| ampton is situated in the East Midlands of England | | | | is the Woolavington Collection that has an excellent |
| and is primarily a market town. It is the third largest | | | | collection of sporting paintings and is widely known |
| town in the country with a population of just under | | | | not only in England, but recognised throughout |
| 200,000. Development of the town began in the | | | | Europe. |
| 1960’s, initiating with the construction of a | | | | From an architectural point of view, the Northampton |
| new bus station and shopping centre. To accompany | | | | Guildhall is a sight worth visiting. It is operational in |
| this, flats and hotels were built to accommodate the | | | | present day, used by councillors or for conference |
| growing town in its transformation process. | | | | hiring, marriage receptions and various other |
| In earlier years Northampton, was known for its | | | | functions. The hall takes part annually, each summer |
| booming shoe industry, which is beautifully illustrated | | | | in the Heritage Weekend where visitors can go inside |
| in the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The | | | | and explore the many rooms within the building. This |
| museum looks at the history behind the towns | | | | is a chance to see the cells from centuries ago that |
| globally recognised shoe industry and the processes | | | | were made to accompany the Court Room. |
| involved in shoe making. Visitors are able to look at | | | | For theatre productions, visitors can go to the Royal |
| the changes in shoe manufacturing and the | | | | & Derngate Theatre which has gone through |
| adaptations that have been made throughout the last | | | | huge redevelopment changes costing £15 |
| 100 years. Here you can also view a wide range of | | | | million. The theatre has a variety of programmes |
| paintings and ceramics in the Art Gallery alongside a | | | | available including live stand up comedy, and classical |
| diverse range of exhibitions. | | | | music, opera performers, and shows for smaller |
| For a more cultural view of the town, you can visit | | | | children. Visitors are also able to experience things for |
| Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens for amazing garden | | | | themselves as they can become part of performing |
| landscapes. It was built in 1702 and has recently been | | | | and writing. Many people from all over the country |
| through a severe restoration programme resulting in | | | | visit the Royal & Derngate as it is home to |
| magnificent varieties of specimen trees and fine old | | | | many famous names and has an impressive audience |
| cedars. Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens has received | | | | of 350,000. |
| and been nominated for many awards including | | | | Located in the heart of Northampton is its shopping |
| “Winner of the Historic Houses Association | | | | centre, Grosvenor Centre which has up to 60 high |
| Christie's Garden of the Year Award”. | | | | end retail stores such as New Look, House of Fraser, |
| The Cottesbrooke Hall and house itself showcases | | | | BH, Boots, WHS, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon |
| 18th century French and English traditional furniture. | | | | and many other sought after brands. The shopping |
| You can find displays of porcelain which is finely | | | | centre is open every day of the week including bank |
| demonstrated in the Dining Room, Library and other | | | | holiday Mondays. |
| areas within the house The focal point in the building | | | | |