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South Northants V3

South Northants V3

www.southnorthants.gov.uk South A place for all seasons www.southnorthants.gov.uk

CONTENTS A little known district Welcome to 2 Welcome to South with a lot to offer... Northamptonshire 4 Touring the Area

6 Located in the heart of rural The pretty market of Brackley and are full of charm and character and , South Northamptonshire 8 Towcester offer a great choice of independent shops, is halfway between cafes, restaurants and pubs.While a number of 10 Village Life and . The region rural shopping centres sell a range of locally- 13 The Great Outdoors grown produce, gifts, clothes and more, from is admired for its beautiful converted farm and estate buildings. 16 Action Unleashed rolling countryside and ancient In complete contrast, the area has a close 18 A District Steeped woodlands, historic canal network and historic link with the adrenalin-fuelled in History centred around world of motor racing. Located between Brackley and Towcester is , the 21 Canal Heritage and tranquil villages that internationally-renowned home of British 24 Rural Shopping are reminiscent of the nearby motor racing and the venue of the British Cotswolds. Grand Prix. 26 Art for Art’s Sake With so much to offer, South Northamptonshire 27 Eating, Drinking is just waiting to be discovered. & Relaxing

28 Further Information

30 Map

Front cover photographs, main: traditional canal boats at Stoke Bruerne. Inset, left to right: Manor, Silverstone, cottage in , Towcester Racecourse. This page: looking towards Salcey Forest. East Tourism. Back cover photographs, main: Brackley at night. Inset, left to right: Salcey Forest, Brackley Farmers’ Market, sunset over fields at Greens Norton, cyclists.

Published by South Northamptonshire Council, Springfields,Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 6AE, Tel:01327 322322, [email protected], www.southnorthants.gov.uk.

Every care has been taken by South Northamptonshire Council to ensure that all the information contained in this document is accurate and up to date at the time of printing. No responsibility or liability can be taken by the Council for any errors or omissions, or for any inconvenience caused after the guide has gone to press.

2010/11 All rights reserved. South Northamptonshire Council reserve all editorial rights. www.southnorthants.gov.uk

TOURING THE AREA

South Northamptonshire has something for all ages and interests, from Sulgrave By road By air Sitting between the M1 (junctions 15 and 15a) on its The area is within an hour to an hour and a half’s drive Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington and the beautiful landscaped northern boundary and the M40 (junctions 10 and 11) on of five international airports – Birmingham, Coventry, gardens at Ashby, to the excitement of horse racing at Towcester the southern border, the district is easily accessible from Luton, Nottingham and London Racecourse and motor racing at Silverstone. As well as the lovely old market the Midlands, East Anglia, the west and south west, Heathrow, all of which are easily accessible by car, bus London and the south east.The A43 dual carriageway and or rail. towns of Brackley and Towcester, the district also has many miles of beautiful the A5 criss-cross the region, providing good links to unspoilt countryside and woodland, with well-signed trails for walking, cycling , Coventry, and beyond. Manchester and horseriding, canal-side towpath walks, golf courses and a breathtaking Drive times tree-top walk at Salcey Forest. Bletchley, the Cotswolds, Coventry, Oxford, Stratford upon Birmingham Avon,Warwick – 30 to 45 minutes. Warwick Birmingham and London – one hour. Stratford With its central location between , Milton Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester, Nottingham, Keynes Warwickshire, and , the area – two hours Oxford also makes a great base from which to tour further afield. The Cotswolds and Shakespeare country, Bletchley Park, London By rail home to the codebreaking heroes of World War Two and The Birmingham to London (Euston) the designer shopping outlet at Village are all line stops at Northampton and Milton within easy reach. CONTACT INFORMATION Keynes.The Chiltern line runs between South Northamptonshire Council London (Marylebone) and Birmingham, Further north into Northamptonshire,, family For general tourism information and events: with stations at , Bicester [email protected] home of Princess Diana and Rockingham Castle are just and King’s Sutton (and Silverlink). www.southnorthants.gov.uk two of the many stately homes and worth visiting. Rail journey times to London Silverstone Visitor Centre Northampton itself has lots to see and do, including Tel: 0844 3728 200, [email protected] and Birmingham are from 78 Derngate, the only house outside Scotland designed by www.silverstone.co.uk 45 minutes. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Shoe Collection at Northampton Visitor Centre Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Tel: 01604 838 800 [email protected] and Derngate Theatres. Bicester Village Enigma machine at Bletchley Park

4 5 www.southnorthants.gov.uk BRACKLEY

Motorcycling (August), which attracts Nestling on the side of a hill, around 12,000 people and Brackley Music surrounded by rolling green Festival (June/July), featuring a wide range countryside, Brackley is of local, national and internationally- dominated by a wide, tree-lined recognised musicians. The also plays High Street that sweeps down host to a Soap Box Derby (June), Beer to the spacious market place. Festival (July), Food Festival (April) and Its centrepiece is an 18th century Brackley Carnival (June). town hall and clock tower that The Courtyard Mews is home to a range of was built in 1707 by the Duke shops. The town also has several specialist of Bridgewater, at a time when shops, including the Old Hall Book Shop, BRACKLEY ANTIQUES the town prospered from the which sells antiquarian, second hand and CELLAR & TEA ROOM coach trade on the busy new books; Heritage Music, sellers of Covering 30,000 square feet, Northampton/Oxford route. instruments and accessories; and Rowans this is the largest purpose-built Gallery, which showcases artists and antiques centre in the Midlands. craftspeople of all styles. More than 150 independent dealers specialise in a range The bustling pedestrianised piazza outside of ceramics, furniture, jewellery, the town hall hosts a weekly market and Local companies monthly farmers’ market and is the focal Established in 1884, leading British soap and kitchen ware, militaria, rugs, point for many of the town’s annual festivals. toiletries company, H. Bronnley & Co has clocks, collectables and more. Overlooking the piazza is a mixture of well- been based in Brackley since 1952. One of The ancient market preserved Georgian and Victorian stone and the last solely British owned firms in its field, brick buildings that house a variety of Bronnley’s products are still traditionally handmade by the local workforce.The town welcoming shops, pubs and cafes. LOCATION town of Brackley is also home to Belflair Chocolates, which uses the very best fresh ingredients to Situated at the south west corner But this genteel exterior belies a very of Northamptonshire, the A43 different side to Brackley - its close and produce handmade Belgian-style chocolates enjoys all bypasses the town about halfway historic ties with the fast-paced world of that are available to buy in local outlets and between Oxford and Northampton. the charm and Formula One, which plays such an its own shop in nearby Banbury. important role in the local economy. Just a Just 15 minutes from junction 10 few miles south of Silverstone, the town is of the M40 and about 20 minutes appeal of the home to various high-tec companies and from junction 15a of the M1. motor racing teams, including Formula Banbury, Bicester and nearby Cotswolds. One’s Mercedes GP Petronas*. are no more than a 20 minute drive, with fast trains to London In recent years, the town has acquired and Birmingham from Banbury, a reputation as a centre for festivals and Bicester and King’s Sutton. carnivals. Notably, the Festival of

* Team name correct at time of going to press. 7 www.southnorthants.gov.uk TOWCESTER

Moat Lane Running through the heart of the Situated within the town’s conservation History historic town is , area and covering 30 acres, this multi- Towcester is the oldest town in the ancient Roman road and million pound regeneration development Northamptonshire. Its origins date today’s A5. Once a thriving incorporates a number of listed buildings, a back to the stone age, with coaching route, Towcester remains scheduled ancient monument and parkland. evidence of Mesolithic, Neolithic a bustling centre with the market At its heart is the restoration of and Iron Age remains. However, the square at its heart. (below), site of a 12th century motte and bailey castle, thought to have been erected town is most closely associated with during the civil war between Stephen and the Romans for whom ‘Lactodorum’ Matilda. In addition, large areas of natural was a walled garrison town on Behind its Georgian frontages is a range of open space, including Grade II listed Watling Street, the Roman route independent shops and boutiques, many of watermeadows and parkland, formerly part to Chester and North Wales. which sell locally produced goods, including of the Hesketh estate, have been opened to Boudicca is reputed to have Elliott’s the butchers, which has had a shop the public. Developments elsewhere in the fought her last battle just south of in the town for 200 years. Towcester’s town will see the creation of attractive and coaching past is reflected in a number of lively spaces, including a planned Towcester the town and later, Watling Street buildings, including the 16th century Visitor Centre and Museum, new shops, became the boundary between Saracen’s Head and the 300 year old Brave hotel, restaurants, cafes and bars. Alfred’s Wessex and Danelaw. Old Oak, just two of its many pubs, In the 12th century, the Normans restaurants and cafes. built a motte and bailey castle, which Prince Rupert used during the English Civil War to defend the town against the parliamentarians of LOCATION Northampton. The Parliamentarian At the junction of the A5 and the army was billeted here on its march A43, Towcester is close to the to the Battle of , which saw A flourishing and famous canal museum at Stoke the defeat of Charles I. Bruerne, Towcester Racecourse During the 18th and 19th Towcester’s famous faces vibrant market and Silverstone. The town is ten centuries, Towcester benefited from Charles Dickens stayed at the Saracen’s Head minutes from junction 15a of the the age of the stage coach as and wrote about it in Pickwick Papers. town since the M1, approximimately 25 minutes people travelled along Watling Street from junction 10 of the M40 and Queen Victoria is rumoured to have stayed here when still a princess. John Wesley to London, Liverpool, Manchester, 20 minutes from Milton Keynes 13th century. preached in the town and James Masons, Holyhead, Oxford and Northampton. and Northampton, which have who discovered Yosemite Valley in The arrival of the railway brought an fast train links to London and California, was born here. Co-founder of end to these fortunes. Birmingham. Harvard University, Thomas Sheppard was born in Towcester on 5 November 1605, the day of the gunpowder plot.

9 www.southnorthants.gov.uk VILLAGE LIFE

Above right: Stocks at Eydon.

Paulerspury Paulerspury is the international headquarters Separated by miles of rolling countryside and surrounded of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. The Hunt House (originally occupied by the by hedgerows and dry stone walls, the villages of South Grafton Hunt) was purchased by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation and although the Northamptonshire are a mix of styles. Lime, sand and house is not open to the public, you can iron-stone cottages and manor houses contrast with often see a collection of vintage Rolls Royces in the courtyard. Victorian red brick buildings and the district’s industrial South canal heritage is evident in some villages along the Pre-Raphaelite artist, Burne-Jones and the firm of William Morris were responsible for . creating a number of the stained glass Northamptonshire windows at All Saints’ Church, including the magnificent east window.People come from is a naturally all over the world to see these important Against this backdrop of picture postcard works. cottages, village greens, ancient churches The village has many generations of royal beautiful region, and pubs, traditional village life is alive connections, having been home to the King’s Sutton and well. Many of the old customs such Woodville family from the 12th century With its elegant spire, the church of St Peter easily accessible as the village fête and May Day are still and believed to have been the location of and St Paul is a distinctive landmark, making celebrated, alongside new events such as the secret marriage of Edward IV and the village easy to spot from all directions. for a wide range musical and theatrical performances by in 1464. Later, their A vibrant community life includes the Northants Touring Arts, literary and grandson, Henry VIII, who courted Anne annual King’s Sutton Literary Festival in scarecrow festivals and the re-enactment of Boleyn at the Manor House, bestowed the March, where previous speakers have of activities. historic battles. Lots of villages – many of designation of Regis on the village. All you included Derek Jacobi, PD James, Andrew which are conservation villages – take part in can see of the manor house today is a Motion, Steven Berkhoff, Margaret Drabble the National Gardens Scheme open gardens. buttressed wall. and Colin Dexter.

11 www.southnorthants.gov.uk THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace, by E Burne-Jones,1870, All Saints’ Church, Middleton Cheney (Ian Cave, www.wonderfulpix.com).

carving, which features on each side of the Cropredy Music Festival chancel arch,is of a snake,two fan tailed birds Since the 1970s, each August up to 20,000 and a strange animal. music lovers have flocked to this picturesque village, which is just outside the district, for Charlton Fairport's Cropredy Convention. Rainsborough camp is all that’s left of an Iron Age fort, which is located just outside the village.

Turweston The annual Wings & Wheels event at Aerodrome is a great day out for the family, with displays of vintage aircraft, Harpole Village Scarecrow Festival pre-1930s and vintage military vehicles and One of the largest Scarecrow Festivals in the motorcycles, steam engines, side shows for region - scarecrows of all different shapes and the kids and an arts and crafts fair. sizes can be found in gardens around the village. An open top bus tour is a great way to see them all.

Culworth and Eydon Edgecote Tournament and a re-enactment of the Battle of Edgecote takes place each September near and Eydon. The original Battle of Edgecote Moor in 1469 took place during the Wars of the Roses between the forces of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker) and those of King Edward IV. The event includes jousting and foot tourneys, combat displays, Show musicians, a medieval market and a beer tent. The Blakesley Show has been going for over 125 years, making it one of the oldest Preston Deanery agricultural shows in the country.With every A small part of the Church of Saints Peter kind of farm animal, show jumping and a and Paul at Preston Deanery,which is under gymkhana, steam ploughing, tractor pulling, the protection of The Churches dog scurry, stalls selling crafts and country Conservation Trust, is thought to have an clothes, a kids’ play area and beer tent, it’s a early Viking influence. A 1,000 year old great family day out.

12 www.southnorthants.gov.uk FC Picture Library / Isobel Cameron FC Picture Wood Garden

Llama trekking One of the more unusual experiences you’re South Northamptonshire is a predominantly rural area, likely to have in the district. Although you can’t actually ride the llamas,they make great unspoilt, with beautiful, undulating countryside, forests companions on a relaxing hour-long stroll, or full day trek through woodland, along and waterways, pretty villages and quiet country lanes. farm tracks and country lanes. Llamas have a very good temperament, which, together with a gentle pace of around two miles an hour and gently undulating ground, makes With mile upon mile of well marked and across the forest. Salcey has three walking this an ideal activity for both children and easily accessible walking trails, cycling routes trails, a five mile cycle route and six mile adults. Catanger Llamas is located near and bridleways, it’s a lovely place for the horse riding trail. It also has a cafe and Towcester. whole family to explore and spend time children’s play area. Hazelborough Wood is outdoors.The region also has three excellent well known for its beautiful spring display of Golf golf courses and plenty of opportunities for bluebells. Whittlebury Park Golf and Country Club, fishing and boating along the Grand Union which is adjacent to , is set Canal and at Boddington Reservoir. Evenley Wood Garden in over 600 acres of parkland with fresh A 60-acre private woodland with 80 water lakes and at its heart, the ancient Ancient forests varieties of snowdrops in winter; magnolias, Royal Whittlewood Forest. Constructed in At one time, much of the area was covered camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas in the four loops of nine, the championship golf in royal hunting forests, parts of which spring, over 150 summer varieties such as course has 36 holes, each with its own survive today at Salcey Forest to the east lilies and climbing roses and in autumn, a Visit Britain images Library / Isobel Cameron FC Picture distinctive character. Situated opposite of Northampton and Hazelborough Forest wonderful display of colour. A woodland Silverstone circuit and surrounded by Walking and Bucknell Woods near Silverstone. pavilion serves refreshments and there are woodland, Silverstone Golf Course has a Details about countryside, canal- Managed by the Forestry Commission, they picnic areas. Dog walkers are welcome. very challenging par 72 parkland course. side, village and town footpaths have well signed trails for walkers, cyclists Located five minutes south of Brackley. Beautifully landscaped, it has a number of and walking trails are available at and horse riders. well placed water hazards. Cherwell Edge www.southnorthants.gov.uk, local Golf Club at , near Banbury, Rookery Open Farm tourist information offices and is set in picturesque undulating parkland. A great place for the kids to learn about websites for Brackley, Towcester It has a mature 18 hole tree-lined course. animals and farming, with a wide variety of and individual villages. The animals, including pigmy goats, calves, pigs Loop is a walk of about 11 miles, and ponies. During lambing season, over which starts and ends in Brackley. 1,000 lambs are born here. Kids can also play It passes many places associated on the miniature combine harvester, tractors with , author of and go karts and enjoy the bouncy farmyard Lark Rise to Candleford, including castle. There is a picnic area and tea room. FC Picture Library / Isobel Cameron FC Picture , , and Situated close to Stoke Bruerne. Salcey Forest covers 1,250 acres, with some . A walking booklet of its oak trees thought to be over 500 years is available from The Old Hall old. For those with a head for heights, the Bookshop, Brackley (all proceeds unique Tree Top Way is a must. Rising to from the £1 booklet go to Dogs around 15 metres, with a viewing platform for the Disabled).

at 18 metres, it provides a bird’s eye view Visit Britain images Visit Britain images

14 15 www.southnorthants.gov.uk ACTION UNLEASHED

Another popular racing venue is the at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. For For more than 60 years, Silverstone Northamptonshire International Raceway at more horse racing,Whitfield Races point to has been a world class motorsport Brafield-on-the-Green. Regular events point meetings are held at Whitfield, just venue, internationally renowned include BriSCA Formula 1 and Formula 2 outside Brackley. for hosting many of the sport’s top Stock Cars, Outlaw Hot Rods, Lightning racing events. The home of the Rods and banger racing. Motocross The really brave can learn to skydive or fly British Formula One Grand Prix, enthusiasts will appreciate the newly- at Hinton Airfield or fly at Turweston the circuit also hosts MotoGP and designed track at near Aerodrome, which also has a cafe, both near Towcester. Brackley. Or, they can try their hand at the Le Mans series, the Superbike driving a 56 ton tank over a car at Tanks-A- World Championships, British Lot at , which operates over 90 Touring Car Championships and military vehicles and tanks on challenging the Silverstone Classic historic car off-road courses. Manor Farm at weekend. also makes a great day out, with a choice of quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery Take up a new challenge and other activities. There’s more to Silverstone than just being a spectator. For those who want to indulge their passion for speed, there’s an exhilarating choice of self-driving Experiences and Thrills, from Ferrari to Lotus, to single seater, rally car to 4x4s. For a more sedate pace, a unique behind the scenes tour For the energetic lets you explore the inner workings of the track and even stand on the podium.Situated and adventurous, opposite Silverstone circuit is Silverstone Rally School, which offers a range of rally driving and navigational courses for the there’s plenty novice and die-hard enthusiast. of action to be A different kind of thrill can be had during a day out in the picturesque setting of found in South Towcester Racecourse, which hosts 19 National Hunt meetings each year. Northamptonshire. Admission to all race meetings is free (excluding Boxing Day, Easter Sunday and Ladies Evening). In August, the racecourse also hosts the Griffon Hoverwork World Championships, with entrants from all over the world competing on hovercrafts that race

17 www.southnorthants.gov.uk A DISTRICT STEEPED IN HISTORY

Inset opposite: Decorative door arch and ironstone brickwork, St Mary's Church, © NTPL/Robert Morris. Opposite: Sulgrave Manor. Above: The Maltese Cross border and Country Show, Gardens. Below right: The Orangery at Castle Ashby Gardens.

From Tudor manor houses to 18th century landscaped gardens. From classical architecture to Art Nouveau. From presidents to royalty. South Northamptonshire and the surrounding area is brimming with interesting places to see.

Sulgrave Manor change and restoration. Highlights include Built in local limestone by Lawrence the Orangery, which has a large central Washington in 1560, Sulgrave Manor is the pond holding around 150 goldfish, the ancestral home of George Washington, the Italian Gardens and Butterfly Garden, Secret first President of the United States of Garden, the Maltese Cross, Rainbow Border America.The house is filled with Tudor and and Arboretum. There is a tea room, gift Georgian furniture, embroideries and other shop, plant centre, farmyard and children’s artefacts. It also has the largest collection of play area. George Washington memorabilia in the UK

Visit Britain images and an exhibition about his life. The house Steane Park is held in trust for the peoples of the USA Situated on the site of a deserted medieval and the UK and is allowed to fly the Stars village just outside Brackley, Steane Park’s and Stripes. There is a buttery restaurant, 60 acres of landscaped parkland are open to shop, picnic areas and lovely gardens, groups by appointment between April and including the National Garden of the Herb October. In the 17th century, the house was Society.Various events are held throughout home to Sir Thomas Crewe, speaker of the the year, including the Apple Day festival House of Commons. each autumn. Castle Ashby Gardens Built in 1630 as a chapel and library for a The ancestral home of the 7th marquess of country house that was subsequently Northampton, was built destroyed by fire, the Pavilions are generally in 1574 to entertain . Although attributed to the great architect . the house is closed to the public, its 25 acres Stoke Park was the first English house to of picturesque gardens are open throughout be designed in the classical Palladian style. the year. Landscaped by in Located near Stoke Bruerne, it is open to the the 1760s, they are continuously undergoing public in August, between 3pm and 6pm.

19 www.southnorthants.gov.uk CANAL HERITAGE © NTPL / Rupert Truman

Above from left: The Tower, Canons Ashby House. Palladian Bridge, Stowe Landscape Gardens. (Both .)

Spencer family for over 500 years, the house The district is surrounded by has 19 rooms with one of Europe’s finest interesting places to visit, all of private collections of furniture, paintings, which are just a short drive away. photographs and ceramics. In the Stables, visitors can see the ‘Diana: A Celebration’ Canons Ashby House exhibition, which shows the life and work Home of the Dryden family since the mid of The Princess of Wales. There is a cafe 16th century, this Eizabethan manor house and shop. was built using stone from the Augustinian priory, which previously occupied the site Shoe Musuem (St Mary’s Church is all that remains of the Northampton has long been associated with priory). The house, which has remained shoe making and leather industries.With the largely unchanged since the 1710s, is

©NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel ©NTPL/Andreas largest collection of heritage shoes in the particularly well known for its Jacobean world, the Shoe Collection, housed in the plasterwork and Elizabethan wall paintings. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, is a The formal garden has high stone walls, must for all shoe lovers. terraces, an ancient orchard, colourful herbaceous borders, topiary, gate piers and statuary. Regular events are held 78 Derngate throughout the year, including craft and Originally built around 1820, 78 Derngate wine fairs and summer theatrical and musical in Northampton was extensively remodelled performances. It also has a tea room and in 1916 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one gift shop. of the most important architects and designers of his day. The house, which is Stowe Landscape Gardens open to the public, is a unique example of One of England’s earliest landscaped gardens, Mackintosh’s work in England. It also has a Stowe was created by leading garden contemporary crafts gallery (free entrance); ©NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel ©NTPL/Andreas designers and architects of the 18th century, restaurant and a gift shop. Charles Bridgeman, John Vanbrugh,William Kent, James Gibbs and Capability Brown. Beautiful open vistas and valleys, over 40 monuments and temples, hidden pathways, woodland and ornamental lakes, make it a great place to explore through the changing seasons. Dog walkers are welcome. There is a gift shop and tea room. ,

©NTPL/Robert Morris home to Stowe School, is opened to the Above from top: Detail of an embroidered public at certain times by the Stowe House needlework walnut chair, Canons Ashby. Oak newel Preservation Trust. posts surmounted by grenades on staircase at Canons Ashby. Sculpted dog, Green Court at Canons Ashby. Althorp Situated near , The Birth of Radar monument celebrates the moment in 1935 when it Althorp house, gardens and park are open to was shown for the first time in Britain that aircraft the public in July and August. Home of the could be detected by bouncing radio waves off them.

20 21 www.southnorthants.gov.uk

Previous page: Solomon's Bridge, Cosgrove. Boating Walking Experience the canal first hand on a 25 In 1993, the 145 mile unbroken Grand minute boat trip from Stoke Bruerne to the Union Canal walk opened between Little South Northamptonshire has a long mouth of the Tunnel, or on a Venice in London and Gas Street Basin in longer charter trip through the tunnel to Birmingham.Visitors to the area can opt for association with the Grand Union Canal, Blisworth village, Gayton Junction and a quiet stroll, or a longer walk along a further Bugbrooke, with the Stoke Bruerne Boat stretch – and enjoy the convenience of train Company, or on the Boat Inn’s boat, The stations close to the canal at various points. which runs across the district from Cosgrove Indian Chief. Day boat hire is also available The safe canal-side environment is a haven with Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats in for wildlife, including herons, barn owls, in the south, to Bugbrooke in the north. Blisworth. Marinas with private moorings kingfishers and water voles. are located along the Grand Union Canal at Bugbrooke, Gayton, Blisworth, Yardley The Gobion and Thrupp Wharf, near Cosgrove. The picturesque Oxford Canal flows from The Grand Union Canal However, through the 20th century, roads Stoke Bruerne Oxford to Coventry through 77 miles of At 137 miles, the Grand Union Canal is the improved, motorways arrived and canal The picturesque village of Stoke Bruerne Blisworth Tunnel scenery, passing through South longest canal in Great Britain. Surrounded freight declined. Under nationalisation, celebrates its heritage and position on the Northamptonshire to the south west, with At one and three quarter miles long, by some of Northamptonshire’s most ownership of the Grand Union Canal passed Grand Union Canal by welcoming visitors wharfs near the villages of Aynho and King’s Blisworth Tunnel is the longest navigable beautiful countryside, it passes through to the British Transport Commision in 1948 from all over the world.You can walk to the Sutton. Once the main canal between continuous bore tunnel still in use in Britain, Cosgrove, Yardley Gobion, Stoke Bruerne, and in 1963 to the new British Waterways. mouth of Blisworth Tunnel, visit a wildlife London and the Midlands, it was superseded the third longest navigable canal tunnel in Blisworth, Gayton Junction and Bugbrooke. reserve in the former brickworks and walk after the opening of the Grand Union Canal. Fortunately,this wasn’t the end of the Grand down a flight of seven locks (each of which the UK and the ninth longest canal tunnel in Born out of the pressures of the industrial Union, which has always remained open. contains around 56,000 gallons of water). the world. It opened in 1805 and is wide revolution, which demanded quicker and It has become one of the area’s most popular Throughout the year there are musical and enough for two boats to pass. cheaper means of transport, an Act of attractions, for its heritage – original mile theatrical events, historic re-enactments and Parliament was passed in 1783 authorising posts, lock keepers cottages, locks, mills and other themed weekends.Along the canal you Cosgrove Iron Trunk Aqueduct the building of the Grand Junction Canal pump houses, as well as for boating, walking, will also find pubs, cafes, restaurants and gift Constructed in 1811 from cast iron, the Iron between and Brentford. fishing, birdwatching and wildlife. shops selling traditional painted canal ware Trunk Aqueduct carries the canal across the and other canal crafts. River Ouse. In 1805, on completion of the Blisworth Tunnel,the Grand Junction was opened as a National Waterways Museum through route for the first time. Although a Housed over two floors in a restored corn busy commercial route, the arrival of the Eating and drinking mill by the canal at Stoke Bruerne, this railways from the mid 19th century caused a There are plenty of inviting places to eat and unique museum tells the story of over 200 slow decline in canal trade. drink within walking distance of the years of Britain’s inland waterways and Grand Union Canal, some with gardens provides an insight into the colourful world In the 1930s, competing canal companies opening out onto the towpath.Try the Boat of canal life. Kids can dress up in traditional amalgamated to create a union that Inn and The Navigation at Stoke Bruerne; canal costume, there’s a shop and the incorporated the Grand Junction. It became the Navigation Inn at Thrupp Wharf near Waterside Cafe, which has views over the Grand Union Canal Company, which Cosgrove and the Wharf Inn at Bugbrooke. the canal. was to provide vital support carrying supplies during the second world war.

22 23 www.southnorthants.gov.uk RURAL SHOPPING

Wakefield Country Courtyard Just a few miles from Towcester on the A5, Farmers’ Markets The bustling high streets of Brackley and Towcester have retained their original Wakefield Country Courtyard is home to a number of independent shops, situated Banbury - 1st Friday character and purpose with a wealth of local, independent retailers who offer around two courtyards. As well as browsing Brackley - 3rd Saturday a welcoming and personal service. Behind unspoilt shop frontages you will find through shops selling gifts, accessories, - 4th Saturday hampers, custom-made furniture, wedding - 1st Saturday family run butchers, antiquarian bookshops, delicatessens, gift shops, antique dresses and garden wares, visitors can also Towcester - 2nd Friday pick their own fruit and enjoy something to emporiums, busy cafes and much more. eat and drink in the tea room. Weekly Markets Banbury - Saturday Garden Centres Brackley - Friday Further afield, the region also has very Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard The Bell Plantation on the outskirts of Towcester - Antiques and strong associations with independent Converted from original estate buildings,this Towcester is a well-stocked independent bric-a-brac market in town retailers in rural settings. Located in peaceful rural shopping centre is situated garden centre, with a poultry centre, hall on Fridays former farm and estate courtyards, these next to the Castle Ashby estate. It has a range cafe and choice of shops situated around unique shopping centres offer a relaxed of independent shops selling artwork, a landscaped courtyard. The Roman Way alternative, with interesting shops and genuine Venetian masks, country clothing, Garden Centre, near on the the all important tea room. South furniture and gifts, as well as a cafe, A5, also has a tea room. Northamptonshire is also within easy reach delicatessen and health and beauty clinic. of large high street shops and shopping malls in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bicester Village Oxford and the designer outlet at Bicester The Old Dairy Farm Centre Designer outlet shopping at its best! Village. Located between Weedon and Towcester at Bicester Village has over 130 designer outlet Upper Stowe, The Old Dairy Farm has boutiques with exclusive offers from beautiful views over the Northamptonshire international fashion and lifestyle brands Heart of the Shires countryside. The shops, gallery, restaurant, such as Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Set around a converted Victorian farm tea room and beauty salon are housed in Matthew Williamson, DKNY,Nicole Farhi, courtyard, Heart of the Shires near sympathetically restored stone farm Salvatore Ferragamo, Charles Tyrwhitt, has a traditional band-stand, buildings around two courtyards, some of North Face and Bose, to name a few. restaurant and tea room and over 20 which date back to the 16th century. Shops Approximately 20 minutes by car from independent shops, including antiques, art, include crafts, gifts, clothes and flowers. Brackley. clothes, crafts, a florist, gifts, interiors, jewellery, kitchen and bathroom showroom, kitchenware, perfumery,pet store, shoes, toys and a traditional sweet shop.

24 25 www.southnorthants.gov.uk EATING, DRINKING ART FOR ART’S SAKE & RELAXING

Above from left: Whittlebury Spa, The Cartwright.

Many of the area's restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops serve locally-produced meat, fruit, vegetables and beer.

Specialist food and drink producers Hotels and restaurants include the Vine include Belflair Chocolates in Brackley, House Hotel and Restaurant, Paulerspury which makes a range of mouthwatering and the Roade House Hotel & Restaurant, hand-made Belgian-style chocolates; the Roade (both feature in The Good Food Pudding Parlour in Yardley Hastings, whose Guide);The Saracen’s Head,Towcester and delicious homemade desserts have become The Cartwright, Aynho. Branded hotel very popular; and the award-winning chains represented in the district include, Hoggleys Brewery in Litchborough, which Campanile, Express by Holiday Inn, brews six different beers. Premier Inn and Travelodge.

Where to sleep A range of privately-run bed and breakfasts The region has a thriving community of artists whose work A wide choice of accommodation is is available in the area’s villages and towns The Gothic Temple, Stowe. available across South Northamptonshire, and under the auspices of the is on display at local galleries and exhibitions. including coaching inns, private hotels and Northamptonshire Farm Accommodation branded hotel chains, Landmark Trust Group (NFAG), a number of local farms properties, bed and breakfasts, farmhouses offer good quality bed and breakfast and self As part of the county-wide arts festival, and campsites. catering accommodation in beautiful rural 'Open Studios', each September dozens of locations. artists open their studios to the public and Luxury hotels include Whittlebury Hall hold group shows at various venues. On Hotel and Spa near Silverstone, Camping facilities can be found at display visitors will see pottery, Hall near Daventry and The Falcon at Whittlebury Park, which is situated just 300 stonemasonry, painting, printmaking, Castle Ashby. Some of the more unusual metres from Silverstone circuit. With over handbags, sculpture, drawing, textiles, places to stay are The Tower at Canons 180 acres of parkland, Cosgrove Park is one metalwork and crafts. The area also has its Ashby and the Gothic Temple at Stowe of the largest inland caravan and leisure own art gallery at Chenderit School in Landscape Gardens, which are available for parks in the country. A number of smaller Middleton Cheney. Made from glass and holiday lets through the Landmark Trust. sites are also dotted around the region. Based in a former forge in the galvanised steel with cedar panelling, The Michael Heseltine Gallery hosts a range of pretty village of Culworth, Forge2 exhibitions by contemporary artists, Accommodation bookings is a collaboration of local artists craftspeople and photographers. And for www.southnorthants.gov.uk whose gallery features unique those who'd like to learn, or improve their www.explorenorthamptonshire.co.uk British art and design, including artistic abilities, Cool Contours in www.silverstone-accommodation.co.uk paintings, automata, ceramics, Chipping Warden, is an arts and crafts www.nfag.co.uk glass, textiles, sculpture, wooden centre that offers courses in painting, toys, jewellery and mixed media. pottery, crafts, trug making and creative Restaurant bookings writing in an inspirational rural setting. www.godine.co.uk/restaurants-northampton Above: The Tower, Canons Ashby.

26 27 www.southnorthants.gov.uk Visit Britain images FC Picture Library / Isobel Cameron FC Picture FURTHER INFORMATION

Whittlebury Park golf course Rockingham Castle Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard Restaurant bookings BRACKLEY VILLAGE LIFE www.whittlebury.com www.rockinghamcastle.com www.ruralshoppingyard-castleashby.co.uk www.godine.co.uk/restaurants- 01327 850 000 01536 770 240 01604 696 232 northampton

Belflair Chocolates All Saints Church, Shoe Collection Heart of the Shires www.belflairchocolates.co.uk Middleton Cheney ACTION UNLEASHED www.northampton.gov.uk/museums www.heartoftheshires.co.uk USEFUL LINKS Brackley Carnival http://middletoncheney.org 01604 838 111 01604 230 213 www.brackley-carnival.co.uk Steane Park Old Dairy Farm Battle of Edgecote Moor Griffon Hoverwork World www.steanepark.co.uk www.old-dairy-farm-centre.co.uk South Northantamptonshire Council Brackley Soap Box Derby www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk Championships 01280 705 899 01327 340 525 For details about attractions and what’s www.brackleynorthants-tc.gov.uk www.englishtournamentsociety.co.uk www.whc2010.org.uk on: 01327 322 322 01280 702 441 Blakesley Show 01295 770 297 Stowe House Preservation Trust Old Hall Bookshop www.stowe.co.uk/house www.oldhallbooks.com [email protected] Brackley Beer Festival www.blakesleyshow.co.uk Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield 01280 818 229 01280 704 146 www.southnorthants.gov.uk www.brackley.roundtable.co.uk 01327 263 186 www.hintonairfield.co.uk Brackley Festival of Motorcycling Fairport's Cropredy Convention 01295 811 235 Stowe Landscape Gardens Roman Way Garden Centre www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01908 542 427 www.bfom.co.uk www.fairportconvention.com International Raceway Brafield 01494 755 568 Silverstone Visitor Centre Brackley Food Festival Harpole Scarecrow Festival 01604 870 206 Wakefield Country Courtyard 0844 3728 200 www.brackley-carnival.co.uk www.harpole-scarecrows.co.uk www.incarace.co.uk Sulgrave Manor www.wakefieldfarmshop.co.uk [email protected] www.sulgravemanor.org.uk 01327 811 493 Manor Farm Sports www.silverstone.co.uk Brackley Music Festival King’s Sutton Literary Festival 01295 760 205 www.brackleymusicfestival.co.uk www.kslitfest.co.uk www.manorfarmsports.co.uk Northampton Visitor Centre 01280 702 441 01327 860 284 78 Derngate 01604 838 800 Northants Touring Arts www.78derngate.org.uk ART FOR ART’S SAKE Milton Malsor Motocross northamptontic@northamptonshire H. Bronnley & Co www.northantstouringarts.co.uk 01604 603 407 www.mxgb.co.uk enterprise.ltd.uk www.bronnley.co.uk 0870 850 5601 Cool Contours www.explorenorthamptonshire.co.uk 01280 702 291 Silverstone www.coolcontours.co.uk National Gardens Scheme Visit Britain Try Brackley First www.ngs.org.uk www.silverstone.co.uk CANAL HERITAGE 01295 660 755 0844 3728 200 www.visitbritain.co.uk www.trybrackleyfirst.co.uk 01483 211 535 Forge2 What’s on in Brackley Saints Peter and Paul, Silverstone Rally School Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats www.forge2.com www.globalmapping.uk.com/brackley.asp Preston Deanery www.silverstonerally.co.uk www.millwharfboats.co.uk 01295 768 440 01327 857 413 01604 858 868 www.visitchurches.org.uk The Michael Heseltine Gallery 0207 213 0660 Tanks-A-Lot British Waterways www.chenderit.northants.sch.uk TOWCESTER Turweston ‘Wings and Wheels’ festival www.tanks-alot.co.uk www.waterscape.com 01295 711 567 01295 768 400 01923 201 120 www.turwestonflight.com Open Studios About My Area, Towcester 01280 705 400 Towcester Racecourse Indian Chief at the Boat Inn www.openstudios.org.uk CREDITS www.aboutmyarea/NN12 www.towcester-racecourse.co.uk www.boatinn.co.uk 07933 859604 This guide has been produced on behalf of South 01327 353 414 01604 862 428 Northamptonshire Council by Redworks PR and Elliotts Butchers THE GREAT OUTDOORS Rowans Gallery Marketing, www.redworks.co.uk, 01869 810 443 www.elliottsbutchers.co.uk Turweston Aerodrome National Waterways Museum www.rowansgallery.co.uk and Downes Design, 07787 506405. 01327 350 454 www.turwestonflight.com www.nwm.org.uk 01280 840 979 Selected photographs with kind permission of Catanger Llamas Moat Lane 01280 705 400 01604 862 229 Althorp and the 9th Earl Spencer, Bletchley Park www.llamatrekking.co.uk www.moatlane.org Trust, Forestry Commission, National Trust, 01327 860 808 Whitfield Racecourse Stoke Bruerne Boat Company EATING, DRINKING 0207 380 4567 www.whitfieldracecourse.co.uk www.stokebruerneboats.co.uk Urban Delivery, Visit Britain. Cherwell Edge Golf Club & RELAXING Photographers: Saracens Head 07966 503609 www.cherwelledgegolfclub.co.uk BPS Photographic, Brackley Photographic, www.saracenshead-towcester.com 01295 711 591 Accommodation bookings Adrian Colwell, Bob Caddick, Ian Cave, Nicky 01327 350 414 A DISTRICT STEEPED Downes, Murdoch Photography, Glen Phillips, James Evenley Wood Garden IN HISTORY RURAL SHOPPING www.southnorthants.gov.uk Try Towcester First www.explorenorthamptonshire.co.uk Rudd, Robin Smithett, James Turner Photography, www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk 2Tone Pictures. www.trytowcesterfirst.co.uk www.silverstone-accommodation.co.uk 01280 703 329 Althorp Bell Plantation www.nfag.co.uk Map designed by Global Mapping, Rookery Open Farm www.althorp.com www.bellplantation.co.uk www.globalmapping.uk.com Internet access is available at Brackley www.rookeryopenfarm.com 01604 770 006 Belflair 01327 354 126 www.belflairchocolates.co.uk Printed by Witherbys Lithoflow Printing, and Towcester libraries. 01604 864 855 www.witherbysonline.com Bletchley Park Bicester Village 01295 266 886 Brackley 01280 703 455, Salcey Forest, Bucknell and www.bletchleypark.org.uk www.bicestervillage.com Printed on revive 50:50 Silk, a recycled paper containing [email protected] Hazelborough Wood 01908 640 404 Hoggleys Brewery 50% recycled waste and 50% virgin fibre and manufactured Brackley Antique Cellar www.hoggleys.co.uk at a mill certified with ISO 14001 environmental management Towcester 01327 350 794 www.forestry.gov.uk Canons Ashby standard.The pulp used in this product is bleached using an 01780 444 920 www.brackleyantiquecellar.co.uk 01604 831 762 Elemental Chlorine Free process. (ECF) [email protected] www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01280 841 841 Silverstone Golf Club 01327 860 044 The Pudding Parlour Brackley Heritage Music www.thepuddingparlour.co.uk www.silverstonegolfclub.co.uk Castle Ashby Gardens 01280 850 005 http://heritage-music.co.uk 01604 696 647 www.castleashbygardens.co.uk 01280 703 111 01604 695 200

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