Local Places of Interest

Towcester a small town dating back to Roman times. The Roman settlement grew up around a fort built on Watling Street, the ancient route to Chester. The castle motte in Moat Street (Bury Mount) was probably constructed by the Normans in the 11th century. Set on an important route Towcester became a coaching town and by the early-19th century had more than 20 inns. When Charles Dickens visited the town he stayed at the Saracen's Head and later mentioned it in 'Pickwick Papers'. Today the attractive town has some charming Georgian and Victorian buildings. Despite some industrial development at its edges, Towcester feels more like a village than a town. A local speciality is the Towcester Cheesecake.

Especially for the Kids

Towcester Leisure & Fitness Centre, facilities include Beached Leisure pool with Flume & Wave machine, competition size swimming pool, Nordic Sauna and Steam Room, Badminton Courts and Table Tennis. If the youngsters fancy a change then they'll have loads of things to do here.
http://www.towcesterleisure.com

Gulliver's Land - Theme Park, Milton Keynes, 19 miles south-east of Towcester is fun for children from 2 to 13 years. Theme Park rides galore. A great day out. Open in August from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
http://www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Shopping

Heart of the Shire Shopping Mall, Weedon, 10 miles north of Towcester.

Stately Homes, National Trust Home & Gardens

Stoke Park Pavilions, Stoke Bruerne, built by Sir Francis Crane, this was one the first Palladian country houses in England. The two surviving pavilions and colonnade, dated 1630, are attributed to Inigo Jones. In 1886 the central block, which joined the two pavilions, was destroyed by fire. The 3 acre garden has a terraced lawn with herbaceous borders, herb garden fountain and a pool and fountains and overlooks the park, now returned to farmland. Tel: 01604 862172 Open: daily in August, 15:00-18:00.

Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, OX17 2SD, 10 miles west of Towcester, a 16th century house, was the family home of George Washington's ancestors. Today the building presents the appearance of a wealthy man's home in Elizabethan times. Items relating to George Washington on display, visitors' centre, formal garden. Open: Apr-Oct: 14:00-17:30pm. Closed Mon & Fri except bank holidays and special event days. Last admissions 16:30. All visitors are taken on a guided tour on non-event days. Tel: 01295 760205. http://www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Stowe House & Gardens, Buckingham, 11 miles east of Towcester is a Grade I listed country house. It is the home of Stowe School, an independent school. The Gardens (known as Stowe Landscape Gardens), along with part of the Park, passed into the ownership of The National Trust in 1990 and are open to the public. Opening times for August 2010 are Wednesday to Sunday inclusive from 10:30am to 5:00pm. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-stowegardens

Althorp House, Althorp, NN7 4HQ, 12 miles north of Towcester and the home of the Spencer family and Diana, Princess of Wales. Explore this beautiful house, the Diana Exhibition, park and gardens. Opening times for 2010 are 1st July to 30th August, every day from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Last entry at 4:00pm. Tickets can be booked from January 2010. http://www.althorp.com