Attractions and Places To See around Blakesley - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Blakesley, located in West Northamptonshire, England, offer a blend of historical sites and tranquil natural settings. The region is characterized by its rich past, including significant historical houses and sites related to England's history. Visitors can explore well-preserved heritage and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Best attractions and places to see around Blakesley
- The most popular attractions is Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area, an other man-made feature that provides a pleasant spot for relaxation. It features a small seating area under trees and local sculptures, ideal for a picnic.
- Another must-see spot is Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a historical site and castle. This tranquil Tudor manor house, built using the remains of a medieval priory, showcases Elizabethan wall paintings and Jacobean plasterwork.
- Visitors also love Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man-made monument. This memorial bench commemorates the USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944.
- Blakesley is known for its historical sites, man-made monuments, and canal-side attractions. The area offers a variety of places to see and explore, from historical houses to significant memorials.
- The attractions around Blakesley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 60 upvotes and 43 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Canons Ashby House and Priory Church
Highlight • Castle
Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era.
The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters.
Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby."
Cit. nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
The Norton B-17
On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany.
It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England.
Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine.
On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum.
On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry.
The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Locks
Highlight • Cafe
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Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area
Highlight • Structure
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Grand Union Canal Lock at M1 Underpass
Highlight • Bridge
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Tips from the Community
Nice place for a short break. Never entered the pub while cycling.
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The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne is a great place to learn about the history of the canals and the people who worked on them. The museum is housed in a historic corn mill and offers visitors a chance to see how canals were built and operated. The museum also has a cafe, a gift shop, and a boat trip. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the museum is free. Plenty of cycle stands outside the museum and cafe.
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Great to walk around looks very impressive
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"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Nice place to stop and re fue, some wire sculptures and picnic area.
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Memorial bench with inscription "In memory of the USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944." The Norton B-17 On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany. It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England. Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine. On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum. On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry. The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Might not be much to look at to the uninitiated, but it's an interesting piece of engineering going on here to cram everything in... as well as the canal lock with it's wall art, look up and you have Britain's first motorway passing directly over you head - junction 15a of the M1. Also a handy place to wait out the rain!
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Look out for the small seating area under the trees and join the local sculptures for a picnic. You may even be lucky enough to find the small drawbridge down so you can visit the opposite bank of the the canal for a while.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Blakesley?
Blakesley and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a tranquil Tudor manor with Elizabethan wall paintings and Jacobean plasterwork. Another significant historical site is the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, commemorating a WWII aircrew. Additionally, the site of the Battle of Edgcote offers a glimpse into the Wars of the Roses.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Blakesley?
Yes, several attractions around Blakesley are suitable for families. The Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area provides a pleasant spot for relaxation and picnics with local sculptures. Canons Ashby House and Priory Church offers historical exploration within beautiful gardens. The Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Locks is also a great family outing, offering insights into canal history and featuring a cafe and pub.
Where can I enjoy a picnic or relax outdoors in Blakesley?
The Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area is an ideal spot for a picnic. It features a small seating area under trees and local sculptures, perfect for relaxing by the canal. The gardens at Canons Ashby House and Priory Church also offer a tranquil setting for a stroll.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Blakesley?
The Blakesley area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, with options for touring bicycles and mountain biking. There are also many easy hiking trails, perfect for enjoying the peaceful countryside.
Are there easy walking routes near Blakesley?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes available. For example, you can find routes like the 'Canons Ashby Gardens – St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby loop' or the 'Tove Wetland Pocket Park – Bury Mount loop'. You can find more details and options in the Easy hikes around Blakesley guide.
What is the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Locks?
The Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Locks is located in an old village south of Northampton, famous as a center for the Grand Union Canal. It's a great place to learn about canal history, and the area also features a pub, cafe, and public toilets, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Blakesley?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and tranquil natural settings. Highlights like Canons Ashby House and Priory Church are praised for their well-preserved heritage and beautiful gardens, while the Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area is loved for its peaceful atmosphere and unique sculptures.
Are there any cycling routes around Blakesley?
Absolutely. The area around Blakesley offers a variety of cycling routes suitable for different skill levels. You can find numerous options for touring bicycles, including moderate routes like 'Bike loop from Greens Norton' or 'The Lion Pub, Wicken – St Mary's Church loop'. For more details, refer to the Cycling around Blakesley guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Blakesley?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. Options range from easy to moderate, such as the 'Kislingbury Syndicate Lakes – Briar Hill Meadow Grassy Trail loop' or the 'Silverstone Circuit Woods – Hazelborough Forest loop'. Explore more trails in the MTB Trails around Blakesley guide.
What is Canons Ashby House and Priory Church?
Canons Ashby House and Priory Church is a tranquil Tudor manor house built using the remains of a medieval priory. It showcases Elizabethan wall paintings and Jacobean plasterwork, offering a fascinating look into English history. The house is set within rare terraced gardens, providing a beautiful setting for visitors.
Are there any places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, if you visit the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Locks, you'll find both a pub and a cafe in the village. These are popular spots for a break while exploring the canal area.
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