My Top Free Family Days Out in Northamptonshire
UPDATED APRIL 2025
If, like many parents, you’re looking for things to do to keep the family occupied this summer, here’s a few of my favourite free days out in and around Northampton.
Abington Park has to be my favourite park in Northampton and we go there all the time. It has a brilliant play area, two lakes, an aviary and plenty of space to run around and let off steam. There is also a lovely cafe where you can sit outside on a warm day. The free museum is open Saturday and Sunday 12-4pm, and Tuesday-Sunday 12-4pm during Northamptonshire school holidays.
The bandstand plays host to music acts every Sunday throughout the summer
The Brampton Valley Way is a disused railway line running from Northampton to Market Harborough. This traffic free route makes a perfect place for a family walk or cycle. From the southern end, Brixworth Country Park is easily reachable by bike, or on foot with older children. We have sometimes parked at Maidwell and from here it’s an easy walk to the Kelmarsh and Great Oxenden tunnels.
The tunnels are a little spooky, a good torch is definitely needed!
Summer Leys
Please be advised that parking charges are now in force at Summer Leys. WIldlife Trust BCN members can register their cars in advance to benefit from free parking.
I mention Summer Leys near Wellingborough a lot, and I make no apology. This nature reserve in a former gravel pit, is free, quiet and the perfect place to escape for a couple of hours. A walk round the lake is about 3km or so, the ideal length for a leisurely family stroll. There are a couple of hides along the way where you can take a breather and enjoy watching the plethora of birds that descend on the reserve.
Finn surveying the scene at Summer Leys
Harlestone Firs
Anyone who reads this blog knows that I am a big fan of spending time outdoors locally and, as I live in a town centre, you might think this is a difficult task. But on this list there are plenty of places that are accessible to us urban dwellers. Abington Park and Delapre Abbey are pretty much in the town centre, while another favourite, Harlestone Heath (or ‘the firs’, as I’ve always known it), is just outside Northampton. There is free parking just across the (very busy) road and lots of family friendly walks and cycle routes to be found. I’ve been coming here since I was a child, and I love bringing the boys here now. It’s perfect for quick escape when we need some outdoor time.
Harlestone Heath is perfect for a laid back family walk
Delapre Abbey
Delapre Abbey is another favourite of ours for a stroll. We love walking through the gardens, there’s also a longer walk around the lake. The Abbey itself reopened to the public a few years ago following an extensive renovation and is well worth a visit. Parking and access to the grounds is free, although you will need to purchase a ticket to visit the house.
Down by the lake is a brilliant picnic spotCanal Walk
I’m a massive fan of a canal walk. There’s no traffic, navigation is straightforward and there’s loads to look at (and did I mention the abundance of canalside pubs?!) We’re lucky in Northamptonshire in that the Grand Union canal runs right through the county. The canal is easily accessible at Braunston, Napton and Weedon. Although my personal favourite is to park in the free car park right by the canal outside Gayton and walk to either Blisworth (3km) or Bugbrooke (5km).
I love walking by the canal, it’s a great place to spot wildlife
Hunsbury Hill Country Park
My last suggestion is Hunsbury Hill. It took me years to discover this little gem, but now it’s a family favourite. It has a play area, lots of open spaces, nice walks and the remains of an iron age fort (just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t have an educational outing!). Parking is free and there’s a nice little cafe on site.
Rushden Lakes is best known for its shops, entertainment facilities and restaurants, but it also acts as a great base for a cheap day out (as long as you can resist the urge to go shopping!) There is a generous five hours free parking at Rushden Lakes, and with direct access to the Nene Wetlands, it offers lots of great options for family friendly walking and cycling. From here you can head towards Stanwick Lakes, or check out where the family of beavers have recently been released.
Even young children enjoy scavenger hunts and nature trails, and these are a great free outdoor activity for the whole family
You can also make your family days out a bit more exciting. You could add a scavenger or mini beast hunt, try pond dipping or geocaching, or why not get the kids to plan a route on OS Maps and lead the way.
Do you know any awesome free places or activities that I can add to the list?
Ooh those tunnels do look a bit spooky!!