United Kingdom: stepping out in Northampton
Northampton is one of the largest towns in the United Kingdom. It is equidistant from the major centres of London and Birmingham, some 60 miles away. There are excellent rail and motorway links to both cities. Historically, the town led the way in the manufacture of shoes. It remains, today, at the forefront of the country’s footwear production. The affectionate nickname of the local football club, Northampton Town is, understandably, The Cobblers. Apparently, this is shouted quite regularly from the terraces of the club’s Sixfields Stadium!
Old shoes with a real soul
Northampton is the county town of Northamptonshire and it is a busy commercial centre. The origins, though, go back to the evidence of settlements in the Bronze Age and Roman times. As the town’s importance grew, Northampton Castle emerged. It was a favourite of King John who appointed the first town mayor. Subsequently it was largely destroyed, along with the town walls, by King Charles II. In 1205, The Royal Mint was transferred there. Money continues to make Northampton’s world go round. The Castle was also and significantly the site of the trial of Thomas Becket. There was a Great fire in Northampton during 1675. The industrial development of the following century enabled Northampton to maximise on its location in the centre of England. The-presumably late - arrival of the railways and The Grand Union Canal, cemented Northampton’s current role as a centre for industry and commerce. The town now thrives and offers the visitor a full range of leisure activities, plus a variety of hotel and accommodation choices.
Ancient and modern
Live entertainment performances in Northampton focus on The Royal and Derngate Centre. The Royal Theatre’s capacity is less than 600. It produces its own professional shows and the building dates back to 1884. The adjoining modern and adaptable Derngate can seat up to 1200. This venue hosts star-name Christmas attractions and prior to West End presentation, plays and musicals. Between them, these venues act as one in providing Northampton’s cultural and entertainment hub. Other favourite entertainment spots include the vintage films at The Picturedrome and the 1930s themed Deco Theatre. The latter even presents a Christmas pantomime … oh, yes it does! … and provides the perfect setting for social and corporate events. There are, in addition, a number of hotels in Northampton that provide live entertainment and tribute nights. Beyond Northampton and in the surrounding towns of Corby, Wellingborough, Irchester and Kettering, there is pub and club entertainment at a number of venues. They are within easy reach of your chosen hotel in Northampton.
Celebrating Northampton
During the month of June, Northampton Music Festival sees live music and other events staged at venues throughout the town. There are fireworks, hot air balloons and all the fun of the fair at Northampton’s Town Festival. This is staged at the beginning of July at the town’s racecourse. It’s certainly worth a visit if you are staying at a hotel in the area. Due to weather conditions, plans are always up in the air for the Balloon Festival. This is held in August every year and provides real thrills; some visual and some physical. Food and drink producers from the areas around Northampton offer a pre-Christmas taster during November at the Northampton Food Festival. These and other events are planned to appeal to local residents as well as visitors to the town and the surrounding area. Northampton is a welcoming and friendly place. One thing is for sure; you won’t be crying … Cobblers!
So far and yet so near
Birmingham International Airport is less than an hour away by road. The similar airports of Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted are, at most, two hours away. As a result, Northampton caters for a full range of visitors and their requirements. At one end of the scale, restaurants such as The Church, provide superior cuisine with a national flavour. Mediterranean, Indian, Greek, Italian and other cuisines are very well represented in Northampton’s town centre. If you want to sample traditional English pub grub, a short taxi journey from your hotel will take you to friendly rural pubs such as the Spencer Arms and The Red Lion at Brafield. Closer to home and on the Wellingborough Road, The Old House provides a variety of cuisines, all prepared with authenticity in mind. Back in the town centre and there are many typically English pubs, some of which may serve food. List-toppers include The Wig & Pen, The Boston and The Fox & Quill.