Budget Days Out Near Billing Aquadrome: Free Things to Do in Northamptonshire
Billing Aquadrome is ideally situated within the Nene Valley, placing us in pole position for perfect days out with the family to a variety of renowned locations!
Discover free fun in Northamptonshire – The perfect itinerary for Billing Aquadrome Guests!
Staying at Billing Aquadrome provides you with the perfect base to explore the many free gems that Northamptonshire has to offer. With nature, history, walks and family friendly adventures, there’s something for everybody, without breaking the bank. Here’s our pick of the bunch:
Fun Adventures for All the Family
Northamptonshire has no shortage of sprawling countryside and picture-perfect walks, perfect for a big day out with the family!
Stanwick Lakes
The vibrant Stanwick Lakes is a 750 acre nature reserve, nestled within Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley. The site was once an area of gravel pits, where sand and gravel were extracted from the earth for construction purposes, but has now been restored, featuring wide-stretching lakes, intertwining footpaths and plentiful green-space, making the lakes a fan favourite for things to do in Northamptonshire for free.
- Walking & cycling – Featuring over 7 miles of accessible footpaths, Stanwick Lakes are perfect for gentle strolls, cycle rides and exploration via mobility scooter
- Wildlife – Stanwick Lakes are a nationally designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protected Area (SPA) and RAMSAR wetland, meaning it is a haven for nature lovers, with a particular emphasis on birdlife.
- Archaeological wonders – The area is a hotspot for historical discoveries, with evidence of human settlement spanning back over 5,000 years ago. This includes a Neolithic Long Barrow and Brzone Age Round Barrows, the remains of an Iron Age Settlement, a Roman Villa and the deserted medieval village of West Cotton.
Fermyn Woods Country Park
Occupying 200 hectares, Fermyn Woods Country Park is a renowned green space at the heart of Rockingham Forest, near the village of Brigstock, Northamptonshire. Featuring ancient woodland, meadows, marshes and ponds, it’s an ideal option when seeking things to do for free in Northamptonshire
- Fun for all the family – Fermyn Woods Country Park is ideal for diverse groups. Having spent the day exploring the adventure play area, the wild play trail, orienteering routes or the Skylark Nature Trail, you can relax in the on-site café and refuel after a family day out well spent.
- Wildlife – The area is renowned for a wide variety of wildlife, in particular being home to a multitude of species of butterfly, including the Purple Emperor, Black Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary. With a plentiful amount of ponds, the woods harbour various dragonflies, newts and small aquatic species, as well as birds of prey and various small mammals.
Brampton Valley Way: The Historic Rail Trail
Connecting Northampton to Market Harborough, the Brampton Valley Trail is a 23km route, built upon the former North Western Railway line, now converted as a traffic-free route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, being a popular free thing to do in Northamptonshire.
- A hub of Heritage – The original railway line upon which the trail is built, first opened in 1859 at the peak of the industrial revolution, the line ferried passengers and cargo alike. Those traversing the trail will pass through two former railway tunnels, Kelmarsh and Oxendon, which offer a unique and authentic insight into the world of rail travel. We do recommend bringing light sources, as these are unlit and can be nearly pitch black! A section of the trail also runs parallel to the Northampton & Lamport Railway, which is home to traditional steam and diesel trains, which when visited on certain days, offers visitors the chance to both see and ride upon some of Britain’s railway heritage.
- Ever Changing scenery – As you walk or roll through the stunning Northamptonshire countryside, the scenery surrounding you is ever changing. Spanning historic meadows, rolling hills, flourishing woodlands and eventually crossing the River Nene, the Brampton Valley Way Trail ensures you are never short of an idyllic view.
- Easily accessible – The Brampton Valley Way Trail is largely flat, making it suitable for families, bikes, and in parts, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Moreover, it is also easily accessible from multiple entry points along the route, featuring parking, allowing visitors to choose the length of their route with ease.
Barnwell Country Park
When seeking out things to do for free in Northamptonshire, Barnwell Country Park is a must, being a fan favourite for family-friendly days out near Billing Aquadrome. Located near the historic market town of Oundle in the Nene Valley, the park is a former gravel extraction site, which has now been reclaimed, with idyllic lakes and meadows, sliced into by the River Nene.
- Renowned nature and birdlife – Barnwell Country Park is a hotspot for soaking in nature and the animal kingdom. Featuring five lakes, the park has a variety of waterbirds, including Great Crested Grebes, Mandarin Ducks and Warblers. Amongst the reeds and rushes of the marsh land surrounding these lakes, visitors can catch a glimpse of the fan-favourite Kingfisher, which can be viewed from two dedicated bird hides.
- Activities to suit all – Designed to cater for families and large groups, Barnwell Country Park is an ideal thing to do free in Northamptonshire for those looking to please everyone. The park features a network of hard-surfaced trails that are designed for accessibility, including the Kingfisher Nature Trail and the Riverside Walk, allowing for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters easy access. Moreover, there are also multiple play parks, including an adventure play area with climbing frames and zip lines, allowing children to blow off steam and giving adults a much deserved break. Finally, the Kingfisher Café and Visitor Centre provides a space to relax, refuel and recharge, with refreshments and toilets.
Luxury Evenings After a Long Day Out
Having spent the day sampling some of Northamptonshire’s most beloved locations, you’ll arrive back at your bespoke stay at Billing Aquadrome, ready to be enveloped by luxury for the evening.
Who’s turn is it to cook? – Nip the age-old debate in the bud by visiting our on-site bars and restaurants for an evening meal and drinks.
Kids still restless? – Our site features soft play areas, an outdoor amphitheatre with screenings and productions or dive into The Venue, our all new multipurpose hub with a variety of activities
Ready for a well-earned sleep? – Relax on your terrace before a well-deserved night of sleep in your luxury accommodation.
Day trips are easy with Billing Aquadrome
Planning a family friendly day trip when staying at Billing Aquadrome is simple. Situated on the A45, access to Northampton and the rest of Northamptonshire is a breeze. Moreover, for those looking to head further afield, the M1 motorway is a 40-minute drive from our park.
Securing Your Stay At Billing Aquadrome Is Effortless
Planning a family friendly day trip when staying at Billing Aquadrome is simple. Situated on the A45, access to Northampton and the rest of Northamptonshire is a breeze. Moreover, for those looking to head further afield, the M1 motorway is a 40-minute drive from our park.
Written by the Meadow Bay Villages Team – passionate about creating unforgettable UK lodge and caravan holidays.