Northamptonshire is dotted with pretty villages and ancestral manors — including those belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales and George Washington. Plus it’s got a decent section of the Grand Union Canal, upon which brightly coloured barges potter along, and is piqued here and there with elegant stone churches, a corn mill or two, and some exposed Tudor timber. Choosing the best places to stay in Northamptonshire is heavily dependant on why you’ve chosen this peaceful county as your destination. If you’re here for the Grand Prix in July then Towcester is comfortably close to Silverstone. But if you like the idea of those coloured canal boats and pretty villages then one of the best places to stay in Northamptonshire is probably Stoke Bruerne, eight miles outside Northampton. Our recommendations include several very lovely country house hotels, which are ideal if you just want to escape to a picturesque and luxurious spot.

Northampton is Northamptonshire’s largest centre, and it’s probably where you should base yourself if you’re looking for great museums, art galleries, and local history. It’s not a city, but a large and lovely market town. Northampton, and Northamptonshire, have many elegant churches, as well as stately homes, and there are a good number within a small circle of Northampton. Peterborough is another good option for anyone with an interest in historic architecture.

It's a county with year round appeals, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Northamptonshire, it's best to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Northamptonshire

For a Country House Escape

• Rushton Hall is a wonderfully imposing Gothic manor house in rural Northamptonshire, close to Rushton. This is a large building, arranged around a pretty central courtyard, so many of the 51 rooms and suites enjoy picturesque rural views. The decor is typical country house hotel, classic but with a definite up-to-date feel. The restaurant offers a proper fine dining experience, plus there's a brasserie and a very nice spa and indoor pool
• Fawsley Hall Hotel is country house hotel with some rooms dating as far back as the Tudor era. Apparently Queen Elizabeth I stayed here in 1575, and the suite of rooms are still available to book now. Additions were made to the building in the Georgian and Victorian eras, and it now boasts 58 rooms and suites, all of them spacious. The traditional decor adds to the appeal — there are some lovely antiques and very impressive original features. Not forgetting the spoiling spa, and both the fine dining restaurant and bistro. There’s also a gym and a cinema room.

For Foodies

• The Falcon is a contemporary country house hotel with an innovative restaurant on the vast estate of Castle Ashby. Local produce heavily informs what you’re served each day in the Eyas restaurant (over 12s only), because it has impressive ties to the local farmers, the estate gardens and game keepers, and foragers. The hotel itself has 22 rooms and suites, in a range of shapes and sizes. The building was used by the estate before it was converted into a hotel, and there are plenty of exposed beams and original features, but the style is contemporary. Great for walkers and cyclists too.

For Walkers

• Kettering’s Barton Hall is a Grade II listed, 16th century manor in pretty countryside outside Kettering. Now a hotel, Barton Hall offers guests 29 rooms and suites, plus the 2 AA Rosette awarded Vines Brasserie. The decor is traditional but unfussy, and there are rooms to suit families as well as couples and groups. Kettering Golf Club is just ten minutes drive away.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Northampton is only about an hour outside London, both by car or rail via Euston, so London’s northern airports are convenient for Northamptonshire arrivals. London Luton Airport is very close, and London Stansted probably comes in second, though if you’re travelling by public transport to Northamptonshire you’ll most likely have to head south into London before heading north.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s always a chance of rain in this part of the world, so, whatever time of year you choose to visit, be prepared for any possible weather combinations. That said Northamptonshire does see plenty of sunshine, and the spring and summer months are the best time to visit if you’re planning to do a lot outdoors. September is a good time if you’re looking for peace, as the schools have gone back but the days are still long.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Browse some of our Gurus recommendations for the best Pubs-with-Rooms in the Midlands
• Expand your search to include nearby Oxfordshire or Warwickshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.