Fast Facts and Useful Information about the Area

Northampton is a thriving town and one of the fastest growing towns in the country. The population currently stands at just under 200,000 although this is growing with the town. It offers a vast selection of property types ranging from picturesque stone-built villages to brand new purpose built houses and apartments. Northampton has residential areas in central town, outer town and in the surrounding local villages. In addition, there are a number of new residential landscaped developments in progress offering 3,4 and 5 bedroom homes in excellent locations.

Location
Northamptonshire is located right in the heart of rural England yet only circa 90 mins from London and circa 60 mins from Birmingham. The countryside is still essentially rural, dominated by agriculture, which has shaped the landscape for generations.

Road Links
Northampton has easy access from the following major roads M1, A1, A14, M40 and M6.

British Rail
The Railtrack web site gives up to date information on train times to and from Northampton.

County Map
More detailed map of Northamptonshire showing towns and roads.

Heritage
The town boasts a wealth of history and rich heritage; at one time Northampton rivaled London as the seat of government when royal parliaments and councils were held at Northampton castle , the favoured residence of the Kings of England.

The town was destroyed by fire in the 17th century and then Charles II helped to rebuild the town around one of the largest market squares in England. Rebuilding and regeneration has been continuous since this time.

Shopping
Northampton offers indoor and outdoor markets, shopping centres, pedestrian-only streets and out of town retail parks. Markets of all types are plentiful ranging from bric-a-brac to the newly established farmers markets.

Night Life/Entertainment
Northampton has 2 excellent theatres (Royal and Derngate), 2 multi complex cinemas and a wide range of restaurants, cafes bars, pubs, wine bars and tearooms.

Parks & Gardens
Northampton is one of the greenest towns in England and boasts over 150 public parks and gardens for visitors to enjoy. The parks also offer activities such as bowls, pitch and putt, tennis and are host to a calendar of festivals and events.

Festivals and events
Many festivals and events are held in Northampton each year including a Music and Arts Festival, (usually held in June), the Hot Air balloon festival (August) St Crispin Funfair and Market (October) and a series of Heritage Open Days.

Sport and Leisure
Northampton has many prestige sporting connections including British Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing at Silverstone, premier-league rugby "Saints", county cricket and Northampton town football club "the Cobblers". Sporting facilities include numerous leisure centres, Billing Aquadrome, Cycling at Pitsford County Park, Santa Pod Raceway, Horse racing at Towcester, Wicksteed Park (Family Leisure Park ) at Kettering and numerous competition standard golf courses.

Places to visit
There are a wealth of historic houses and gardens, castles, pretty stone-built villages, craft centres and canal museums all within easy driving distance of the town centre. Of particular note is Althorp, the home of the Spencer family and the resting place of the Diana, Princess of Wales, the Saxon church (All Saints) at Brixworth and many other picturesque and significant historical monuments.

For rurther information about northampton, please visit the Northampton Borough Council Web Site.