Walks & Open Spaces in Northamptonshire

For years I have focused on parks with play equipment as my children love a swing & zip wire! However with coronavirus and lockdown play areas have become out of bounds & many people have stayed closer to home. As we are now able to drive & lockdown is easing I thought I'd share some walks & open spaces in Northamptonshire.

I've been trying to find lesser known quieter spots for our family walks & much needed PlayStation/YouTube breaks.  Often these lesser known places have no cafes/toilets etc so are not recommended for lengthy stays.  Obviously the country parks are great & we all know & love Sywell, Brixworth, and Irchester etc (and they have toilets!) but I've tried to focus elsewhere as there have been reports these places have been very busy.

Northampton Washlands (behind Riverside) is a vast open space with the River Nene flowing along side it.  There's a small marina and often horses, sheep and ducks/swans/geese.

River Nene (Brackmills) further up from the washlands you can walk along the Nene.  We walked in a loop going past Northampton Active.  You can walk all the way to Midsummer Meadow but the 9 year old wasn't quite up to that!

Upton Country Park can be busy but is a big space and the lesser known area away from the car park/football pitch is much quieter. There are currently sheep in one of the fields and is flat & perfect for buggies and bikes. There is a car park available.

Brampton Valley Way. This is a 14 mile stretch taking you all the way to Market Harborough.  We have only visited a small section but loved it.  I can recommend Draughton Crossing car park to Kelmarsh Tunnels.  Last year we also walked from The Windhover for a couple of miles & then had a break at The Brampton Halt which will be open again later in the summer (hopefully!) Several free car parks are dotted long the walk.  

Bradlaugh Fields which is not really so unknown anymore but depending on the day/time can be very quiet. 

Irthingborough Lakes is a lovely quiet spot & you can walk all the way to Rushden Lakes quite easily and grab a takeaway drink & sit on the boardwalk before your return journey (top tip from my sister).

Harlestone Firs is one of my personal favourites grower in popularity you can still easily find pockets of complete solitude and perfect on a hot day as lots of shade from the trees. Free parking is opposite.

Villages we have some beautiful villages in Northamptonshire which are perfect for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle. We visited one yesterday and found a stream for the kids to paddle in & very few people.

A few of these places do not have specific car parks so take care parking, make sure you read the signs and don't obstruct roads/paths etc.

Have fun, take care & stay safe in this crazy new world.

Emma xxx

Gravity Entertainment Northampton Review

Gravity Entertainment in Sol Central is the newest trampoline park to the scene and today we went to see what it is all about.

Located right by Vue Cinema the striking orange & purple colours mean you cannot miss it.  Smaller than I thought it has a brilliant mixture of equipment & quite a few items that it's rival Boost doesn't have.

Upon entry you can complete your waiver at one of the screens and validate your car parking ticket.  Socks must be worn & are £2.50 per pair.  Each child is given a coloured band to correspond with their time slot.  A health & safety video must be watched which included a warm up routine which I thought was good although the teen wasn't so sure.  It is £11.95 per child but online prices are discounted by 15% so £10.16 which is therefore comparable to Boost which is £10. They also operate parent & toddler off peak sessions which is £6.  Family tickets are also available for £39.99 or (£33.99 online!) this is for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

My kids loved the climbing wall & ball bit (this was their favourite section).  The wipe out machine was a big hit and my son liked the mini football zone and befriended a younger child and they happily charged about.

The café has all the usual hot drinks and amazingly has waffles! I love waffles and they are rarely on offer. As we went at 11am I didn't try one but they looked immense.

The kids rated Gravity Entertainment 9/10 and both want to go back. I know there was some early feedback and some improvements have been made.  The slush machines were moved and hand dryers fitted.  The toilets still smelt of fresh paint! I think Gravity Entertainment is a huge positive for Sol Central and it is great to see the building filling up with businesses again.

More picture over on Instagram Instagram - Life in the Mum's Lane

**We were gifted 2 tickets in exchange for this review.  We paid for our own socks & drinks.  All opinions are my own.**

Snowdrops in Northamptonshire

January is behind us and many of us are looking forward to Spring but February brings with it lighter evenings and snowdrops!

Get outside, enjoy the lighter days, wrap up warm and enjoy the snowdrops around Northamptonshire.

Coton Manor is well know for its magnificent bluebells but also has a beautiful display of snowdrops. Open Saturday 15th February to Sunday 1st March 2020 11am to 4pm £8 adults and £3 children NN6 8RQ

Evenley Woods has snowdrops 1st February to 1st March 10am to 4pm.  The café is open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3.30pm £6 adults and £1 children aged 4 to 16.  NN13 5SH

18th February to 21st February there is also half term activities for children.  For a small fee children can make a bird feeder or take part in the bug trail.

Badby Woods (near Daventry) parking is limited especially at weekends recommended to use picnic area on the A361 north of the village. The ancient woodlands have snowdrops on show during February.

Lamport Hall & Gardens is hosting a snowdrop walk Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th February the gardens will be open 11am to 3pm £5 adults and £2 children aged 11 to 18 and under 11's free! To access the house charges increase to £11 and £6. Light refreshments will be available from Saul's of Spratton in the carriage house. NN6 9HD

Many National Trust properties have snowdrops within the gardens Waddesdon & Stowe both have snowdrop walks.

Evenley Gardens 2018

Boost Trampoline Park - Northampton - Review

**Updated February 2020.  Boost Northampton is having a refurbishment and 3 new action stations are being installed.  The new slide is complete and open.  The other zones are under construction and due to be finished soon.  The price is still £10 per hour and the after school club is still £11 for 4-6pm and a childrens meal which is amazing value. The main trampolines, dodgeball, high jump etc is still open as normal. Will be interesting to visit once it is all finished**

Boost Northampton is an indoor trampoline park. There’s over 50 interconnected trampolines, 2 Extreme Dodgeball Courts, Wipe-Out Zone, Battle Beam, Foam Pits and Basketball Hoops.
My kids did the Free Jump which is £10 per person + £2 for the Boost anti slip socks. There is also Boost mini sessions for under 5's and is £5 per session + the socks.

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

Boost Trampoline Park

I was a little worried my 5 (nearly 6 year old) may get bored but he loved it apart from a slight bump to the nose on the Wipe-Out Zone and wanted to stay when the session was over.  My 9 year old LOVES trampolines so I knew she would enjoy the session. She happily has awarded the new park 9.5 out of 10 so high praise.

The trampoline park is big, clean and has a café area for the parents where you can watch the kids and enjoy a snack/drink. There are lockers plus cubby holes to put shoes or jackets away.  Jumpers are given coloured bands so when each session ends it is clear who needs to leave the area.  It was quite busy but well organised and I would definitely go again.

Boost Trampoline Park

My children where both red faced and happy when we left. I would recommend light clothing and for long hair a plait/ponytail. My son is still wearing his Boost socks and for once seems tired out on the sofa!!!

If you live in the Northampton area and want to tire the kids out I would recommend a visit.  Check out the website for more information and to book.

Boost Trampoline Park

Emma xxx

P.s - Since this visit we've been about 8 times. The kids love it.  They sometimes have vouchers on Groupon but I think there are time restrictions but might be worth a look. Boost now also offers sensory sessions with low lighting and a calm atmosphere £6.95 per person and carer free.   4pm – 7pm the first Wednesday of every month.  They also do Boost Fitness £7.50 per hour and children's parties from £16.99 per child. 

Disclaimer: I was given 2 £10 tickets in exchange for a review.  All opinions are my own & 100% honest 2nd August 2016.

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Parks with Cafe's in Northamptonshire

A friend asked my advise on which park to take an 8 year old with a café I gave a few suggestions and it's inspired this guide.

My park guide has over 100 places to visit which range from basic to all singing & dancing Parks & Playgrounds in Northamptonshire however this guide is going to focus just on those with café facilities so us parents/grandparents/carers etc can treat ourselves to a cuppa (cake optional!) whilst the kids tire themselves out.

Stanwick Lakes

Café Solar is open every day (from 10am to 4.45pm March to October and 10am – 3.45pm November to February) and serves hot & cold food.  There's also an indoor play area called The hideaway.  The Skyloft Coffee lounge is on the mezzanine and in a quieter location.  Finally The Lakeside Terrace is perfect for sunny days.

Castle Ashby

Small tea room but lots of outside seating (some under a large canopy) Also a play area with plenty of seating & kiosk which serves drinks and some snacks. To enter the gardens there is an £8.50 per adult charge, £3.75 for children and under 5's free.

Abington Park
Aptly named The Park Café (need to double check opening times - found a couple of different ones online)

Racecourse
Umbrella Café Saturday 9am - 5pm Sundays 11am - 4 pm Closed Monday and Tuesday open Wednesday to Friday 11.00 - 13.00 enjoy cake, snacks and drinks and enjoy the artspace.

Bradlaugh Fields
The Barn only open 3 times per week.  Wednesday 9.30 to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9.30 to 11.30am.  Tea, coffee and snacks served.
Stay & Play sessions are most Thursdays 9.30 to 11.30am £1.50 per family.

Radlands Skate Park/Beckets Park
The Outpost Cafe is next to the skate park 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. The Ark Cafe boat is also based here.  Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (11am Sunday). This is a vegan cafe by day and events venue by night.

Hunsbury Hill Country Park
The Drovers Return Café open 9am to 5pm 7 days a week.

Salcey Forest
Grounds Café open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and till 5.30pm Saturday & Sunday.

Sywell Country Park
Pump House Café open 10am to 5pm 7 days a week.
There is also a tots soft play area inside (small charge applies).

Brixworth Country Park
The Willow Tree Café Monday to Friday 10am to 4:30pm (hot and fresh food is served until 2:30pm) and Saturday, Sunday and School Holidays 10am to 5:00pm (hot and fresh food is served until 3pm).

Irchester Country Park
Quarryman's Cafe open 7 days per week.

Fermyn Woods Country Park  

Skylark Café opening time vary March to 4th November 10.30am to 4.45pm

5th November to February weekend 10.30am to 4.45pm and weekdays 11am to 3pm closed from 4pm 23rd December to 11am 2nd January.

Barnwell Country Park 
The Kingfisher Café. The cafe is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Over Christmas the café will be closed on 24, 25, 26 December, and 1 January.

Rushden Lakes
There is an array of food outlets ranging from cafe's to restaurants.  Something for everyone after the nature walk and play area.

Fineshade Wood
Grounds Cafe Summer Hours (February to October) Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm Sat-Sun: 9:00am – 5:30pm Winter Hours (November to January) Mon –Fri: 9:30am – 4:00pm Sat-Sun: 9:00am – 5:00pm

East Carlton Country Park
Open all year and offers light meals, hot and cold drinks and ice-cream.

Wicksteed Park
Carousel Coffee shop, Peacock Cafe and Idea's Cafe but there is also fish & chips, burgers, pizza etc.  It is free to use the park & wander around (parking is payable).

Daventry Country Park
Reservoir Cafe 9am to 5.30pm daily except Christmas Day.

Just outside the 'Shire but worth a trip

Harrold-Odell Country Park

Dragonfly Cafe open daily from 9am to 4pm (5pm through the summer holidays). Breakfasts are served until 11.30am, light lunches until 3pm.

Rushmere Country Park

Tree Tops Cafe open daily 10am to 4pm (April to September till 5pm) snacks, hot and cold food, supporting local suppliers of quality produce using fresh, local ingredients (House of Coffee, Maynard's Dairy Ice Cream, Lickalix whole fruit ice lollies). 

Emberton Country Park

Grounds Café Summer Hours (February to October) Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm Sat-Sun: 9:00am – 5:30pm Winter Hours (November to January) Mon –Fri: 9:30am – 4:00pm Sat-Sun: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Paradise Island Adventure Golf Rushden Lakes

Paradise Island Adventure Golf has landed at Rushden Lakes.  In the wreckage of an abandoned air craft, are two 18 hole adventure courses, spanning 14,000 sq/ft.  On the 19th hole you get the chance to win a free game! 

I was invited along to try out the new Paradise Island Adventure Golf and can say it was a hit!  A few of the deceivingly simple holes caught us out and we all found the 2nd course slightly easier.  We were advised by a lovely member of staff that the 2nd course is also wheelchair friendly with wider access.  There was a wide variety of clubs to suit all heights and a good layout.  You can purchase snacks, drinks and there is a mini arcade, toilets and lockers.  

Paradise Island Adventure Golf is located at the far end of Rushden Lakes in the same building as 360 Play and Rock Up.  With 5 hours free parking we had lunch after and a brief stroll along the boardwalk.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf is a perfect family activity and great way to get the kids out when you really cannot face another trip to the park. We spent just under 2 hours there which was for both courses.

They also offer a loyalty card.  Each time you visit you receive a stamp and after three visits you can claim 50% off entry, and after seven you receive a free game.

The only thing missing according to the kids was a water feature hole! We will definitely be back.

Prices are for 1 course - 
Under 5's £4
5-16 £6.50
Student/Concession £7
Adult £8.50
Family of 4 £26

For 2 courses - 
Under 5's £6
5-16 £9.75
Student/Concession £10.50
Adult £12.75
Family of 4 £39

Discounts for groups of 8 and over.

Opening hours - 
Monday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm
Friday 12pm to 11pm
Saturday 10am to 11pm
Sunday 10am to 10pm

** Disclaimer I received a family of 4 2 courses entry in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own**

Riverside Hub Review

Riverside Hub has a huge playframe, go-karts, climbing tree, laser invasion, carousel and sensory room.  Room, explore and play!

I was asked to visit with my children to see how good Riverside Hub is.  My children LOVED laser invasion and the climbing tree.  They both enjoyed being able to just freely go on things with no additional payments and as many times as they wanted.

As a parent I loved that you can see the main play zone easily and it was reassuring to be able to spot your children.  The whole of Riverside Hub was clean and bright. The equipment all looked well maintained and the new under 5's water play area was just lovely & I felt a little sad my children are too old to use it!

We were there for 2 hours and the kids didn't want to leave.  I hadn't been to Riverside Hub for quite a while as my 12 year thought her indoor play centre days were over but there is so much to do she really enjoyed herself.  My 8 year old son LOVED laser invasion and spent at least 45 minutes playing!

Whilst there I discovered an amazing deal visit the Hub after 3pm Monday-Thursday during school term times, and each child will receive a kids meal and a cup of squash or milk.  Valid for children aged 1 - 12 when paying full admission price.

They are also currently running the Spring Funfair every Saturday in April.  Easter specials include: 🐰Easter Trail 🐰Whack-a-bunny game 🐰Free Pottery Painting Tickets are £10.50 per child and £4 per adult. 

Riverside Hub also offers SEN days on the 1st Thursday of every month (this maybe changing to the 3rd so please check)  the music and lights are lower and between 6pm and 8pm the whole area is much quieter. Admission is £7.95 and carers are free.

We didn't eat at the Hub but I liked the fact jacket potatoes were in the menu and it states All the food is oven baked and not fried.

The party room floor looked amazing & I especially loved the dinosaur themed area!

Opening times

Sunday to Thursday 9.30am – 6pm

Friday 9.30am – 7pm

Saturday 9.30am – 8pm

Admission prices are for a 2.5 hour play session. 
Standard prices School holidays/Weekends/Bank holidays
Under 1’s £2.50
Children 1 – 3 years £8.50
Children 4 – 12 years £10.50
Young People 13 - 17 years £10.50
Adults £4
Grandparents £2 

School days Monday to Friday

Under 1’s £2.50
Children 1 – 3 years £7.95
Children 4 – 12 years £8.50
Young People 13 - 17 years £8.50
Adults £3.50
Grandparents £1.75

**This review was in exchange for 4 children & 2 adult admissions.  All opinions are my own**