Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<p>Bring on the blooms! Glorious golden daffodils are emerging everywhere and Northamptonshire boasts some of the best places in the country to see them. Be sure to find one local to you, then book in to enjoy a spring visit to one of these blissful spots and catch them at their vibrant best.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boughton-house-nr-kettering"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Boughton House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.boughtonhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Boughton House</a>, nr. Kettering</h2>



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<p>Opening for various dates from 8 April, the spectacular grounds at the country home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch boast a historic walled garden and herbaceous borders filled with spring bulbs. Advance booking is advised.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lamport-hall-nr-northampton"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Lamport Hall (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lamport Hall</a>, nr Northampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/Lamport-Hall-daffs.jpeg" alt="Lamport Hall Daffs" class="wp-image-32138" /></figure>



<p>A whopping Grade I listed stately pile that also manages to feel like a welcoming home as you swing into the gracious tree-lined driveway past swathes of gorgeous spring bulbs popping up through the pretty lawns. Open on selected events weekends including 9 &amp; 10 April and 30 April &amp; 1 May. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rockingham-castle-nr-corby"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Rockingham Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/" target="_blank">Rockingham Castle</a>, nr Corby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/03/Rockingham-Castle-daffs.jpg" alt="Daffodils at Rockingham Castle" class="wp-image-26208" /></figure>



<p>If the kids want space to run and proper Norman castle grounds to battle it out in while you stroll sedately and enjoy the flowers then Rockingham is the place to go. You won&#8217;t know whether to look at the spectacular views or the glorious flower beds and hillsides awash with swaying daffs. It seems bonkers that part of this incredible castle is still very much a family home. Open to visitors on 9 &amp; 10 April. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thenford-arboretum-nr-banbury"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://thenfordarboretum.com/" target="_blank">Thenford Arboretum</a>, nr Banbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/daffodil-image.jpg" alt="Daffodil Thenford Arboretum" class="wp-image-32142" /></figure>



<p>This privately owned arboretum, (home to Lord and Lady Heseltine, FYI) is home to over 5000 trees and shrubs including an impressive display of spring bulbs woven throughout the impressive sculpture gardens, water gardens and medieval fish ponds. The gardens are only open to the public for a few dates each year with spring being prime time to have a wander around for a few hours. Spring open days are on 21 April and 10, 16 &amp; 18 May. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coton-manor-gardens"><a aria-label="Coton Manor Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coton Manor Gardens</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/03/COTON-.jpg" alt="COTON MANOR" class="wp-image-38257" /></figure>



<p>This delightful country manor garden, replete with resident flamingoes, will re-open for the spring/summer season on 28 March, just in time to show off it&#8217;s resplendent daffodils in all their golden glory. The formal gardens, woodland and plant nursery will be in full bloom and you can pop in to the lovely courtyard cafe for takeaway treats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evenley-wood-garden-nr-brackley"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Evenley Wood Garden (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Evenley Wood Garden</a>, nr. Brackley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/03/Daffs-Evenley.jpg" alt="Daffs Evenley" class="wp-image-26067" /></figure>



<p>A perennial Muddy favourite, Evenley Wood Garden is a real gem throughout the seasons, but always a gloriously magical place for a stroll to enjoy the spring bulbs as they unfold and herald the arrival of the warmer weather (crosses fingers). There are a vast number of different varieties of narcissi here, so definitely worth a visit if you like something a bit out of the ordinary. The lovely wooden cabin cafe, serves scrumptious homemade meals and cakes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canons-ashby-national-trust"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Canons Ashby National Trust  (opens in a new tab)">Canons Ashby National Trust </a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/03/Canons-daffs.jpg" alt="Daffodils Canons Ashby National Trust" class="wp-image-26199" /></figure>



<p>Enjoy a stroll around the pretty gardens, where clusters of bright yellow light up every corner, and wander further afield to explore the wider estate. The Tea Room is open for all the usual National Trusts treats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deene-park-corby"><a href="https://deenepark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Deene Park (opens in a new tab)">Deene Park</a>, Corby</h2>



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<p>&nbsp;Deene Park is one of Northamptonshire&#8217;s truly grand estates, having once been owned by the Abbey of Westminster. The gardens have been recently restored to their rightful glory, with the parkland now receiving the care and attention it too deserves. In spring, the canal, north drive and woodland walk are carpeted with Daffodils and the blossom is bursting forth so now is the time to visit. Open on select days from Easter Sunday for advance bookings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kelmarsh-hall"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kelmarsh Hall (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kelmarsh.com/" target="_blank">Kelmarsh Hall</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/03/Kelmarsh-daffs.jpg" alt="Daffodil display Kelmarsh" class="wp-image-26205" /></figure>



<p>Open to visitors from 9 April, the Grade II listed gardens at Kelmarsh are abundantly stocked, with a typically haphazard English country vibe they&#8217;re genuine treasure trove for horticulture enthusiasts (or anyone who loves looking at pretty flowers). The daffodils are a a real highlight in April, alongside carpets of snakes head fritillaries and emerging tulips with Sweet Peas Tea Room the perfect post stroll rest spot. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/grendondaffodilfestival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grendon Daffodil Festival</a></h2>



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<p>Grendon Daff Fest, taking place on&nbsp;26 March, is where you can explore various gardens in the villages, stock up on plants, meet the friendly local alpacas and take a vintage bus ride. There’s also a kids’ fun zone, dog show, craft fair and street food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stowe-landscape-gardens-nr-buckingham"><a aria-label="Stowe Landscape Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stowe Landscape Gardens</a>, nr. Buckingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/03/stowe-daffodils.jpg" alt="stowe daffodils " class="wp-image-38234" /></figure>



<p>The pale stone of Stowe’s colonnaded facade is the perfect backdrop to gazillions of daffodils. They’re at their best between Grenville’s Column and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/features/stowe-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stowe House</a>&nbsp;and around the ionic (did you pay attention in Classics?!) Temple of Concord and Victory.</p>


10 spring flower walks in Northants

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