christmas holidays in northamptonshire
 

We are planning a trip to England for this Christmas holidays, we would like to get some information on Norhtamptonshire (hotels,attractions, etc..)since we would like to visit the area.

There are several great places to visit in Northants. The Nene Valley Railway is a museum, even if you're not a steam train buff its a great experience. Rockingham Castle is a fortress castle built by William the Conqueror. The Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum is a good stopoff and you can rent a narrow boat for a half or full day to travel along the canal. Finally, Althorp is very popular and the house is a full of old master paintings and antiques. Any manor houses or country houses with distinctive gardens might well be closed for the winter season, so best to check out the National Trust of English Heritage websites to confirm opening times.

pipster has given you several good suggestions - but several are either closed or not that much fun in the middle of winter.

Althrop is only open in the summer. The Nene Valley railway is shut down most of Dec except for special Santa Claus excursion trips. And renting a narrow boat in Dec - wouldn't be my choice in winter weather.

this site will have info/links about opening times, what's on and special holiday events www.northamptonshire.co.uk/attractions/

Do realize even places open in the winter will usually be closed from 24 to 27 Dec. Don't get me wrong - I love winter/Christmas holidays in the UK. But it isn't the best time for sightseeing or attractions - more for quiet country hotel stays and sitting by the fireplace, long walks, etc.

Thank you Janis & pipster.
I appreciate your response. We enjoy the Christmas Holidays in Europe, and England is one of my favorites. We have never been to the countryside except taking day trips from London. Janis, I love to sit by a fireplace and stroll around so your idea of relaxing sounds good to me. Is there any type of celebrations during these days?. Is the weather too bad to so some sightseing?
We plan to visit Oxford, Blenheim Palace and Warwick.
Thank you,
Teresita

My philosophy (not original, but it works) is there is no weather that is too bad for sighseeing, just the wrong clothing. If you dress in layers and have gloves/scarves/hats you can see a lot.

The grounds at Blenheim are open over the Hoildays -- but unfortunately the Palace/gardens close for the season in early December.

Warwick is open all year (except for Christmas Day) - I would avoid going there on Boxing Day because it gets pretty crowded.

And Oxford TIC runs its walking tours through the winter too.

So you will find lots to fill your time.