Attractions and Places To See around Orlingbury - Top 20

The area around Orlingbury offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can cycle along the National Cycle Route 6, which connects Northampton to Market Harborough, or explore the disused railway tunnels at Kelmarsh Tunnels, part of the Brampton Valley Way. Pitsford Water is excellent for walking, cycling, and picnics, with bike hire available. For more detailed routes, you can find various hiking and cycling guides for the region.

Yes, Orlingbury and its surroundings are rich in history. Within the village, you can find St Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed building rebuilt in 1843, and Orlingbury Hall, also Grade II* listed and built shortly after 1700. A short distance away is St Peter and St Paul's Church, Hannington, notable for its unique bisected nave. The site of the deserted village of Wythmail is also a historical point of interest within the parish.

For family-friendly fun, Pitsford Water is a great choice. It features open grassed areas for picnics, a children's play area, and an accessible garden. Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park also offers a range of activities including a gnome trail, brass rubbing trail, and scavenger hunt, alongside cycling and walking.

Absolutely. Pitsford Water is a large reservoir offering beautiful scenery and recreational paths. Stanwick Lakes, a 750-acre parkland and nature reserve, is also located in the heart of Northamptonshire. Additionally, Titchmarsh Nature Reserve near Kettering provides opportunities for waterside walking.

You can enjoy various walking routes, including the path around Pitsford Water. The Nene Way, a long-distance path, follows the River Nene for over 100 miles, featuring historic villages and natural landscapes. For specific trails, you can explore hiking guides around Orlingbury, which include routes like the 'Forest Path loop from Finedon Cally Banks' and 'Dingly Dell Wooden Bridge – Descent to Wooded Valley loop from Pytchley'.

Yes, Pitsford Water offers an accessible garden with raised beds and a main walking path suitable for many. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Forest Path loop from Finedon Cally Banks' or 'Sywell Reservoir – Water Rail Hide loop from Mears Ashby', which are detailed in the easy hikes guide for Orlingbury.

Cycling is popular around Orlingbury. The National Cycle Route 6 offers an easy path from Northampton to Market Harborough. You can also cycle around Pitsford Water, where bike hire is available. The Kelmarsh Tunnels are part of the Brampton Valley Way, a former railway trackbed suitable for cycling, though lights are needed for the tunnels. More cycling routes can be found in the cycling guide for Orlingbury.

Several country parks are within a reasonable distance of Orlingbury, offering natural spaces for recreation. These include Irchester Country Park, Sywell Country Park, and Brixworth Country Park, which is home to Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park.

The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels that are part of the Brampton Valley Way. The former 'up' line tunnel is open and is 480 meters (1,570 ft) long. It is unlit, so you will definitely need lights if you plan to walk or cycle through them. They were known as 'the rat-holes' by train drivers due to their small bore.

Yes, at Pitsford Water, there is a cafe located at the top of the main car park. If you're cycling on National Cycle Route 6, the Willow Tree Café at Pitsford Country Park is a good spot for drinks and eats.

St Peter and St Paul's Church, Hannington, is one of only two churches in England with a bisected nave, making it quite unique. Built in the late 13th century, it incorporates older stonework and underwent a significant restoration in 1869. It's a beautiful old church worth seeing for its architectural distinctiveness.