Attractions and Places To See around Great Oxendon - Top 20

The area around Great Oxendon is rich in history. You can visit Foxton Locks, an impressive flight of 10 canal locks with a museum and the remains of an Inclined Boat Lift. Another notable site is St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, a Grade II*-listed building dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. Further afield, explore Kelmarsh Hall, a hidden gem from the 1730s, or the Market Harborough Museum, home to the Hallaton Treasure.

Yes, the Kelmarsh Tunnels are a unique feature, part of the Brampton Valley Way, a disused railway line. These unlit tunnels are 480 meters long and require lights for passage. The Brampton Valley Way itself offers approximately 8 miles of flat walking or cycling paths. Rutland Water, one of Europe's largest man-made reservoirs, is also nearby, offering extensive natural beauty and outdoor activities.

The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling along the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, which includes two tunnels. For more specific routes, there are numerous options for cycling, running, and gravel biking. You can find detailed routes and guides for cycling, running, and gravel biking around Great Oxendon.

Absolutely. Foxton Locks is a great family day out, offering boat trips, a museum, and plenty of green space for nature spotting. The Wistow Maze & Rural Centre, with its giant 8-acre maize maze, is another excellent option for families, along with a rural center featuring shops and cafes.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique experience of traversing the disused railway tunnels, such as the Kelmarsh Tunnels, often noting the need for good lights. The historical significance and scenic beauty of Foxton Locks, with its canal system and amenities, also receive high praise for offering a diverse and engaging experience.

Yes, several attractions offer dining options. At Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafés on-site, including the Top Lock Cottage café and the Foxton Locks Inn. The nearby village of Arthingworth also has The Bull's Head, a traditional drovers' inn serving food.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting Warners Gin Distillery in Harrington for a craft gin tour. Kelmarsh Hall, with its beautiful house and gardens, offers a glimpse into 18th-century elegance. The Abandoned Medieval Village of Little Oxendon, with its earthworks, provides a unique historical exploration for those interested in archaeology.

Many cycling routes, like the National Cycle Route 6 and the Brampton Valley Way, utilize former railway lines. These often feature tunnels, such as the Kelmarsh Tunnels, which are unlit and require cyclists to bring their own lights. While some sections are tarmac, others can be gravel and bumpy, so choose your bike accordingly.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the walking and cycling routes around Great Oxendon, with longer daylight hours. However, the historical sites and museums are accessible year-round. For the Wistow Maze, it's typically open during the summer months when the maize is fully grown.

Within Great Oxendon, St Helen's Church is a Grade II* listed building with parts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Additionally, several other structures along Main Street, including 29 & 31 Main Street, 45 Main Street, and Plum Tree Cottage, are Grade II listed, showcasing the village's architectural heritage. You can find more information on the village's listed buildings via the parish council website.

The Brampton Valley Way is a significant linear park that follows a former railway line, offering an approximately 8-mile path suitable for walking and cycling. This path incorporates the Kelmarsh Tunnels. For a longer cycling journey, the National Cycle Route 6 connects Northampton to Market Harborough, providing a scenic route through the countryside.

The natural spaces around attractions like Foxton Locks are great for nature spotting, with opportunities to see herons, swans, swallows, and kingfishers. The general Northamptonshire countryside offers diverse habitats for local wildlife, especially along the Brampton Valley Way and other walking routes.