Short day trips from Northampton by bus/taxi

Years ago when I was visiting friends who live in Northampton my friend took me to Althorp to tour. This was in the days of Princess Diana being a newlywed and her father was still alive. At one point we were the only 2 people walking around with the guide and Lord Spencer walked in. We had a lovely chat and i was so impressed by how friendly he was. It was a very enjoyable day. I do not know if the home is open for tours these days but it might be worth checking.

I think Nigel who posts here frequently is from Northampton so hopefully he'll see your question and chime in.

Have a Great Trip!
Mimi

Your initial list is a little bit tourist brochure-ish and yes we can put a bit of meat on the bones.

You have a bit of time to plan.

Have you or your friend driven in England previously? Have you visited countryside in England previously? How far or how long are you willing to travel by train or car for your day trips?

What sort of things interest you?

• Stately Homes
  
• Gardens
• Villages
• Churches
• Walking
• Animals
• Motor Racing
• Motorcycle Racing
• Canals
• Football
• Rugby
• Rock Climbing
• Royalty
• History

If you don't mind I can try to fill in some blanks. It is important to know what you are hoping for otherwise I'm just throwing darts blindfolded.

I have Ashby, market square... etc.

Which Ashby do you mean? Castle or Canons? Two very excellent places both completely different and in different directions.

Oh I misread - you won't have a car. I was sure I had read you had a car.

Too bad. Oh well, please have a go at the categories above and I'll do my best.

Go shopping for the world’s finest shoes

https://www.northamptonshoes.com/factory-shops/

http://www.northamptonshiresurprise.com/

Thanks Mimi, I loved your reply! For the others who contributed to this post, I’ve added Bletchley and some others (I’m a bit annoyed I can’t see previous comments while replying, so sorry for the vagueness). I had mentioned wanting to see historic architecture and sites, countryside and gardens, and interesting dining options (this is for the person wanting more details because they were “shooting in the dark”). A day trip would respectively get me home by dinner, so my window is on the order of 8 hours out and back (by taxi, train, or bus—is there Uber or Lyft in the UK?) Thank you so much for your input.

Ah, and thanks for the heads up about Ashby Castle and Canon! I will definitely go shoe shopping while in Northampton. That may be the only shopping I’ll do (not my forte). I’m an anthropologist so much more curious about people, events, and history!

I don't believe in Uber philosophy and Lyft is not on this side of the ocean so can't answer that one. There are lots of private hire cars - sometimes called minicabs in London - which do a similar task of taking people places by pre-arrangement. Amber cars is one I see around a lot.

Near Delapré Abbey is one of two (of the three extant) Eleanor Crosses in Northamptonshire. That one, unfortunately in poor condition and fenced off by quite easy to see is just a few feet off the London Road or just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the Abbey entrance. The other one, in excellent condition for the condition it is in, is in the village of Geddington (pronounced with a hard G (like bed but with a g) which is north of Kettering which is northeast of Northampton. The Cross is in the centre of the village, with a descriptive sign, near the village church and just down from a ford and ancient narrow single lane bridge with beautiful views. I guess that there may still be a bus from Northampton but I wouldn't stake a fish on it because the County is flat broke and has just ceased supporting buses.

Out in the countryside northwest of Northampton is Naseby where the Battle of Naseby was a major conflict in the Civil War. Like so many battlefields of the day it was huge and spread out over many square miles. There are viewing stands where the high officers of each side had headquarters and you can see what they saw.

Further away to the southwest is Edghill with its cliff and famous brewery - the site of yet another major battle.

By train from Northampton you can reach Bletchley, as said above, and also in about 20 minutes Rugby, where the sport was invented at the local school, and 10 minutes further Coventry where the original "Sent to Coventry" church still stands near Spon End - yet more Civil War history, and a fair dollop of WW-II history. Also bicycle and car history.

I'm sorry neither of you are interested in anything else on the list - this county is in many ways similar to the Cotswolds (but without the hordes of tourists) and there is absolutely tons to see and do here.

If you have specific questions, fire away. I fairly much know the county like the back of my hand.

By the way, it is Castle Ashby and Canons Ashby, with Ashby the second word.

Coventry is about 35 min. away by train.
Birmingham is about an hour away by train.

Don't get too excited about shoe shopping in Northampton if you are looking for local women's shoes. The final women's shoemaker closed this week (Tuesday I think) and now all their stock will be imported.

Northampton, and surrounding towns like Wellingborough, Kettering, Earls Barton, Burton Latimer and Rushden, was really famous for men's shoes. Very top end men's shoes like Barkers (in Earls Barton - you can get to Earls Barton on the X4 bus) and Churches (in Northampton) still have outlets but be sure that your wallet is fat, even if you latch onto one of the easily available coupons. You can spend a lot less (but not really cheap) at the home of Doc Martins in Wollaston (W8 bus from Wellingborough to Bozeat if it is still running since the austerity cuts).

If you like the hymn Amazing Grace it was composed and written in Olney between Newport Pagnell (home of Aston Martin sports cars) and Wellingborough. You can get to Olney (also the home of Pancake Race) by several buses from Milton Keynes which is in turn about 16 minutes from Northampton by train.

It looks like there are some beautiful churches in Coventry. I may do a day trip there (any day tour companies in Coventry that you’re aware of? Just getting an idea since we will be walking or hiring a car) Any out of central Northampton?

Is Stanwick Lakes a must see? It kind of reminds me of the lakes in the Midwest US, so perhaps nothing new. I’ve also got notes to visit Stamford (I’d love a tour there!), Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. Thoughts?

We are heading SW after my husbands work week to enjoy London and the outlying areas. Will drive to areas west of London first (since we’ll have a car then) and are thinking Avebury- Bibery-Oxford (and I’ll add Edghill!) Not sure if we should head further west or south to sightsee more ( any must sees?) We’ll only have 4 days in the areas west of London—before heading to London proper. Thanks for your valuable input.

Again I should add I’d mostly enjoy cottage type towns, countryside chateaus that we could maybe tour, or “secret garden”-type gardens or trails (I’m all about tunnels and bridges and ivy). I’d prefer visiting small towns prior to London proper.

To the west of Northampton 39.5 miles is the town of Warwick, with its medieval buildings and Warwick Castle. You can go there from Northampton by train or bus, or wait until you have a car after husband's work week is over. Not far from Warwick is Stratford-Upon-Avon. Lots of medieval buildings, thatched roofed cottages and good restaurants in Shakespeare's hometown. The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre is there, so you might go see a play.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is in the northern edge of the Cotswolds, so it would be easy (once you and husband have a car) to work your way on south to Chipping Campden, Stow-On-The-Wold, Bourton-On-The-Water, Bibury and then to Oxford. Near Oxford, be sure to see Blenheim Palace.

20 miles to the west of Stow-On-The-Wold is Winchcombe, where Sudeley Castle is located. This is one of the prettiest castles in England. Henry VIII's sixth wife, Catherine Parr lived here and is buried in the chapel. Beautiful grounds and gardens. It has been the filming location of several movies and TV shows. You may enjoy seeing Sudeley Castle.

If you'd like to spend the night in Chipping Campden or Stow-On-The-Wold, I have hotel suggestions; send me a PM if you want that. We stayed in Stow this past spring on the Rick Steves Best of England tour. I recommend a night or two in Oxford. There's a lot to see there including the excellent Ashmolean Museum. Good restaurants and pubs in Oxford.
If you're out of time at that point, you could turn in the car in Oxford and zip into London on the train.

Thank you Rebecca—this is extremely helpful! I think you’ve just created the itinerary for our trip, with limited amounts of driving! I’m curious, we’re all the small towns you mentioned west of London laid out in the Rick Steve’s book?

I realise it’s your holiday rather than mine, but it seems a shame to end up in all the well trodden places frequented by nearly everyone on this forum and neglect to visit the wealth of places on your doorstep that Northamptonshire has to offer, which will be far less crowded with tourists and provide more of a glimpse of typical England than the disneyfication (not sure that’s a real word!) at other sites! There is history in every nook and cranny of this small country! Just my opinion for what it’s worth!

Thanks for your reply. I did do a little background research into The Cotswolds and really only see a handful of must-sees (Snowshill, Arlington Row, and maybe St Edwards church’s in Stow). While in Northampton (4 days) I definitely want to see Stratford-Upon-Avon, do a walking tour, Warwick Castle, Bletchley Park, Castle Ashby (maybe?), Canal museum at Stoke Bruerne (maybe?) As well, I may be able to fit a handful of Cotswolds attractions in (if there are trains from Northhampton)—then focus on another region outside of London for our 4 day car tour.

Any other idea for easy trips outside of Northampton (by train or bus) that I haven’t already mentioned would be appreciated. To note, I’m not crazy about Stanwick Lakes, Stamford, Oakham, Coventry.

Additionally, any ideas for points south or west of Oxford (2 days?) for our 4-day car tour (not sure which way we want to head) would be much appreciated (Avebury is on my list!)

To answer your question, "I’m curious, we’re all the small towns you mentioned west of London laid out in the Rick Steve’s book?"
Rick's guidebook covers the Cotswolds, mentions Stratford-Upon-Avon, and I am unsure whether he mentions Sudeley Castle or not.

You asked, "Any other idea for easy trips outside of Northampton (by train or bus) that I haven’t already mentioned would be appreciated. To note, I’m not crazy about Stanwick Lakes, Stamford, Oakham, Coventry."

Nigel gave you some great suggestions. Do research some of the places he mentioned before you cross them off the list. When you get a suggestion from Nigel on this forum, that is considered solid gold.

To answer your question, Leicester and its Cathedral are to the north of Northampton. If you have any interest in English history, a trip there may interest you. King Richard III is buried there, and the Richard III Museum is there. He died in 1485 and was buried in Leicester Cathedral in 2015. Interesting story behind that.

You wrote, "Additionally, any ideas for points south or west of Oxford (2 days?) for our 4-day car tour (not sure which way we want to head) would be much appreciated (Avebury is on my list!)"

Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Bath come to mind.

South of London you have a string of castles, their gardens and historic homes. Hever Castle comes to mind. Childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Click on the "Visit" tab for a map and driving directions.
https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

Thank you again for your input. Considering my limited time and mobility (no car) while in Northampton I’ve tentatively narrowed my 3-4 day travel destinations to Warwick (train), maybe Stratford-upon-Avon the same day (bus) or following day (so I can explore Anne Hathaway farm—and do walking tour) by train from NH. A day at Bletchley Park (and maybe hit Delapré Abbey later that day). Ashby Castle as well. So, I think I have those days pretty full (not including exploring the market, churches in Northampton.

As far as the car driving leg of our trip 4 days before we stay in London) I’m pretty set on Avebury (I hear this is better than Stonehenge with less crowds? Or need I see both?), Snowshill, Sudeley Castle, Bibury, Bourton (these all have lovely 3+ mile walks through the countryside which I have associated walking maps for), Glastonbury (because I just have to), and Oxford. I’m thinking of staying near Oxford (or closer to Cotswolds and nixing Oxford altogether) and doing day trips to Bibury, Bourton, Sudeley, Snowshill. Then staying near Glastonbury, slowly winding our way back to London. My husband has been to Bath. I’m partial to smaller towns.

Thanks for your help. With 3 full days in Northampton I’m going to take the train to Warwick one day (through Coventry), a ride share to Bletchley the next, and perhaps just explore Northampton proper (or Castle Ashby) for the final day. We have reservations at The Church bar for dinner one night. After that we hit The Cotswolds for walking (Burton on the water/Slaughters, Bibury, Castle Combe), then head to Cheddar, Wells, Glastonbury. Then to Nunney Castle, maybe Salisbury, Stonehenge (we have tickets) and Avebury. Then London.