Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-space">GREEN SPACE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/08/Holdenby-Croquet.jpeg" alt="Holdenby House peace quiet Northants gardens" class="wp-image-34577" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The croquet lawn at Holdenby House</figcaption></figure>



The beauty of living in the rural heartlands is that there is always somewhere peaceful and calm to escape to when you need a breather and we&#8217;re rarely burdened with endless crowds and queues. Lucky us then, that we also have some of the most impressive gardens to stroll around. <a aria-label="Holdenby House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holdenby.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holdenby House</a>, just outside Northampton, is always one of our favourite spots to visit for getting immersed in nature and heritage, with a regal history, Grade I listed gardens and a falconry and wildlife centre, not to mention the wonderful Stableyard Tea Room, set in the quiet former stable yard. We can&#8217;t think of a more relaxing way to pass a few idle hours.



Clear your head at beautiful<a href="https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Rutland Water</a>, it can get busy at peak weekend times, but visit on a weekday morning and you&#8217;ll find plenty of peaceful places to potter beside the water, where there&#8217;s 4,200 acres of open countryside to explore.



<a href="https://sulgravemanor.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sulgrave Manor</a>, a serene Tudor pile on the the Northants/Oxon border, is a piece of transatlantic history, having been the ancestral home of George Washington. It&#8217;s set in idyllic grounds, transporting visitors back to a more peaceful and slow-paced time. 



<a aria-label="Rockingham Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockingham Castle</a> is another historical hotspot, but the peaceful woodland and immaculate formal gardens are rarely crowded and the views from the castle ramparts stretch across five counties. 



At <a href="https://www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/beacon-visitor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beacon Hill Country Park</a> in Woodhouse Eaves near Loughborough you&#8217;ll find wonderful views across Leicestershire. At 248m, the summit is the second highest spot in Leicestershire and it is well worth the trek. It’s also a pretty magical spot to unpack a picnic basket. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/08/Thenford-Swans.jpeg" alt="Thenford arboretum swans northants gardens" class="wp-image-34579" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thenford Arboretum</figcaption></figure>



The beautifully peaceful <a aria-label="Thenford Arboretum (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thenfordarboretum.com/garden-open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thenford Arboretum</a> is the home of Lord and Lady Heseltine, with the extensive gardens open to the public on certain days. You will easily fill an afternoon here, wandering through the woodland, past lakes, over bridges, through sculpture gardens and the enormous walled kitchen garden, pausing to refuel in the tea rooms. The cake here is second to none in my personal opinion. Remaining open days this summer are set to take place on 4 &amp; 5 August and 8 September. 



Just a short meander from Thenford is <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>, where you&#8217;ll find calm, shady paths through rare and unusual trees and shrubs and a picturesque woodland stream that&#8217;s perfect for a paddle on a hot day, and peaceful spot . There&#8217;s also a really good cafe here set in an open-sided wooden chalet, serving lovely lunches, coffees and cakes. 



Small but perfectly formed, <a aria-label="National Trust Canons Ashby (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust Canons Ashby</a> is full of character, set in a peaceful spot in south Northants and with a wonderful vegetable garden, there&#8217;s also a delightful courtyard tea room and an irresistible (to me) plant shop. 



Wander through 830 acres of rugged wilderness in the historic ruins of Bradgate House at <a href="https://www.bradgatepark.org/find-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bradgate Park</a>, Newton Linford. If you&#8217;re lucky, you&#8217;ll catch a glimpse of the resident herd of deer and it was recently voted among the top 50 most beautiful places in the country to take a stroll.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/08/Kelmarsh-Hall-gardens-gate-foxglovesn-northants.jpeg" alt="Kelmarsh Hall gardens gate foxglovesn northants" class="wp-image-34581" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kelmarsh Hall</figcaption></figure>



At <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kelmarsh Hall (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kelmarsh.com/" target="_blank">Kelmarsh Hall</a> the stunning gardens are Grade II listed and we love their idiosyncratically English character that does away with excessive formality in favour of a more relaxed charm. Why not harness some of that vibe and book in for one of their watercolour painting classes, running every other Tuesday from 6 Sept?



<a aria-label="Coton Manor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coton Manor</a> is a perfect spot for a quiet walk, with a native woodland, gorgeous flower gardens and plenty of water for the resident flamingoes to enjoy. There&#8217;s also a plant nursery and a wonderful tea room. 



<a href="https://www.leicscountryparks.org.uk/saltersford-valley-picnic-area/">Saltersford Valley</a> in Swadlincote&nbsp;is a seven-hectare site tucked away in&nbsp;The National Forest&nbsp;with lots of open water areas known as ‘flashes’ as a direct result from mining subsidence that caused the brook to flood. That was then, but now it’s a safe and peaceful haven with a lush picnic area by the lake. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-in-peace">EAT IN PEACE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/The-Falcon-Hotel-CA.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29648" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Falcon, Castle Ashby</figcaption></figure>



<a aria-label="The Falcon (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thefalcon-castleashby.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Falcon</a> at Castle Ashby has got to be one of Northamptonshire&#8217;s best foodie assets and, you&#8217;ll be pleased to know, it&#8217;s also one of the most peaceful spots we&#8217;ve been to for a quietly luxurious lunch, from the peaceful terrace to the exquisite interiors, everything here is designed to make your visit peaceful. You could also enjoy a massage treatment, outdoor yoga class or a spot of open water swimming in the lake while you&#8217;re here. 



<a href="https://www.pillingslockmarina.co.uk/restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pillings Boathouse and Restauarant</a> in Quorn is bit of a unique place – a&nbsp;traditional inland marina which has been given a major modern makeover. The setting is peaceful and the restaurant serves everything from brunch right through to dinner – try their moules mariniere, with a white wine and cream sauce. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/AYNHO-RH-ORANGERY.jpg" alt="aynho park orangery " class="wp-image-40918" /></figure>



If you feel like splashing out on a spot of &#8220;quiet luxury&#8221; make a beeline for <a href="https://rh.com/gb/en//england/orangery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Orangery at RH</a> in Aynho. It&#8217;s not a cheap lunch, but the surroundings are truly stunning and the high ceilings, huge arched windows looking out over the deer park and immaculately tasteful furnishings will have you feeling like you just got hitched to Mr Darcy. In a good way. They specialise in small group dining, with tables accommodating up to a maximum of four people, so no rowdy groups either. You can also spend a good hour two wandering through gardens and the stunning rooms in the house, which are technically a glorified interiors showroom, but without the Ikea crowds. Did I mention it&#8217;s valet parking? The ultimate in chill.



Tucked away in the heart of the Hambleton Peninsula on Rutland Water, take a seat on the terrace at Muddy Award winning <a href="https://www.finchsarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Finch&#8217;s Arms</a> and enjoy a glass of something chilled while enjoying views of the water as the sun starts to set. Bliss! Great food, beautiful views of Rutland Water, top-notch service and rooms to indulge yourself a little while longer.



Head to the stunningly beautiful and sleepy village of Fotheringhay, where you&#8217;ll not only find Fotheringhay Castle mound an ideal spot for a peaceful riverside walk, but you can also pay a visit to another <a aria-label="Falcon Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcon Inn</a>. This one is a rather lovely family run gastro pub with an orangery and an enclosed garden, where the creative and thoughtfully curated menu is a sheer delight. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/03/Forge-Coffe-Culworth.jpg" alt="Forge coffee culworth northants" class="wp-image-21270" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Forge Coffee, Culworth</figcaption></figure>



For something more casual, Muddy Award winning <a aria-label="Forge Coffee (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.forgecoffee.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forge Coffee</a>, which has lovely cafes in Evenley, Whittlebury and Culworth, offers amazing coffee in quiet village locations with scrumptious pastries, pies and cakes, plus there&#8217;s handmade crafts, sourdough breads and wines, not to mention beautiful hand-picked bouquets by From Garden to Vase available on Fridays at Culworth.



And, if you&#8217;re after something that brilliantly mixes quirky flair with peaceful village vibes, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Kings Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/thekingsarmsfarthingstone/" target="_blank">The Kings Arms</a> in Farthingstone is a perennial Muddy Favourite, where you&#8217;ll find scrumptious seafood, cheese and charcuterie platters on the menu as well as regular visits from street food vendors to enjoy in the amazing beer garden, which has been made into a series of hidden rooms surrounded by homespun sculpture. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/08/pickled-shop-bulwick.jpeg" alt="pickled shop cafe bulwich northants" class="wp-image-34585" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Pickled Shop, Bulwick</figcaption></figure>



For more sleepy village action with a foodie twist, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Pickled Shop (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thepickledshop.com/" target="_blank">The Pickled Shop</a> in Bulwick is a real gem &#8211; a shop selling locally made produce alongside a garden terrace cafe serving salads, homemade quiches and lovely cakes, plus there are some gorgeous countryside walks right on the doorstep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chill-town">CHILL TOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/08/78-Derngate-LBB-005.jpeg" alt="78 derngate green kitchen northampton" class="wp-image-34588" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">78 Derngate</figcaption></figure>



If you&#8217;re in town and looking for a peaceful hideaway, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="78 Derngate (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.78derngate.org.uk/" target="_blank">78 Derngate</a> is not only the most stunning, bijou museum and gallery in Northampton &#8211; the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh &#8211; it also makes the perfect cool and quiet spot to disappear from the crowds with it&#8217;s airy and calm spaces. Plus The Dining Room restaurant does fantastic lunches and afternoon teas. 



Nearby, <a href="https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (opens in a new tab)">Northampton Museum and Art Gallery</a> is free to visit and is a gorgeous, calm, clean space to visit right at the heart of town. Wander through the galleries and take a breather in the lovely atrium cafe. 



For the perfect riverside retreat, head to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Ark, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/thearknorthampton/" target="_blank">The Ark,</a> a super friendly, floating vegan cafe on the Nene serving homemade cakes, toasties and epic veggie burgers to enjoy while you gaze at the swans floating by on the river and sip a cup of Yellow Bourbon Coffee roasted just up the road. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/03/Brew-Babu.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-32290" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brew Babu, Oundle</figcaption></figure>



If you&#8217;re in Oundle, boutique tea and coffee house&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://brewbabu.com/" target="_blank">Brew Babu</a>&nbsp;is at the edge of the pretty market place, serving great food, fabulous afternoon teas and spectacular cakes in a lovely setting.



And for the ultimate fine dining experience, head to&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://tomhewercatering.com/hibiscus" target="_blank">Hibiscus</a>&nbsp;at Delparé Abbey, a tucked away restaurant in the Billiard Room of Northampton’s 900 year old abbey, serving up 7 and 10 course tasting menus. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk-on-water">WALK ON WATER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northants/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/canal-boat.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28083" /></figure>



It’s a slower-pace of life on the canals, so if you’re looking for something a bit more chill then head to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gayton Marina (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.abcdayboathire.com/locations/gayton-marina/" target="_blank">Gayton Marina</a> where you can hire a narrow boat for the day and drift serenely along the canal towards Weedon or Stoke Bruerne, taking in the picturesque scenery and wildlife. Fancy staying aboard longer and traveling further at a slower pace. There’s plenty of longer routes to tempt the more laid back traveler.



<a href="https://thefalcon-castleashby.com/wellbeing/open-water-swimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Ashby swimming lake</a> has got to be one of our favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle. You can book an hour long open water swimming session and commune with nature in a Capability Brown designed fresh water lake, safe in the knowledge that a lifeguard is on hand to keep you safe. The vibe here is all about how nature enhances wellbeing, so they also offer nature walks and outdoor yoga sessions too. 



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gaia SUP (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gaiastanduppaddleboard.com/" target="_blank">Gaia SUP</a> run group and one to one paddle boarding lessons in Earls Barton. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to explore the Northamptonshire countryside from a fresh perspective and they also do SUP yoga too.

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