Steep yourself in county’s top tourist treasures this summer – all for under a tenner!

Northamptonshire’s tourism treasures take centre stage in a new campaign showcasing the county as a brilliant place for great value days out.

The campaign is highlighting 30 destinations – including Silverstone, Wicksteed Park, Shambala, Greenbelt and a host of hidden gems – that are welcoming visitors for a day out at under £10 this summer.

Funded by West and North Northamptonshire Councils, the initiative is being delivered by the Northamptonshire Britain’s Best Surprise team.

“Northamptonshire’s people and places offer an incredible variety of great value days out and experiences to visitors,” says chair Rachel Mallows. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to help sustain and grow local tourism and hospitality businesses and are grateful to the North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities for funding this campaign.”

West Northamptonshire Council is pushing the delights of its unique market towns Brackley, Daventry and Towcester as well as the county town itself.

“Northamptonshire is rich in natural beauty, culture and history with vibrant destinations that people can enjoy visiting time and time again throughout the year,” says Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth. “Northamptonshire is a place that genuinely has something for everyone.”

Adds Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s deputy leader and executive member for sport, leisure, culture and tourism: “We know that keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays can be expensive, especially at the moment, which is why I am pleased we are supporting this campaign.”

She cites the delights awaiting at Stanwick Lakes, Rockingham Castle, Chester House Estate, Wicksteed Park, the many country parks and cafes and Rushden Lakes where visitors can spend some time on the water with Canoe2.

“But it’s not just about the summer months,” she adds. “Northamptonshire has attractions for every day of the year.”

This summer campaign has been funded by the North and West Northamptonshire Councils as part of their shared commitment to supporting the local visitor economy. The initiative shines a spotlight on great value days out and experiences including:

Silverstone Museum Experience the heritage, stories and science of the home of British motor racing. Child ticket £10 in advance this summer. Use the code NBSK10 and book in advance. Visit Silverstone Museum’s website for further information.

Wicksteed Park 15% off advance bookings at Wicksteed Park this summer, use code Surprise15%. https://wicksteedpark.org/shop/

Delapré Abbey Experience Delapré Abbey’s exciting and turbulent 900-year history this summer. £10 tour and a drink offer includes tea, an americano, or a soft drink from July 1 to August 31. Delapré Abbey Guided Tour

Adrenaline Alley Europe’s biggest action sports venue. Late session only £10 for gold members this summer. https://www.adrenalinealley.co.uk/dates-session/

Lamport Hall Grade I historic house with beautiful, family friendly gardens to explore. Garden Season Ticket £10 for adults, under 10s free. https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/

The Core at Corby Cube Be a Core Friend for the Summer and benefit from £3 off tickets on eligible shows using promo code CCSUMFRIEND. https://www.thecorecorby.com/

Canoe 2 Canoe hire & short breaks, pedalo & katakanu hire at Rushden Lakes. Under £10 per person this summer when sharing Katakanu hire with two or three others. Visit: https://www.canoe2.co.uk/lake/

Stanwick Lakes 50-acre countryside attraction with imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore. All day parking plus two hot drinks for £10. Pop into the visitor centre and quote ‘Surprise’ for this offer. More info link: https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/

Kelmarsh Hall Under £10 for a child entry to the Hall and Grade II listed Gardens. Includes fairy walk in the woodland, Bugapest Hotel in the walled garden, Moo Trail and exploring the life of a Victorian Servant in the Hall. Accompanying adults £10. Booking link: https://kelmarsh.com/

Holiday Inn Corby An IHG hotel. Gym and Swim for £10 this summer. No advance booking needed, quote ‘Surprise’ at the welcome desk for £4 off the standard day pass price. More info link: https://www.hicorby.com/

Northampton Comedy Festival Comedy Crate Edinburgh Previews, various Northampton venues throughout July. Tickets prices from under £10. https://www.thecomedycrate.com/festival-2023

Boughton House One of Britain’s grandest and best preserved stately homes. £10 Books, Beds & Beyond Tour, booking from August onwards. https://www.boughtonhouse.co.uk/attraction/house-tours/

Holdenby House Once Elizabethan England’s largest and most glittering house. Grade I listed Gardens, Falconry and Small Wildlife centre. Childrens’ Gardens and Falconry tickets 2 for £10 this summer. Accompanying adults £10. https://www.holdenby.com/

Coton Manor Garden The nation’s favourite garden. Ten acres of beautifully maintained gardens and woods, tea rooms and flamingos. Adults £10 for an all-day ticket. https://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/shop/

Rockingham Castle Beautiful historic castle & 950 years of living history. Adults £10 entrance to the stunning formal gardens this summer. https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/

Chester House Estate Northamptonshire’s oldest (but newest!) visitor attraction. Nationally significant site demonstrating 10,000 years of heritage, open daily. Free entrance and free parking all summer. £10 per child for the Greatest Showman Workshop in August (adults free of charge). https://chesterhouseestate.org/greatest-showman-workshop/

Holy Sepulchre Church A building of international significance. £4 guided tours of the church this summer, minimum group size six. Book a tour: https://www.stsepsrestoration.co.uk/events

Jeyes of Earls Barton Much loved museum, shop and tea room in the heart of Earls Barton Village. All breakfast and lunch options under £10 this summer. http://www.jeyesofearlsbarton.co.uk/

78 Derngate £9 entry this summer to the recently extended Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate. https://www.78derngate.org.uk/visitor-info 

Deene Park £8 entry this summer to the gardens surrounding this exceptional Tudor and Georgian mansion. www.deenepark.com

Sulgrave Manor The original home of the special relationship, with history that unites nations. Manor and Garden admission £8. https://sulgravemanor.org.uk/

Brooklyn Brownie Co Dessert shop in Northampton. 2 brownies & 2 hot drinks for £10. Hatch collection only: www.brooklynbrownieco.com

Cafe 1850, Northampton Tea room in a former coach house on the site of the Northampton Cathedral. 2 cakes & 2 hot drinks or iced lattes for £10. More info: northamptondiocese.org/cafe-1850

The BB Society The BB Society Annual Summer Event at Lamport Hall, July 29th, non-members £10. Tickets in advance from the Society: davewosborne@btinternet.com

A full list of family friendly attractions, accommodation and events is available at: www.northamptonshiresurprise.com/summer