spot for some Strawberry picking. Plus you can also check out their new Maize maze!
You can find out more in my review of Grange Farm Harpole.
Theme Park/ Fun Fair
Gullivers Land
Although just outside Northamptonshire this Theme Park is perfect for a family day out
Billing Aquadrome FunFair
Billing funfair is perfect for those wanting a couple of rides but not a big day out.
On and In The Water
SUP Oundle and Ringstead
Paddleboard hire
Canoe2
Canoe hire
Stoke Bruerne
Take a walk along the canal and see the river boats.
Sport
Climbing
Indoor bouldering gym.
Drive-In & Outdoor Cinema
Northampton Film House
Experience drive-in cinema at Delapre Abbey.
Stanwick Lakes –
Outdoor cinema with child-friendly viewing times.
Northamptonshire looks fun. Out of all the activities I think the drive in and outdoor cinemas and fruit picking would be my goto activities. 😍🍓
So many great suggestions and tips thank you – we’re especially excited to see the flamingoes at Coton Manor Garden – great photo too!
Author
Yes, they are worth the visit! x
Some great ideas of places to go in Northamptonshire! I’ve heard Stanwick Lakes is amazing and can’t wait to visit with my other half and my daughter who LOVES to get outside and play. Thanks for the recommendations!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Northamptonshire but it sounds like you have some fun days out, plenty to do with the kids!
Author
Yep, loads to do 🙂 x
Some really lovely places to visit. We are looking for places to visit through the summer so these are great to know.
Author
Great, thanks x
Wow! This must be a parents summer holiday directory of must fo fun! Loads of great ideas here for families.
Author
Thanks x
What a list! There’s loads to do! I’ll bookmark this to reference in case we’re ever in the Northamptonshire area!
I’ve definitely been trying to get out for more country walks so it’s always great to find some new ones. Who doesn’t love strawberry picking?!
Author
Exactly! x
Wow I had no idea there were so many lovely places in and around Northamptonshire, and I’m around 30 minutes from Northampton. I really need to tick some of these off on the list xo
Author
You definitely should! xx
This list is comprehensive. Its great to know that all these places are not so far away from me. Thanks for sharing this.
Ngozi
Author
Thanks so much. x
Wow thats one long list of places to go! There looks like some fab little places to head to! We may have to book a trip!
Author
Thanks so much. x
What a great list of local places to explore. Especially now that restrictions are easing.
Author
Thanks so much. x
Wow, there’s so much to do! I’ve never been to Northamptonshire, but think i’ll have to look into it now! Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks so much x
Such a good idea for a post, there is so much to do in Northamptonshire! I have never visited before but definitely an area I would love to explore. Love the Flamingos… I would visit just to see them!
Author
Yes, they are amazing and well worth the visit! x
How gorgeous, there are so many fantastic activities that you can do in Northhamptonshire isn’t there? I would absolutely love to check out Rockingham Castle, I am obsessed with all things history.
Author
Yes, I am hoping to get there soon too! x
I can’t wait to get out and about again! You have given me loads of great ideas for days out now!
Author
Hope you have some lovely days 🙂 x
Wow so many places!! We really want to try the zoos over this summer holiday
Author
Yes, we are lucky to have a great choice of zoos 🙂 x
What a fabulous round up of places to visit. I’m bookmarking them for inspirational days out.
Author
Great, thanks:) x