Northampton

Once a Norman settlement on the River Nene, Northampton has seen various surges in output and changes in focus. In the heart of the midlands and a stone’s throw from the M1, the medieval centre for shoemaking is now a popular centre for businesses such as finance and distribution. There is a wealth of old architecture to be seen including hundreds of spires, the Castle ruins at the Castle Railway Station, The Holy Sepulchre and the Guildhall. The redundant lift tower can be seen from most areas in the city and has been nicknamed the Cobbler's Lighthouse owing to the town's history of shoemaking and distance from the sea. There are many large parks which provide an easy escape from the concrete laden centre and play host to a plethora of festivals and events throughout the year.

Attractions

The Guildhall - The Victorian Gothic architecture recounts people and events through the stonework detailing. It is also host to one of the largest open markets in the country, which is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. A full market operates Tuesday to Saturday, a fruit and vegetable market on Mondays, antiques on Thursdays and a monthly Farmers’ Market every third Thursday of the month. Annual orchestral concerts also take place here.

78 Derngate - Since being renovated in 2004, the 19th century Georgian townhouse exhibits the art neauveu interior of the Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and a superb display of model ships and trains.

Becketts Park is a popular retreat for the town's workers set amid the curve in the River Nene complete with play areas and tennis courts. Abington Park contains its own museum covering the town's history in terms of architecture, fashion and military input. Racecourse Park plays host to the annual Balloon Festival which sees an exhibition of over 80 tethered and racing balloons. Music and a fair accompany the event.

Silverstone Racetrack - The home of British Grand Prix is located just 15 miles outside Northampton and offers a range of packages allowing visitors to try their hand at the track in anything from a chauffeured super car to your own single-seater.

Shopping

In addition to the market at The Guildhall, detailed above, Northampton has two major shopping centers. The 60 outlet strong Grosvenor Centre provides for all high street enthusiasts, whilst the smaller Peacock Centre adjacent is aimed towards smaller independent outlets. The smaller streets, once home to the many cobblers still retain some quality footwear retailers and other more specialised shops.

Nightlife and Eating Out

The expected chains of restaurants can easily be located in the main shopping centres and surrounding areas. The centre and main roads leading from it are well served by restaurants and takeaways mainly offering fish and chips or curry. The Mongolian Feast is a popular choice where customers are given the opportunity to choose their own ingredients.

There are literally countless bars around the centre with fairly standardised music policy and good smattering of neon. The main night club is Legends which has a modern and fairly classy interior and brings in impressive weekend hard house line-ups and "All-you-can-drink" events in the week. The smaller clubs consist of a mix of more laid back house music and pop RnB.

Tourist Information

The GuildhallSt Giles SquareNorthamptonNN1 1AXTel: 01604 838800Fax: 01604 604180tic@northampton.gov.ukwww.northampton.gov.uk

Airport

Northampton’s closest airport is 25 miles away at Coventry. 15 European destinations are served including Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona and Ibiza. A half hourly shuttle bus runs from Coventry station and city centre to the airport. Regular buses and trains link Coventry and Northampton. All major taxi firms in Northampton offer transfers to the airport and there is also ample parking although leaving your own vehicle there may prove very expensive. The Ibis Coventry South Hotel and Glengary Bed and Breakfast are both located within a few minutes drive of the airport.