Attractions and Places To See around Marston Trussell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Marston Trussell include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and outdoor activity routes. This historic village in West Northamptonshire is situated by the nascent River Welland and features archaeological sites like a shrunken medieval village. The area offers various footpaths and trails, including sections of the Brampton Valley Way and National Cycle Route 6. Visitors can explore a 3-acre lake, historic churches, and significant archaeological earthworks.
Best attractions and places to see around Marston Trussell
- The most popular attractions is Kelmarsh Tunnels, a trail that consists of disused railway tunnels. The former "up" line tunnel is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, and is unlit, requiring lights for passage.
- Another must-see spot is Foxton Locks Basin, a river feature marking the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm. This basin is situated at the base of Foxton Locks, a staircase of ten canal locks built in the early 19th century.
- Visitors also love National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, a cycle way that provides an easy route between Northampton and Market Harborough. This route includes two tunnels and offers access to countryside.
- Marston Trussell is known for historical sites, natural landscapes, and extensive walking and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to canal systems and disused railway lines.
- The attractions around Marston Trussell are appreciated by the komoot community, with 83 upvotes and 31 photos shared across 4 highlights.
Last updated: July 2, 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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Foxton Locks
Highlight • Monument
Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat.
Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton:
Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust
Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only)
Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD
Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history
Guided walks, themed activities and events
Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing
Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read
Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61.
source: canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth
Highlight • Religious Site
Arthingworth is just north of the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile (22.5 km) trail that uses the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway. The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn, serves good food and has eight en suite rooms in a separate accommodation block.
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Foxton Locks Basin
Highlight • River
Foxton Locks is the 'staircase' of ten canal locks. This flight of locks was built in the early 19th century to enable canal boats to navigate the steep incline. The locks are arranged in two groups of five, allowing boats to ascend or descend the hill.
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Tips from the Community
Things to do Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat. Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton: Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only) Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history Guided walks, themed activities and events Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. source: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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The basin marks the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm, situated at the base of Foxton Locks. Foxton Locks is the 'staircase' of ten canal locks. This flight of locks was built in the early 19th century to enable canal boats to navigate the steep incline. The locks are arranged in two groups of five, allowing boats to ascend or descend the hill.
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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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A great route from Northampton to the picturesque town of Market Harborough and beyond, an especially easy route to and from the Railway Station in both towns. There are two tunnels, one at Kelmarsh and another at Oxendon so don't forget your lights, other things to mention are, where route 6 crosses the A5199 at the Windhover Pub to un-adopted road leading to Northampton via Windrush Way the path is tarmac, north from the Windhover is all gravel and quite bumpy in parts. If you have time why not visit Pitsford Country Park, its roughly 7 miles round some stunning countryside and you can grab drinks and eats at the Willow Tree Café!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Marston Trussell?
Marston Trussell and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Marston Trussell Hall, an Elizabethan-style mansion with a priesthole and landscaped gardens. Explore St Nicholas' Church, a 13th-century church set amidst the earthworks of a shrunken medieval village. Nearby, Foxton Locks features the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and St Andrew's Church in Arthingworth showcases 12th and 14th-century architecture. The area also includes Slaughterford field, a site of historical significance from the Battle of Naseby.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Marston Trussell?
Yes, Foxton Locks is a great family-friendly destination. It offers 34 acres of natural green spaces for nature spotting, two pubs, two cafés, a museum, and the opportunity to hire day boats. There are also guided walks and themed activities. The highlight Foxton Locks is noted as family-friendly, as is St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth.
What natural features and outdoor spaces can I find in the area?
The village is situated by the nascent River Welland. To the west, there's a 3-acre lake stocked with fish, bordered by the village cricket pitch. Foxton Locks offers extensive natural green spaces, ideal for spotting birds like herons, swans, and kingfishers. You can also discover the Judith Stone, a large glacial boulder along a walking route.
What cycling routes are available near Marston Trussell?
The area offers several cycling opportunities. The Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile trail along a former railway line, passes nearby, and a section of National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough provides an easy route between the two towns, including two tunnels. For more specific routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Marston Trussell guide, which includes options like the 'Pitsford Water – Walgrave Park Entrance loop'.
Are there any unique trails or tunnels to explore?
Yes, the Kelmarsh Tunnels are a unique feature. These disused railway tunnels are part of the Brampton Valley Way. The former 'up' line tunnel is open for passage but is unlit, so you will need lights to navigate its 480-meter length. The National Cycle Route 6 also includes tunnels.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Marston Trussell?
Marston Trussell serves as a gateway to various footpaths and trails. Popular options include the 'Rectory Farm Loop' and the 'Marston Trussell and Lubenham Circular'. You can also walk along sections of the Brampton Valley Way. For easy hikes, consider routes like the 'Foxton Locks Basin – Foxton Locks loop' or the 'Union Wharf Marina – The Park Café loop'. More options can be found in the Easy hikes around Marston Trussell guide.
What is Foxton Locks and what can I do there?
Foxton Locks is a major attraction featuring a 'staircase' of ten canal locks built in the early 19th century. The Foxton Locks Basin marks the convergence of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm. Beyond observing the locks, you can enjoy 34 acres of natural green spaces, spot wildlife, visit two pubs, two cafés, a museum, and even hire a day boat. The site also preserves the remains of a unique Inclined Boat Lift.
What are the best places for mountain biking around Marston Trussell?
For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several routes in the vicinity. You can explore trails such as the 'Merry Tom Lane – View of Pitsford Water loop' or the 'Gartree Road Crossroads – Goadby Road Gravel Track loop'. The MTB Trails around Marston Trussell guide provides more detailed options, including routes of varying difficulty.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the attractions?
Yes, particularly at Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafés, including the Top Lock Cottage café and the Foxton Locks Inn. The historic village of Arthingworth, near St Andrew's Church, also has The Bull's Head, a traditional drovers' inn serving food.
What is the Brampton Valley Way?
The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22.5 km) trail that follows the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway line. It's popular for walking and cycling, and passes near Marston Trussell. A section of it includes the unlit Kelmarsh Tunnels, which require lights for passage.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Marston Trussell?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and extensive walking and cycling routes. The komoot community appreciates the unique experience of cycling through the unlit Kelmarsh Tunnels, with tips emphasizing the need for good lights. The scenic beauty and historical significance of places like Foxton Locks and the ease of access to countryside via routes like National Cycle Route 6 are also highly valued.
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