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.

Company tax returns and accounts have gone digital

By Charlie Flockhart • April 21, 2026
HMRC and Companies House have confirmed that from 1 April, all businesses must use compliant, commercial software to file their company’s tax returns. As of 31 March, the free joint online service, commonly known as the CATO portal, from these two Government bodies has been removed and you must now use software to file company tax returns to HMRC. For the time being, you will still be able to file annual accounts at Companies House using third-party software, WebFiling services or paper filing. The decision has been made to end this service as it is “outdated and no longer aligns with modern digital standards”, according to Companies House. This change is in line with the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which implemented “enhanced corporation tax requirements and changes to UK company law.” It also follows on from a major IT security breach at Companies House, identified in March 2026, that exposed the WebFiling system and allowed some users to potentially access and amend the details of other companies. Although the breach has now been resolved and security strengthened, it has raised concerns about the reliability of GOV.UK One Login service.  Can you still amend previous returns using the free service? HMRC and Companies House have confirmed that now that the free filing service has closed, company directors will have to use commercial tax software if they need to make changes to a previously submitted Corporation Tax return or refile a rejected return. From now onwards, any previously filed financial information will no longer be available in the system, as it has not been retained and will need to be entered again. HMRC has said that, for amendments, it will also be acceptable to send a paper return to the Corporation Tax Services office. If you have previously filed financial accounts with Companies House and you want to make changes or corrections, this will also need to be done via commercial software or by sending paper accounts to Companies House via post. Are there any exceptions to this new rule? Companies can file a paper Corporation Tax return only in limited circumstances, such as if they wish to submit it in Welsh or can demonstrate a valid, reasonable excuse to HMRC. Otherwise, returns must be filed online using commercial software. If you are affected by this change and need help choosing and utilising commercial software to complete your Corporation Tax return, please speak to our team.

Capital allowances - New rules for a new tax year

By Charlie Flockhart • April 21, 2026
Capital allowances continue to provide an effective method for businesses to reduce their tax bills, by providing incentives for investment in eligible expenditure – typically plant and machinery. Historically, these reliefs have been subject to change and the 2026/27 tax year is no different, as the Government moves to alter two key reliefs – Writing Down Allowance (WDA) and a new First-Year Allowance (FYA).  Reduction of the Writing Down Allowance The WDA will be reduced from 18 per cent to 14 per cent on the main pool of qualifying plant and machinery assets. This change has been introduced on two different dates, starting with companies subject to Corporation Tax on 1 April and followed shortly thereafter by those subject to Income Tax, such as sole traders and partnerships, from 6 April. Businesses with large brought forward main pool expenditures are expected to lose the most from the reduction in the main rate of WDA. In the long-term, the change may also reduce incentives for investment in second-hand assets and cars, which benefited under the previous rules. The new First-Year Allowance To offset some of the impact of the reduction in WDA, a new 40 per cent FYA on main rate expenditure, primarily still covering plant and machinery, will now be available. This new FYA is intended to encourage investment in areas where other FYAs don’t allow, in particular, assets bought by unincorporated businesses and leases. Sole traders and partnerships will, for the first time, be able to get additional support at the point of investment, which means that more businesses will be able to reduce their tax bill in the same year as their investment. This is expected to give a quick cashflow boost to those affected and provide additional support for future investments. However, it is important to note that this FYA does not support investment in second-hand assets, cars or leased assets in other countries. Finally, the Government has also confirmed that small business owners will continue to benefit from tax relief on electric vehicles, as the 100 per cent FYA for zero-emission vehicles and charge points has been extended until 31 March 2027 for Corporation Tax and 5 April 2027 for Income Tax. This gives businesses greater certainty when planning ahead, while also providing a strong financial incentive to invest by reducing tax bills upfront. Want to make more of capital allowances? If you think you may be eligible for capital allowances, either due to the changes outlined in this article or more generally, then it is important that you claim the tax relief available to you. If you would like help reviewing the current capital allowances that your business can claim, please get in touch.

Government abolishes work-from-home relief

By Charlie Flockhart • April 21, 2026
Directors and employees claiming work-from-home tax relief will no longer be able to claim it from the start of the new tax year – 6 April 2026. Why is this relief being taken away? The Chancellor announced the removal of the work-from-home relief as part of her latest Autumn Budget. The main reasoning given for the abolition is that it will support the nation’s deficit reduction. HMRC has also said that it no longer believes it is fit for purpose or easy to police. Who could claim work-from-home relief? Work-from-home relief has been utilised by homeworkers since the early 2000s, helping them offset some of the costs of heating, lighting, broadband and other home-office expenses required to complete their jobs. The relief allowed employees and directors to claim a flat rate of £6 per week or a deduction for actual costs. However, those who do not claim the flat fee were required to provide evidence of the exact costs, such as an invoice or bill. Eligibility for the relief only applied to individuals who had no other choice but to work from home. For instance, where the business did not have an office or the daily commute was not feasible. Individuals who simply preferred to work from home did not qualify. Is there any relief still available for home workers? The only remaining tax-free support will be reimbursements made directly by employers. This applies only where the payments relate to demonstrated additional household costs and where the costs are incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily for employment duties. For anyone still claiming work-from-home relief, it is worth reviewing your position now to understand how this abolishment will impact your take-home pay.