Attractions and Places To See around Braunston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Braunston include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and canal-side features. Located in Northamptonshire, Braunston is characterized by its significant canal network, including the Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal, which feature numerous locks. The area offers a mix of rural scenery and points of interest related to its industrial and wartime past, providing diverse things to do in Braunston.
Best attractions and places to see around Braunston
- The most popular attractions is Draycote Water, a lake that functions as an artificial reservoir and leisure park. It is used for activities such as angling, sailing, and hiking, and is known for its rich bird life.
- Another must-see spot is Napton Windmill, a red brick tower mill built around 1835. This Grade II-listed building offers a historical landmark view, with a nearby rest stop for visitors.
- Visitors also love Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man-made monument commemorating a USA AF B-17 Bomber crew. This historical site marks the location of a 1944 plane crash and offers a place for reflection.
- Braunston is known for its historical monuments, significant canal infrastructure, and natural water bodies. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, including sites related to its wartime history and canal heritage, suitable for family friendly activities near Braunston.
- The attractions around Braunston are appreciated by the komoot community, with 207 upvotes and 61 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Draycote Water
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
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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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Napton-on-the-Hill WWII Observer Post
Highlight • Monument
Inscription on the Plaque reads
“You are welcome to use the seat on this private property at you own risk. This seat and Rowan tree are on the site of the WWII Observer Post operated by the Royal Observer Corps. It was part of a network of observer towers built for the purpose of providing a system for detecting and tracking aircraft. The Blitz on Coventry (to the north of this spot) in November 1940 would have been observed from the tower. Villagers also witnessed the event from the fields. The Tree was planted on the 50th anniversary.
The Oxford Canal is close by and also played a part in the defences of the area in WWII.
Following the fall of France in 1940 a German invasion was considered imminent and part of Britain’s defence system was a network of Inland Stop Lines. The canal around Napton was part of Western Command’s Napton to Coventry Stop Line.
Evidence of these defences can still be found along the canal to the south of this spot. There are still Stent pillboxes on the side of the canal and anti-tank blocks just off the canal.
The support to this country in its desperate hours by such people as the Observer Corps, The Home Guard, The Women’s Land Army and the Agricultural and Horticultural workers who fed and protected this Nation is not always adequately remembered.
So, please take time to sit and reflect on the freedom we have today.”
The Observer Corps
The Corps was awarded the title ‘Royal’ by His Majesty King George VI in April 1941. During the Second World War the Royal Observer Corps undertook the long range tracking and reporting of enemy aircraft.
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Napton Windmill
Highlight • Monument
The mill lay derelict until about 1972 when it was restored, converted into a house and fitted with four patent sails. In January 1976, two of the sails blew off in a gale and were later restored.
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Oxford Canal Locks and Narrowboats
Highlight • Structure
canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/oxford-canal
Great cycle way and/ or pathway from Rugby to Braunston
google.co.uk/maps/dir/52.3892348,-1.2524688/52.353078,-1.2023153/52.3401376,-1.2207475/52.3154839,-1.2348238/52.2928375,-1.2185159/Admiral+Nelson/@52.2900026,-1.2107912,15z/data=!4m23!4m22!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-1.2188647!2d52.2890597!3s0x48773e60d46e0089:0x8a04422f8724ffa!3m4!1m2!1d-1.2019483!2d52.289051!3s0x48773e6b3e93dd7b:0x52c782c89348f7ca!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xdc4226d41cebe428!2m2!1d-1.196714!2d52.288669!3e2
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Tips from the Community
Draycote Water is an artificial reservoir (23 million m3), which was completed in 1969. In addition to its function as a water reserve, it is a leisure park u.a. for anglers, sailors, hikers. The rich bird life invites also to observations. Swimming is not allowed in the lake.
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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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You cant go right up to the windmill, but the land owner installed a rest stop with a bench. He even planted the tree that can be found there.
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There is one problem with this side of Draycote water and that's the bugs. The wind blows across the lake and you get a face of bugs. But the views are good and it's always a good section of a ride, always busy when the weather is good...
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You cant get close to the windmill, due to private land, but there is a super cute little picnic area on the right to grab a snack and breather, before heading back off. The keeper of the livestock nearby, actually planted the tree that overhangs the bench amny years ago. It's still going strong today.
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Napton Windmill is a red brick tower mill that was built around 1835. It was designated a Grade II-listed building on 7th January 1952. The mill lay derelict until about 1972 when it was restored, converted into a house and fitted with four patent sails. In January 1976, two of the sails blew off in a gale and were later restored.
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Commemorative plaque at the side of the lane about 150 metres from the mill. Inscription on the Plaque reads “You are welcome to use the seat on this private property at you own risk. This seat and Rowan tree are on the site of the WWII Observer Post operated by the Royal Observer Corps. It was part of a network of observer towers built for the purpose of providing a system for detecting and tracking aircraft. The Blitz on Coventry (to the north of this spot) in November 1940 would have been observed from the tower. Villagers also witnessed the event from the fields. The Tree was planted on the 50th anniversary. The Oxford Canal is close by and also played a part in the defences of the area in WWII. Following the fall of France in 1940 a German invasion was considered imminent and part of Britain’s defence system was a network of Inland Stop Lines. The canal around Napton was part of Western Command’s Napton to Coventry Stop Line. Evidence of these defences can still be found along the canal to the south of this spot. There are still Stent pillboxes on the side of the canal and anti-tank blocks just off the canal. The support to this country in its desperate hours by such people as the Observer Corps, The Home Guard, The Women’s Land Army and the Agricultural and Horticultural workers who fed and protected this Nation is not always adequately remembered. So, please take time to sit and reflect on the freedom we have today.” The Observer Corps The Corps was awarded the title ‘Royal’ by His Majesty King George VI in April 1941. During the Second World War the Royal Observer Corps undertook the long range tracking and reporting of enemy aircraft.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some historical sites to visit around Braunston?
Braunston is rich in history, particularly related to its canal heritage and wartime past. You can explore the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, which commemorates a 1944 plane crash. Another significant historical landmark is the Napton Windmill, a Grade II-listed red brick tower mill built around 1835. Additionally, the Napton-on-the-Hill WWII Observer Post offers insights into Britain's wartime defenses.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Braunston area?
Yes, several attractions around Braunston are suitable for families. Draycote Water is a popular leisure park offering activities like hiking and bird watching, with playgrounds and BBQ areas. Historical sites such as the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench and Napton Windmill are also considered family-friendly, providing educational and scenic outings.
What natural features can I explore near Braunston?
The most prominent natural feature is Draycote Water, a large reservoir known for its rich bird life and opportunities for angling and sailing. The area's extensive canal network, including the Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal, also offers picturesque rural scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities along the towpaths.
What outdoor activities can I do near Braunston's attractions?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The canal towpaths, such as those along the Oxford Canal Locks and Narrowboats, are excellent for walking and cycling. For more structured activities, there are numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and gravel biking paths. You can find detailed routes and guides for these sports on the Running Trails around Braunston, Road Cycling Routes around Braunston, and Gravel biking around Braunston guide pages.
Are there any circular walks around Braunston?
Yes, the area around Braunston offers several circular walking opportunities, particularly along the canal towpaths. Many routes incorporate sections of the Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal, allowing for scenic loops that pass by locks and rural landscapes. You can find specific circular routes, including those for running, on the Running Trails around Braunston guide, which often overlap with walking paths.
What is the best time to visit Braunston Locks?
The Braunston Locks are a popular attraction year-round. However, the best time to visit is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder, and the canal is bustling with narrowboats. This period also offers the best conditions for walking and cycling along the towpaths. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage.
Where can I find parking for canal walks in Braunston?
Parking for canal walks in Braunston is typically available near the main canal basin and locks. There are often designated car parks for visitors, as well as some on-street parking options in the village. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking regulations and fees.
Are there pubs with food near the Braunston canal?
Yes, Braunston village, being a historic canal hub, has several traditional pubs located conveniently close to the canal. These establishments often offer a range of food options, from classic pub fare to more extensive menus, making them ideal stops for refreshments during or after a canal walk.
What is the difficulty and distance of walks around Braunston?
Walks around Braunston, particularly along the canal towpaths, are generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty, as they are mostly flat. Distances can vary greatly depending on your chosen route, from short strolls around the locks to longer excursions covering several miles along the Oxford Canal. For example, running routes in the area range from approximately 5.7 km to 15.8 km, giving an indication of potential walking distances.
Can I spot wildlife along the Braunston canal?
Yes, the Braunston canal network and surrounding rural areas are excellent for wildlife spotting. You can often see various bird species, including ducks, geese, swans, and kingfishers. Mammals like voles and even otters can sometimes be glimpsed, especially in quieter sections. Draycote Water is particularly noted for its rich bird life.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots in the Braunston area?
Beyond the main canal attractions, a hidden gem for history enthusiasts is the Napton-on-the-Hill WWII Observer Post. It's a commemorative plaque and seat on private property, marking the site of a Royal Observer Corps post, offering a quiet place for reflection on wartime history. The views from the higher ground around Napton are also often overlooked but very rewarding.
What should I wear for walking along the Braunston canal?
For walking along the Braunston canal, it's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, as towpaths can sometimes be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a waterproof jacket is always a good idea. In sunny weather, consider a hat and sunscreen.
Most popular attractions around Braunston
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