So maybe you’re pregnant & wondering where to spend your time on maternity leave? Or perhaps your babies are already here and you’re after inspiration of the best outdoor places in Northampton to take your children?
I've got you. I think there’s truly nothing better to get outside in the fresh air for both parents and children, for both our mental and physical health. Northamptonshire is such a wonderful place to raise kids and I’ve discovered so many places I didn’t even know existed prior to having my babies! I love exploring our local area and finding the best spots for my monthly birth base meet ups for my clients (you can read more about those here).
Here’s 7 superb places to get outside in Northants with your little ones… (the first 3 have free parking which I think is important to flag, especially on those mat leave budgets)
Free parking places
Delapre Abbey - this is a wonderful place to take your little ones, a walled garden, beautiful lake, woods to explore, huge parkland area, a delicious coffee shop (and toilets!). This is somewhere you could really spend hours if you wanted to exploring all the different sections.
T’s Pitsford - this hidden gem is an awesome weekend spot for a family walk and a coffee from their cabin in the woods. Bear in mind you’ll want to pop baby in a carrier rather than a pushchair. Look out for special events with local traders popping stalls up here and on certain days you can enjoy a crepe from courtyard creperie. T’s also have toilets - woohoo!
Harlestone Firs - gorgeous woods with lots of different paths you can take. With a main road down the middle these woods are mostly buggy friendly, you may encounter a few tree roots along the way but if you have a decent pushchair you should be fine. Weekend sees the fabulous Paddock Pantry (converted horse box selling hot drinks & treats from local bakers) and most sunny days you’ll find a gallones ice cream van too on the main road. Parking is along the main road opposite Dobbie’s garden centre. No toilets here, so it’s a wild wee if you’re desperate I’m afraid.
Paid tickets or parking - but worth it!
4. Castle Ashby Gardens - lots to explore on the grounds of castle ashby, you need to buy tickets online but then parking is free. You can take a wonderful walk through their landscaped gardens, visit their animals (including meerkats, marmoset monkeys and giant tortoises to just name a few!), discover their orangery and greenhouses. There’s also a tea room, toilets and an outdoor play area for older little ones next to the carpark.
5. Stanwick Lakes - gorgeous walk round the lakes, cool sculptures and a brilliant sandy /water play area - take swimmies, towel and change of clothes for your babe. It is very busy on a hot day so avoid during school holidays if you can or go early! There’s a cafe on site too
6. Sywell country park - a long walk round the lake, buggy friendly, as well as a few different play areas for little ones afterward, tunnels, slides, sand. There are 2 car parks here, one slightly higher up the hill and the other next to the cafe/toilets.
7. Salcey Forest - oooh I love Salcey. Zog trail, sand pit, table tennis, climbing frame, slide. Loads to do, only downside is the parking is priceyyyy! Check out there forest school sessions too, we just started going and loved it!
Did you enjoy reading this blog? I have lots of other helpful blogs about preparing for motherhood, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
I run hypnobirthing classes in Northampton and do private 1:1 sessions too, plus online! Check out more info here!
Is there anywhere you'd add to this list? Please let me know below!
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