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The picturesque market town of Northampton has strong routes in the shoemaking industry. This proud heritage is on show today, both at the town’s museum and along the streets themselves, where several of the original companies continue to trade.
Popular fares to Northampton
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Popular routes to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Culture and heritage
Attractions
Food and drink
Sports and outdoor activities
Music and nightlife
Shopping
The East Midlands market town of Northampton has been putting its best foot forward as the hand-stitched shoemaking capital of England since the 19th century. Several of the original companies from that period including Edward Green, which became the largest manufacturer of officers’ boots for the British Army, continue to trade in the town. This proud tradition is celebrated in the world’s largest collection of historical footwear at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery , including more than 12,000 shoes from ancient Egyptian fashion to dazzling contemporary British designs.
No visit to the town is complete without a pitstop at the 19th-century Guildhall , which inspires countless selfies with its elaborate stained glass and impressive coat of arms. The story of Northampton and its people continues in the extensive themed gallery displays of the Grade I listed Abington Park Museum
The museum nestles in the cultural quarter, home to the Royal & Derngate , one of the leading arts and entertainment venues in Northampton, which boasts a packed programme of touring theatre productions , music, stand-up comedy, dance and children’s entertainment. Nearby, shoppers flock to The Grosvenor Centre and Market Walk Shopping Centre, and even closer to Northampton train station, The Roadmender maintains its status as the place to see live music in town. Coldplay, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, Pulp, Radiohead, Suede and Paul Weller have all prowled the stage of this independently run venue.
Built in 1508, Althorp is one of the jewels in Northamptonshire’s crown. Surrounded by stunning parkland, the house has magnificent interiors and one of Europe's finest private collections of furniture, paintings and photographs, and ceramics. However, the 500-year-old connection with the aristocratic Spencer family and the late Diana, Princess Of Wales, will be at the forefront of many visitors’ minds.
The house is open in July and August each year. A taxi from Northampton train station should cost £15 to £20. Alternatively, a taxi from Long Buckby train station should be £10 to £15. A little extravagance after saving big on your train ticket.
Northampton’s mixture of bustling town centre and serene countryside is reflected in its food and drink. You’ll find plenty of delis selling local produce, tea rooms in country estates, and historic pubs.
It caters to all tastes, with a variety of quick bites available from Dreams Coffee Lounge , located on St Giles Street, and The Green Room Brackley , and hearty meals available from cosy pubs, such as The Swan in Salford, and The Black Horse in Woburn.
Chatty man Alan Carr spent part of his childhood growing up in the town, where his football player-manager father guided Northampton Town FC to the Fourth Division Title in 1987 with a club record total of 99 points. Known affectionately as The Cobblers, due to the town’s well-heeled history, the club plays home matches in League Two at the 7,653-seater Sixfields Stadium, which is a brisk 30-minute walk from Northampton train station.
Premiership rugby union club Northampton Saints been hosted at Franklin’s Gardens stadium since 1880 in the St James district of town. With a seating capacity of 15,249 people, the purpose-built venue is a 10-minute walk from the station along Weedon Road, or you can catch the number 9 bus service to home games.
There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to Northampton’s nightlife. The Roadmender Northampton is a popular live music venue, located on Lady’s Lane, and hosts many well-known guest djs, such as Trevor Nelson and Craig Charles, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to have a dance. While NB’s cocktail bar and club is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail in its ‘Cave Bar’, before heading into the other room for a party or beer garden for an outdoor refreshment.
Grosvenor Shopping Centre , offers dozens of recognisable clothing and food brands over two levels, and is located adjacent to Market Square. Here you can find Costa, Lush, Office, Pandora, River Island and Superdry, to name a few.
Station information
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do LNR trains to Northampton arrive and depart?
Which train services run direct to Northampton?
When is the best time to travel to Northampton by train?
Can I book assistance for my train journey to Northampton?
LNR trains arrive and depart from Northampton’s main train station, which serves the large town.
From the north, we operate up to two direct trains an hour from Birmingham New Street station with calling points at Marston Green, Birmingham International, Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Tile Hill, Canley, Coventry, Rugby and Long Buckby. Our fastest train clocks in at 1 hour 5 minutes, and the cheapest advance ticket costs just £5.80 one-way.
From the south, we operate two direct trains an hour from London Euston station with calling points at Watford Junction, Kings Lengley, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Leighton Buzzard, Bletchley, Milton Keynes Central and Wolverton. Our fastest train takes 1 hour, and the cheapest advance single ticket is a mere £9.00.
Book tickets to Northampton as far in advance as possible to benefit from cheaper fares. By opting for off-peak times to travel, you’ll enjoy less-crowded trains and cheaper ticket prices too. If you know when you want to travel, be sure to book an advance ticket to take advantage of our cheapest fares.
Yes, we offer Passenger Assist services at the station and on-board trains. We recommend booking at least 2 hours before you travel. You can book assistance via the Passenger Assist app , website, text or by phone on 0800 024 8998 . For more information, please visit our Passenger Assist page.