Probably now the most famous of stately homes is Althorpe, the ancestral home of the Spencer family.

Althorpe lies to the North West of the county, and is signed of the M1 motorway. the hose and grounds are open daily during July and August  Website

Boughton House, to the North East of the county, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Buccleuch, surely one of the finest houses in the country. This house dates back some 500 years, although much changed over the centuries. World renowned for its fine arts and furniture collection. The parkland itself is also spectacular, with wonderful avenues of trees that are aproaching 300 years old. Website

Stanford Hall, to the North West, near the Leicestershire border, this beautiful William and Mary house set in attractive parkland on the banks of Shakespeare's Avon. Tel 01788 860 520. Fine picture collection, and Motor cycle museum.

Despite being landlocked, Northamptonshire has its share of water, it has a well connected canal network, and to the East of the county town Northampton, there are several water parks such as Billing Aquadrome, with great opportunities for sailing and fishing.

The Canal network is extensively used for boating holidays, and Braunston village to the West of the county is a popular boating centre, with the Grand Union and Oxford Canals joining here.

Stoke Bruerne near Towcester is a popular canal centre with boat hire and locks

Northampton and Lamport Railway  Steam railway running to the north west of the county.