Attractions and Places To See around Scaldwell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Scaldwell offer a blend of historical charm and natural beauty in West Northamptonshire. The village is characterized by its peaceful setting and buildings constructed from Northamptonshire Stone. Archaeological evidence, including Roman pottery kilns, indicates early occupation, with Scaldwell also mentioned in the Domesday Book. The area provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Scaldwell
- The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake that is a large reservoir popular for outdoor activities. It features a café, public toilets, bike hire, and open grassed areas for picnics.
- Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, disused railway tunnels. These tunnels are part of the Brampton Valley Way and are 480 meters long, requiring lights for passage.
- Visitors also love Harlestone Firs, a forest. It offers miles of criss-crossing paths suitable for walks and includes roadside parking and access to a garden centre with a cafe.
- Scaldwell is known for its historical sites, natural features, and extensive trail networks. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient churches to large reservoirs and forests, catering to different interests.
- The attractions around Scaldwell are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and 30 photos.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kelmarsh Tunnels
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed.
The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington
Highlight • Historical Site
Once a major part of village life, the church was built in the late 13th century, though it incorporates some stonework from an earlier period.
By the mid 19th century the church had fallen into a serious state of disrepair and was little more than a ruin, but thankfully in 1869 the building was restored to its former glory and a new Rectory was built alongside it. The person responsible for this was the Rector, John Downes. He personally paid for the restoration and for the building of the Rectory, now called Hannington House. It was John Downes' wife Lucy who founded the school in Hannington in 1871, and this school building still exists and is used as the Village Hall.
Ref. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire
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Harlestone Firs
Highlight • Forest
There is roadside parking in front of the main entrance, though this can get full quickly on a nice day or at the weekend. An ice cream van parks here most busy days, selling the local Gallone's ice cream, along with all the classics.
You can also visit the garden centre 328 feet (100 m) down from the forest entrance, where there is a cafe, shops and toilets.
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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pitsford Water
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The area is great, lots of paths and variety, but the route given sticks to busy roads where you have to keep your dog on a lead. It also directs you down a private drive with no public right of way. Come to the area and follow your nose, not this route.
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Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.
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You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.
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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed. The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore near Scaldwell?
You can explore several natural features, including Pitsford Water, a large reservoir popular for outdoor activities with walking and cycling paths. Other options include Brixworth Country Park and Sywell Country Park, both offering opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.
Are there historical sites to visit around Scaldwell?
Yes, Scaldwell and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, unique for its bisected nave and incorporating older stonework from the late 13th century. The village of Scaldwell itself features St Peter and St Paul's Church with a 12th-century tower, and the Scaldwell Village Green with a historic well and war memorial.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Scaldwell?
The area around Scaldwell offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, gravel biking, and cycling. For hiking, explore routes like the Pitsford Water Woodland Trail or the Brampton Valley Way. Cyclists can follow National Cycle Route 6 from Northampton to Market Harborough, which passes through the area. Find more routes on the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and cycling guide for Scaldwell.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Scaldwell area?
Absolutely. Pitsford Water is an excellent choice for families, offering a children's play area, open grassed spaces for picnics, and bike hire. West Lodge Farm Park and Go Ape Salcey Forest are also within a reasonable distance for family outings.
Where can I go for a walk with my dog near Scaldwell?
For dog-friendly walks, Harlestone Firs is a great option with miles of criss-crossing paths. Many parts of the Brampton Valley Way and Pitsford Water also welcome dogs, though specific policies may apply in certain areas, so it's always good to check local signage.
What are the Kelmarsh Tunnels and what should I know before visiting?
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels, part of the Brampton Valley Way. The former 'up' line tunnel is open for exploration and is 480 meters (1,570 ft) long. It is unlit, so visitors will need to bring their own lights to navigate through it.
Are there any aviation museums nearby?
Yes, for those interested in aviation history, the Harrington Aviation Museum in Harrington and the Sywell Aviation Museum in Northampton are both accessible from Scaldwell.
What facilities are available at Pitsford Water?
Pitsford Water offers a cafe, public toilets, and a bike shop with bike hire. There are also open grassed areas perfect for picnics, a children's play area, and an accessible garden with raised beds.
What is the Brampton Valley Way?
The Brampton Valley Way is a former railway trackbed that has been converted into a route for cycling and walking between Northampton and Market Harborough. It incorporates the Kelmarsh Tunnels and is part of National Cycle Route 6.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Scaldwell?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The extensive trail networks, such as those at Harlestone Firs, are popular for walks, while Pitsford Water is appreciated for its recreational activities and family-friendly facilities. The unique historical aspects of sites like St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, also draw interest.
Are there any attractions near Scaldwell that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Pitsford Water is noted for being wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible garden with raised beds and paths suitable for various users.
Most popular attractions around Scaldwell
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