The sad thing is I have even got a list going for stuff and food I’m gonna be cooking. The beer can chicken is a delicacy in my old student circles!
“More Hands Make Light Work”
Ewwww I had a strict upbringing… how many kids know that saying these days.
Tracie
Well I always prep and cook way too much food so I imagine there will be plenty! @Tracie don’t worry I recall that saying and I’m not that old
James
Well been to billing many times over the years, and just normally get hammered and do not a lot, so thought I would have a look on the website and see what is local to do
What’s Nearby
Our on park Visitor Centre is located near the main entrance and is a mine of information. Our helpful customer service team can assist you in discovering things you can do both on the park and in the local area.
Our Top 10
Lamport Hall and Gardens
Lamport Hall is a Grade listed building and was developed from a Tudor Manor. It is most famous for its classical frontage which originated by John Webb in 1655 and finished in the eighteenth century, to the design of Francis Smith of Warwick.
In The Hall there is a wealth of amazing furniture, books and paintings collected by the Isham family. Most were purchased in the 1670s and they include portraits by Van Dyck, Kneller, Lely amongst others.
The tranquil gardens are enclosed by an expansive park area covering 10 acres and were first developed between 1676 and 1679. Only the surrounding banks and large wrought iron gates still remain from this time.
Described as one of the largest cutting gardens in England, a vibrant array of colour and variety of plants are intersected by gravelled pathways. Hidden doors and benches so you can sit and enjoy the area are positioned around the garden.
Lamport, NN6 9HD
Click here for more information
Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum
Located in an old corn mill, this attraction gives a great insight into the colourful life of yesteryears’ canal people and their traditions. It includes examples of the clothing worn by boat men and women along with canal painted-ware and the history of the building of the Blisworth Tunnel.
Located in the unused part of the lock, you can also see the Weighing Machine which is one of only three ever constructed. The purpose of the Weighing Machine was to calculate the weight of the cargo on each boat.
You can also follow the audio trail which takes you along the towpath as far as the historic Blisworth Tunnel, which explains the history of the things you see around you.
Bridle Road, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SE
Click here for more information
Stanwick Lakes
Stanwick Lakes cover a 750 acre area in the countryside and is unique. A nature reserve in the heart of Northamptonshire’s beautiful Nene Valley and is considered to be one of the region’s most imaginative outdoor activity destinations. There are extensive play areas that will keep you entertained for hours and for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists, acres of wide open spaces and paths and tranquil waters.
If the weather is not so good you can head indoors to the visitor centre, with its array of facilities and activities.
Stanwick Lakes is managed as a social enterprise by environmental charity, Rockingham Forest Trust, in partnership with East Northamptonshire Council.
Stanwick Lakes, Stanwick,NN9 6GY
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Althorp House
Althorp was built in 1508, by the Spencers, for the Spencers, and has remained that way for over 500 years. Having one family in one home for five centuries provides a fascinating collection of each generation’s favourite acquisitions.
The interiors are captivating and the grounds stunning, Althorp offers a wealth of diversions for visitors of all ages. It is also the resting place of the late Princess of Wales, Diana.
Althorp is a simply gorgeous spot to spend a day.
Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ
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Woburn Safari Park
Expect a fun packed day, with plenty of animal encounters and wonderful wildlife. There are over 80 species of animals including lions, tigers and bears. Woburn Safari Park is an award winning attraction which makes a valuable contribution to conservation and a place where families can spend time together, seeing animals in a stunning environment.
For over a hundred years, Woburn has been deeply involved with species conservation. Today, it is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for the conservation of endangered wildlife.
Your day out will include unlimited circuits of the Road Safari drive through animal reserves and adventures in the Foot Safari. There is a fantastic programme of keeper talks and demonstrations on a daily basis. You will also be able to enjoy the majority of leisure activities that are included in the price of your great value ticket.
Milton Keynes, MK17 9QN
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Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is a zoo and safari park located at Whipsnade, near Dunstable. It is one of two zoos that are owned by the Zoological Society of London and is one of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks.
The park covers 600 acres and is home to 2,955 animals, many of which are endangered. Due to its size, once you are inside the park, you may walk, use the zoo’s bus service or train or drive between the numerous animal enclosures. There is also an ‘Asian’ area where some animals roam free.
Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF
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West Lodge Rural Centre
A great day out for all ages, where you will meet and learn about the farm animals which include many rare breeds.
In Cuddle Corner you can handle the young chicks, guinea pigs and rabbits and on Goat Mountain you will see the naughty antics of the pygmy goats. You can groom a pony, feed the ducks and get involved in the ever popular piglet race. There are also many seasonal animal activities, such as lamb bottle feeding in the spring!
There is plenty to see and do if the weather is not so good, as there are a variety of activities and a number of penned animals on display in the many barns.
Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2SH
Click here for more information
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes is a shopper’s paradise. The city centre alone has over 400 shops and is one of the largest covered shopping centres in Europe.
Whether it’s a state-of-the-art modern shopping mall, traditional boutiques or farmers’ markets that you enjoy, Milton Keynes has it all. In addition to the shops there are many lively restaurants and bars.
Regular genuine French, German and Italian markets are held within the city centre and five farmers’ markets operate each month within the surrounding areas.
Click here for more information
The Royal & Derngate Theatres
Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire and the host of many shows, concerts, activities and exhibitions.
Last year 234,635 people saw 716 performances at Royal & Derngate and 33,105 local people participated in our Creative Projects activities.
Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Click here for more information
I may pop out and do some culture
Simon
Should have asked a local,depending what your into i can give you loads of things to do within 20 mile radius,and a few to avoid
Hi Scott
was not sure I was in to Parrott World
Simon
Totally over my head that one simon but if you think the above list is going to top up your local culture you will get more culture from parrott world than some of the venues in that list,ive been to them all. saying that with good timing you may get to see Joe Pasquale at the derngate if your really unlucky.
Hoping to make an appearance if I can get a early mot sat then I’ll be in the beer tent celebrating getting a gto on the road
Lovely colour!! You should enter it in the competition
Well just started to pack , and big problem why is the car so small, struggling to say the least
Simon
The times you’ve loaded and unloaded your car you should have had a system running by now Simon. You could always try a roof rack
Terry
All new stuff this year and a few extras, so learning time how to pack again, I have the sub in the back and the satnav and amp on the back of the seats so seat down does not help, but may try that on the repack
It was the second tent carpet that finished it
Simon
we call tent carpet the groundsheet up norf
Packing??? My cars still on axel stands
Haha that’s the one Simon ours is in the car already along with the other millions of items you sent me links to buy .
Can’t wait to see it all up and running on Friday.
You shouldn’t really have a problem Si you can utilise the passenger seat too.
Tracie
And @3000gt you have forgotten to mention you have enough lighting for your tent to light up the O2
Just don’t get changed with the light on , people might think your shagging and you know what happened to the last tent like that your safe though I’m not there this time
Craig