Top 10 Things to Do in Northampton: Explore the Best Attractions

Aschartered accountants deeply rooted in Northampton's community, we're excited to share our insider's guide to this vibrant city. While we spend our days managing finances, we also take great pride in our hometown's rich culture and history. If you're wondering what to do in Northampton, we've compiled our top 10 favourite attractions that showcase why this populous city in the heart of England continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike.


1. Explore the Historic Guildhall

Standing proudly in the city centre, the Guildhall is a prime example of Northampton's beautiful architecture. Built during the Industrial Revolution, this Victorian Gothic masterpiece never fails to surprise visitors with its intricate details. The building tells the story of our city's past, with stunning stained glass windows and ornate stonework that earned it the top spot among local landmarks.

Historic Guildhall

2. Discover Abington Park

When it comes to green space, Northampton offers its fair share of outdoor retreats, but Abington Park takes first place in our hearts. As the oldest park in the city, it provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Compared to parks in London and other major cities in the southeast, Abington Park offers exceptional value for money, as entry is free. Families of all ages benefit from:

- Victorian flower gardens

- A scenic lake

- Children's play areas

- Historic buildings, including the Manor House Museum

- Regular music events in the bandstand


3. Visit the 78 Derngate

Art enthusiasts won't fear disappointment at 78 Derngate, the only house in England designed by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This property achieves the perfect balance between history and modern design. The house has been expertly restored to showcase its unique interior, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in architectural history. The galleries inside offer further information about the building's fascinating past.


4. Experience Northampton Market Square

For a true sense of our community's heart, visit the Market Square, which has been a centre of trade since the 13th century. The vast majority of residents agree that the market, with its vibrant atmosphere and local traders, represents the best of Northampton's character. Here you can:

- Shop for fresh local produce

- Explore artisanal crafts

- Sample street food

- Enjoy seasonal events


5. Immerse Yourself in the Culture at Royal & Derngate

As the main arts venue in Northampton, Royal & Derngate has earned high ratings from residents for its quality entertainment. The theatre complex hosts everything from West End shows to experimental productions, placing it among the best places for cultural entertainment outside London. The venue's overall quality rivals that of theatres in the capital but at more manageable ticket prices.


6. Explore Delapré Abbey

This beautiful former monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into Northampton's past. Recently restored, the Abbey provides visitors with an immersive historical experience. The surrounding parkland offers excellent green space for picnics and walks, while the on-site café and shop provide welcome refreshments. Unlike similar attractions in the UK, Delapré Abbey manages to combine history with modern amenities without losing its authentic charm.


7. Visit the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Recently renovated, this museum houses the world's largest collection of historical footwear, reflecting our city's legacy in the shoe industry. Beyond shoes, you'll find:

- Local history exhibits

- Contemporary art galleries

- Interactive displays for kids

- A welcoming café

- Regular special exhibitions

The museum's central location and free entry make it an excellent example of how Northampton supports its cultural heritage while keeping costs accessible.


8. Enjoy Becket's Park

Named after Thomas Becket, this riverside park offers a peaceful retreat near the city centre. With its marina and walking paths, it's a prime example of how Northampton utilises its natural assets. The park's safety record and well-maintained facilities have contributed to its positive crime statistics, making it popular with families and fitness enthusiasts alike.


9. Discover The Racecourse

Don't let the name fool you - while horse racing no longer takes place here, The Racecourse has evolved into one of Northampton's most versatile outdoor spaces. This vast park hosts:

- Sports facilities

- Community events

- Music festivals

- Regular park runs

- Family activities

The air quality here is notably better than the national average, making it perfect for outdoor exercise.


10. Experience the Nene White Water Centre

For those seeking adventure, the Nene White Water Centre offers an exciting break from city life. While there's always an element of risk in water sports, the centre's excellent safety record and professional support make it accessible for various skill levels. It's a unique attraction that sets Northampton apart from other cities in the region.


Living in Northampton: A Local Perspective

As accountants who work closely with local businesses and residents, we have unique insights into Northampton's economic landscape. The housing market here presents interesting opportunities, with property prices generally lower than the national average. Housing costs and rent remain more affordable than in nearby London, making our city increasingly attractive to young professionals and families.


Commuting costs are also relatively reasonable, and the city's central location provides excellent transport links to the rest of England. While places like Northern Ireland might offer lower living expenses in some areas, Northampton's combination of amenities and affordability gives it a competitive edge.


Quality of Life in Northampton

Recent data shows that Northampton's overall quality of life metrics compare favourably with those of other UK cities. While we might not always achieve second place in national rankings, our city consistently performs well in key areas:

- Cost of living

- Employment opportunities

- Access to green spaces

- Cultural offerings

- Community spirit

The vast majority of residents rate Northampton positively for its blend of urban amenities and suburban comfort. Sadly, like any city, we face our challenges, but the strong sense of community helps address these effectively.


Night Life and Entertainment

Northampton's nightlife caters to diverse tastes, from traditional pubs to modern bars and clubs. The cultural scene extends beyond daylight hours, with evening performances at various venues. While we might not match London's endless entertainment options, our city offers quality experiences at more reasonable prices.


Conclusion

Whether you're considering a move to Northampton or just planning to visit, our city offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. As local professionals who live and work here, we're invited to support various community initiatives and have seen firsthand how Northampton continues to evolve while maintaining its historic charm.

For further information about any of these attractions or to learn more about life in Northampton, feel free to contact our team at 10 Chartered Accountants. We're always happy to share our local knowledge alongside our professional expertise.


Contact Us

Address:

10. Chartered Accountants
10 Cheyne Walk, Northampton, NN1 5PT


Contact details

T: 01604 620 810
F: 01604 627 954
E: info@10ca.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions About Northampton

  • Is Northampton a good place to live?

    Based on recent data and residents' ratings, Northampton offers an excellent quality of life. The city provides a good balance of urban amenities and green space, with housing costs generally below the national average. The vast majority of residents appreciate the strong sense of community, rich culture, and convenient location in the heart of England. Property prices remain competitive compared to nearby cities in the southeast, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals.

  • What is Northampton famous for?

    Northampton is historically renowned for its shoe-making industry, playing a crucial role in the industrial revolution. Today, the city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the stunning Guildhall and 78 Derngate, as well as its thriving arts scene centred around the Royal & Derngate theatre complex. The city also boasts the world's largest collection of historical footwear at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

  • Is Northampton safe to visit?

    Yes, Northampton maintains good safety standards, with crime rates comparable to the national average. The city centre and main tourist attractions are well-monitored, and the vast majority of visitors experience no issues. Like any populous city, it's wise to take standard precautions, particularly at night, but overall, Northampton is considered a safe destination for both residents and tourists.

  • What are the best areas in Northampton for families?

    Families in Northampton benefit from several desirable neighbourhoods offering excellent value for money. Areas near Abington Park and The Racecourse are particularly popular due to their combination of green space, good schools, and community facilities. The housing market in these areas offers a range of properties to suit different income levels, with both rental and purchase options available.

  • How does the cost of living in Northampton compare to London?

    Northampton offers significantly lower living costs compared to London. Housing costs and rent are notably more affordable while commuting costs for those working locally are substantially lower than in the capital. While salaries might not match London rates, the overall quality of life and value for money often make Northampton an attractive alternative for those seeking a better work-life balance without the high costs associated with living in the capital.

The hidden savings tax trap and why changes to ISAs make it harder to put money away

By Charlie Flockhart • June 4, 2026
Do you know what your Personal Savings Allowance is? While most taxpayers in the UK will know the thresholds for Income Tax, a worrying few know the way in which personal savings can be subject to tax. With ISAs set for a significant overhaul, understanding the less tax-efficient saving options will soon be more important. How much tax do you pay on your savings? While your savings are not taxed, any interest generated by those savings could be subject to tax if it exceeds your Personal Savings Allowance. Depending on the rate of Income Tax you pay, your Personal Savings Allowance will differ. The thresholds are: £1,000 for Basic-rate taxpayers £500 for Higher-rate taxpayers £0 for Additional-rate taxpayers ISAs remain the more tax-efficient saving strategy as the interest generated from them is tax-free. It is therefore most effective to utilise the full £20,000 saving limit for an ISA as early in the tax year as possible to benefit the most from the accumulation of interest. How should tax on savings be managed? The main issue is that tax on savings is often overlooked, resulting in HMRC taking action for underpaid taxes. This will often manifest in a charge through PAYE, as employees are more likely to overlook this obligation. Those filing Self Assessment tax returns should already be declaring interest earned, so any compliance issue in that group points to a wider problem with handling tax obligations. When attempting to make the most of saving strategies, it is best to seek professional financial advice. This will be more important if the saving limit for Cash ISAs falls to £12,000 for under-65s in 2027 as proposed, leaving younger savers to have to find new ways to grow their wealth. Our professional team can help you to determine an effective saving strategy that suits your financial goals while helping you to be mindful of the tax obligations that you may face. We do not want to see anyone caught off-guard by an unexpected tax bill and understanding your exposure is vital for preventing this. Get in touch with our team to regain confidence in your saving strategy.

Salary sacrifice cap and the squeezed middle

By Charlie Flockhart • June 4, 2026
The £2,000 cap on National Insurance (NI) free salary sacrifice pension contributions was sold as a tax on high earners but, if you look closer, the opposite is true. In fact, the people most exposed are middle-income savers and the small businesses that employ them. For the so-called “squeezed middle”, it is yet another quiet hit to take. Why do the rules adversely affect middle-earners? From April 2029, salary sacrifice tax relief will continue to be available, but only the first £2,000 of employee pension contributions each year will be free of NI. Anything above that becomes liable to NI for both the employee and the employer and the full adverse effect is clear once the different rates of NI are accounted for. If a person’s total pension contributions are modest, say up to six per cent, those individuals who earn between £35,000 and £50,270 will pay an eight per cent NI charge on pension contributions above the £2,000 cap. By contrast, an individual whose earnings already exceed the upper earnings limit of £50,270 will pay employee NI at just two per cent on those same excess contributions. This imbalance in the NI system means that those on lower incomes could pay four times the NI rate on their pension savings in excess of the new threshold than the highest earners pay. How does this change affect employers’ National Insurance bills? Many employers currently share their own NI savings by topping up staff pensions, but a new 15 per cent employer NI charge on contributions above the cap makes those top-ups unaffordable for a lot of firms. As a result, some employees could see the overall efficiency of their pension saving above the cap fall by as much as 23 per cent once lost top-ups are counted. Even those who stay below the threshold are not safe, as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that around 76 per cent of higher employer costs are eventually passed back to staff through weaker pay rises and trimmed benefits. Don’t wait for the change The good news is that there is time to plan, as the rules do not take effect until April 2029, which leaves room to act while current allowances still apply. If you are a middle earner, this is exactly the moment to review your pension strategy, weigh up complementary options such as ISAs and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. To talk through what the salary sacrifice cap means for you, please get in touch with our team.

Government summer savings spree adds complexity to VAT for hospitality and tourism

By Charlie Flockhart • June 4, 2026
When Rachel Reeves announced a temporary cut in VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent for family attractions and children’s dining over the summer holidays, the hospitality and leisure sectors broadly welcomed it. The scheme runs from 25 June to 1 September and is funded, according to the Treasury, by closing a tax loophole used by oil and gas companies with overseas operations. On the surface, this looks like good news worth welcoming. However, for the businesses applying the new rules, the reality of delivering the rate cut is more complicated than the headlines suggest. The rules shift from one service to the next How the cut works depends heavily on what is being sold. Admission tickets to amusement parks, water parks, zoos, museums, soft play and similar venues qualify, as do children’s and family tickets to cinemas, theatres and concerts. However, pay-per-ride attractions do not. Children’s meals only qualify when served from a clearly marketed, separate children’s menu. A smaller portion of an adult dish does not count, nor does a discounted adult meal or a takeaway. Season tickets and annual passes are generally excluded too. The result is that many businesses will apply two VAT rates at once on the same bill. Tills, accounting systems and front-of-house staff all need to handle that from day one, then revert again from 1 September. This adds an additional layer of complexity to VAT reporting that businesses need to consider right away. Encouraged, but not required The Government has urged businesses to pass the saving on to customers and the Competition and Markets Authority has new anti-profiteering powers to prevent unethical activity. Even so, there is no legal obligation to lower prices at the till and many businesses will weigh up rebuilding margin, reinvesting and matching competitors before deciding exactly what savings to offer to consumers. Given the wider cost challenges that businesses currently face, the scheme may not deliver the lift at the till that many customers are expecting. Right idea, wrong season? There is also a question of timing. The scheme targets the period when families already spend most on days out and when operators are near capacity. A cut would arguably do more for businesses in the quieter autumn and winter months. As designed, it looks more like household support than business stimulus. Any support for the sector is welcome, provided businesses seek the expert guidance required to manage obligations and make the most of any new opportunities. If you would like to discuss what the temporary VAT cut means for your business, please get in touch with our team.