Northampton - The Full Review

Northampton, Northamptonshire, England East Midlands

Recommendation added: 21/03/2006 21:51
By: Yerrell1 (YSUK rating +203)

Yerrell1 has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"Paved with history, stuffed with shops, famous for football (but really for Rugby) - Northampton has it all. There is an awful lot more to this historic market town than first meets the eye! This is my guide to Northampton, which will make your day trip or short stay extra special. Whether you want to shop til you drop, go pubbing and clubbing, see some great sports, go to the theatre, or just visit the musuems - You can read about it here.

Northampton's Location:-

Northampton is located 14 miles north of Milton Keynes, around 65 miles from London, and 40 miles from Birmingham. It is easily accessed by coming off junction 15 of the M1. It is in the county of Northamptonshire. For route planning, visit a leading breakdown company website (like www.theaa.com) where you can print full route instructions from your location.

What to do:

SHOPPING
Northampton does not automatically spring to mind as the ultimate shopping destination, but trust me, it sure is! Packed full of shops, from giant dept stores like Debenhams to small local businesses, your addiction will be well met! Start out by parking in the town's main car park, located next to the Argos store, in the town centre - you can't miss it. There is always a space here, and it is a great place to start shopping. Around Argos, you will see a whole host of stores. I highly recommend Home And Bargain, where you can pick up household goods, food and drink for tiny prices, like Cadburys chocolate for 10p and lucozade for 15p! Walk past Argos, and you enter the town centre. Turn right, and you will find the hundreds of stores, ready for your viewing pleasure. If you are a music fan, look out for 'music fair' signs around the church - they are amazing. Also, check out the market place, as various markets take place regularly throughout the year, and always on a Saturday. From clothes to phones, the market is huge and has a wide range of bargains. Ladies, make sure you check out Primark (clothes shop) for top range fashions at rock bottom prices! You will also find 2 indoor malls right in the town centre, which you can't miss. Expect to find stores such as Game, Boots, savers and other high street favourites in here.

MUSUEMS AND THEATRE
Northampton is home to the famous Derngate theatre, where there is always a great show ready to be seen. See http://www.royalandderngate.com/ for more details on shows and times etc. If you are looking for a museum to see the hours go by, there is a couple of good ones here. The Northampton Museum and art gallery has a World famous shoe collection as well as
Prestigious Italian Art, Northampton's history,
British and Oriental Ceramics and Glass plus a Dynamic programme of changing exhibitions. Entrance is free, and you can spend hours looking at the amazing features. The museum is signposted from the town centre, and is a 5-minute walk from the Argos Car Park. Look out for Guildhall Road. This is where you will find the museum. For further information call 01604 838 111. Also, there is the Abingdon Park Museum. Here you will find 'The Museum in the park' a beautiful Grade 1 listed building with Tudor oak panelled rooms, The history of the Northamptonshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry,
Northampton Life and an Elegant 19th century fashion gallery. Set in beautiful surroundings, you will not be disappointed! Telephone 01604 838 110 for more information.

NIGHTLIFE
When lights go out, Northampton really comes alive. You will find a whole host of pubs and clubs, all of which have a friendly, lively atmosphere. Most of the main places are located in the town centre, but don't be scared to venture out. Try your luck at the casino on regent street, visit the multiplex cinema - There really is a lot to enjoy. For the drinkers amongst you, it really depends on what mood your in, to where I would recommend to go. If your looking for a live music venue, then Road mender is the ultimate experience (http://www.roadmender.org) with great bars, superb live music, it gets top marks, not just from me, but 1000's of others too. If you are looking for a quite drink, try the many pubs in the town centre. All are very relaxed, and it would be unfair to say ones better than the other. You will also find the usual bars like yates, weatherspoons etc, which open until 4am.

WHERE TO STAY (£)=Budget (££)=Mid Range (£££)=Pricey
On A budget (£) - Abington Park Guest House 01604 635072
407 Wellingborough Road, Northampton - A cosy little guest house, where me and my wife stay. Low price, nice breakfast!

A Little To Spare (££) - Express by Holiday Inn Northampton Cheaney Drive, Grange Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire Tel: 0870 4425714 - Middle range hotel with nice comfy beds and a relaxed atmosphere

Unlimited Bankroll (£££) - Northampton Moat House
Silver Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire
Tel: 01604 739988 - Ultimate Luxury, top service and comes with top marks! Top Of The Range.

These are the hotels I can remember staying in, and would recommend, but if you fail here, there are plenty of others dotted around the town centre and surrounding areas. Brackley tourist information can help: call them! (01280 700111)

WHAT ELSE TO DO?
Plenty. In Northampton itself, you will find the cinema as mentioned above, bowling alley etc. Venture just outside Northampton, and a visit to Wickstead Park must be on the cards. Set in Acres of beautiful countryside, there are plenty of rides for the kids, amusements, animals and much more. Wickstead is a 20 minute drive from Northampton, located in Kettering. You can't get lost, Kettering is signposted from the town centre. Also, 10 minutes away, is Billing Aquadrome. Billing is a camping and caravaning site, but also has such fun things as go karting, amusements, fishing and much more. Further information: www.billingaquadrome.com and www.wicksteedpark.co.uk. If none of this tickles your fancy, simply explore the surrounding countryside. Salcey Forest (15 min drive) is a huge forest, with plenty of wildlife trails, and Milton Keynes (20 minutes drive) is full of fun things to do (see my separate review)

Overall, Northampton is a great place to go. With so much to do and see, it is impossible to fit it all into one day. Why not stay the weekend, and go back feeling relaxed! From ages 1 to 101+, there is something for everyone. From Churches to Costa Coffees - Find it here! And lastly, if you are in Northampton between the 18th and 20th of August, DO NOT MISS THE Balloon Festival. With 100's of hot air balloons floating off, stalls, beer (and hopefully sunshine) it's a great day out for all the family. See http://www.northamptonballoonfestival.com/"