Go Northamptonshire! Started
| Author: Kate Dent | Published: August 2, 2021 9:53 AM |
Northamptonshire’s Britain’s Best Surprise tourism organization has marked the end of lockdown restrictions by launching a campaign to promote the county as a major travel destination.
The Go Northamptonshire! The initiative focuses on everything the county has to offer families this season, from iconic attractions like Silverstone, Althorp and Wicksteed Park to a whole host of hidden gems for first-time visitors to discover.
Council contributions make the Go Northamptonshire possible! Campaign to spotlight Northamptonshire as a great summer and fall travel destination, promoting the county’s many and varied family-friendly places to visit, stay and eat. The campaign launch follows the reopening of the flagship Northampton Museum & Art Gallery last month (July) following a £ 6.7 million expansion and refurbishment program.
Key messages include encouraging families to escape the tourist crowds on the UK shores and head inland to meet in beautiful, unspoilt countryside just an hour from London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge.
James Miller, Northamptonshire Chairman, Britain’s Best Surprise, said, “Northamptonshire offers breathtaking scenery, world-class gardens, grand historic houses and churches, F1 motor racing and award-winning regional theater.
“There is something for everyone, whether you want an adrenaline-fueled break or some quiet relaxation with the family, and with the recently lifted lockdown restrictions, we still have some great – and affordable – locations available.
“Families avoid the crowds and head inland for moments of celebration in one of England’s most glorious unspoiled destinations, discovering iconic attractions and acres of green space.”
Cllr Adam Brown, West Northamptonshire Council Vice Chairman and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Recreation, said: “Northamptonshire is a county rich in natural beauty, culture and history, with destinations that people can visit again and again year round.
“We have some great indoor attractions like the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, which has just reopened after a major renovation, more than doubling its size and hosting traveling exhibitions.
“Aside from the region’s cultural offerings, there are also some fantastic ways to enjoy the great outdoors, such as our beautiful landscaped parks and historic sites such as Delapre Abbey, Holdenby House and many others.”
Cllr Helen Howell, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, North Northamptonshire Council, said: “All over Northamptonshire we have some excellent attractions perfect for the whole family and those who choose to stay this year. We are proud to support this campaign and to show everyone, not just Northamptonshire residents, the treasures we have across the county.
“From art and culture to history and heritage, we really have something for all ages and I hope all of us will come and see us not just this year but for years to come to see what we can do have to offer. “
The family day out ideas that the Go Northamptonshire! Campaign include:
Rockingham Castle: Amazing Norman Castle near Corby. The castle has welcomed many kings and queens, including Richard the Lionheart, King John and Edward I. Their lasting influence can still be seen today in many parts of the castle and grounds.
Cotton manor garden: Voted the nation’s favorite, the beautiful 10-acre garden at Coton Manor sits on top of a hill that extends from the 17th-century manor house.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery: Home to the world’s largest collection of shoes, the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Northamptonshire’s flagship museum, reopened in July 2021 after an extensive £ 6.7 million expansion.
The interactive Silverstone Museum: Step on the net for an exciting adventure at the Silverstone Interactive Museum. This brilliant new museum takes you on a journey through the stars, stories and science of British motorsport.
Canoe2 on the River Nene: Popular paddle-out-n-back canoe and kayak rentals on the beautiful River Nene from the boathouse in Rushden Lakes.
Adrenaline Avenue: Europe’s largest urban sports facility is a training base for Olympic athletes with professional riding surfaces for BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters. Book online only this summer and save over 40% on Tuesdays in August.
Althorp: Each of the fascinating rooms of this magnificent family home showcases one of the most beautiful private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics in Europe and has its own fascinating story.
Wicksteed Park: Fun Fun Fun. Established in the 1930s, Wicksteed Park is a Grade II listed park and garden that offers a world class adventure and camping experience.
Evenley Wood Gardens: Magnificent 60 acres of privately owned woodland in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley. Large and remarkable collection of plants. Don’t miss the refreshments from Uncle Georgie’s Shed & Yoga in the Forest on Sundays.
Stanwick Lakes: Stanwick Lakes is a 750 acre landscape attraction and nature reserve in the heart of Northamptonshire’s beautiful Nene Valley, widely recognized as one of the region’s most imaginative outdoor activity destinations.
Xtreme Wake at Grendon Lakes: Aquapark, wakeboarding and paddleboarding on Grendon Lakes. Grendon Lakes itself is set in 150 acres of breathtaking Northamptonshire countryside, between Wellingborough and Northampton.
Ashby Castle Gardens: Castle Ashby is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton. Stroll through the gardens, which are open every day and welcome to families, and take a stroll through history. You can then eat or stay overnight at the recently reopened Castle Ashby Hotel.
Delapre Abbey: In the early Middle Ages, Northampton and its castle were a center of royal government and as such attracted significant buildings, including Delapré Abbey, founded by Simon de Senlis around 1125 and now open to the public after nearly 900 years.
Sulgrave Manor: Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, is a legacy of friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom. The Tudor mansion is home to the largest collection of George Washington memorabilia in the UK.
Grand Union Canal: A canal boat holiday hotspot, the UK’s longest canal runs in Northamptonshire near Cosgrove and offers delightful walks along its towpath and the excitement of the Blisworth Tunnel. The Northamptonshire route has tons of locks worth exploring and a visit to Stoke Bruerne and its canal museum is highly recommended.
For a full list of family attractions and accommodations with availability this season, please visit: www.gonorthamptonshire.co.uk
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