Out & About in Northampton

The county town of Northampton lies in the East Midlands of England. It is around 70 miles North West of London and is home to a population of about two hundred thousand people. It is in fact one of the largest settlements in the United Kingdom which is actually a town rather than a city. Many people come to work here from the smaller conurbations in the area. Major employers include Carlsberg, Barclaycard, Carphone Warehouse and Avon. The town is also home to the University of Northampton. There are some delightul historic buildings - the Guildhall council offices and All Saints Churches are beautiful buildings of 18th Century architecture.

Not far from Northampton, you can experience the stunning countryside with its rolling hills and rural landscape. Canals run through the heart of the this county and there are tucked-away villages just waiting to be discovered. Althorp Manor, about 6 miles away, is the resting place of the late Princess Diana.

Shopping

Everything you might want or need is in Northampton. There is a huge choice of places to spend your money. The shopping centres and pedestrianised streets in the town are some of the county's best. There are quite literally hundreds of shops including major high street names and smaller independent retailers from which to choose.

For more than 25 years the Grosvenor Centre has been Northampton's prime shopping centre, boasting around 60 major restaurants and shops in a climate-controlled environment. Another indoor shopping area is Peacock Place and there are also out-of-town shopping precincts.

One of the biggest and oldest open-air markets in the country is held in Northampton. Taking place in the Market Square, the market is a paradise for bargain hunters. There are regular Farmers' Markets held here too so there is always something for everyone.

Food and Drink

Local produce, garden fresh, organically produced - it is all available in Northampton. Using local food and drink is becoming ever more popular across the county as people become more aware of food miles and the eateries of Northampton certainly try to play their part in helping with the environment.

However, if you prefer something with a more exotic flavour, you will find it here too. Why not try Caffe D'Italia, a great little Italian cafe with Italian-style sandwiches and cakes. Bombay Palace is highly recommended too for its Tandoori and Balti cuisine. At La Pergola you can enjoy regional Italian dishes, sampling the rich and varied Italian cuisine on offer. Casablanca is a Spanish restaurant with Spanish staff and there is a choice of a la carte or tapas.

Arts & Entertainment

Northampton boasts top arts facilities. There are two theatres: the Derngate and the Royal Theatre. International stars and groups on tour perform at both venues. Northampton Museum is free to visit and displays many visiting exhibitions as well as permanent ones. Sol Central is a leisure complex with a gym, numerous nightclubs, restaurants and bars as well as a 10-screen cinema. On the outskirts of Northampton is another leisure complex, Sixfields Leisure. More bars, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema are housed here. The Roadmender is a top music venue and has been the starting point for many up and coming bands as well as other major bands which come to play here.

Nightlife in Northampton is lively as clubs and pubs are located all around the town centre. If you enjoy alternative music, try the pubs along the Wellington Road which cater for rock, punk and grunge. Live acts perform on Friday evenings. Of course, if you prefer a quieter life, there are small, quiet pubs and inns in and around the area where you can enjoy good conversation and hospitality.

Hotels and Travel

Frequent links to London and Birmingham depart from Northampton Castle Station. The railway station is about 15 minutes walk away from the town centre. There are taxis outside the station. Northampton is very well connected by road. Many distribution companies are in fact based in and around the town. The M1 passes through the South of the county and from the motorway it is only a quarter of an hour's drive to Northampton town centre. A branch of the Grand Union Canal passes through the town.

Northampton has award-winning hotels, country houses and good bed and breakfast accommodation. There is something to suit everyone from the businessman to the family. Most hotels have restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy a meal and a drink just a short walk away from your room. You will usually find ensuite bathrooms, satellite TV and a fridge.