As you might expect of the 'County of Spires and Squires', Northamptonshire has a weath of magnificent stately homes and castles. These include Rockingham Castle, a medieval castle built by William the Conquerer, and Althorp, the final resting place of Diana, the Princess of Wales.
During your visit or journey around the county, you will immediately feel and see a difference compared to similar historic homes in other English counties. Northamptonshire's historic houses are still much loved and lived-in family homes, whose current owners are able to record up to 600 years of continuous ownership. Each season they open up their doors, allowing you the opportunity of 'peeping through the keyhole' to experience how the gentry lived then - and now.
Most of these homes also boast the most stunning gardens, landscaped lawns, herbaceous borders, flowers and shrubs, and century-old trees. Lazy summer afternoons, lulled by flower scents, will form the perfect backdrop for you to explore the replica medieval gardens of Prebendal Manor, or the award-winning gardens of Coton Manor, landscaped during the 1920s by the grandparents of the current owners.
No matter where you choose to visit, the tales and stories of all Northamptonshire's historic homes and gardens will ensure you leave with special memories, that will hopefully make you want to return time and time again.
