Best hotels near Northampton 2022: Where to stay for a country escape close to London

Famous for producing shoes (James Bond and Darth Vadar both got their footwear from Northampton), this East Midlands county has oddly remained off the tourist map. But visitors here will find gently rolling countryside with excellent walking and cycling possibilities, fantastic pubs, and a bunch of stately homes. Sometimes it’s the quiet ones you have to watch…

The best hotels in Northampton are:

Set within the 10,500-acre Castle Ashby estate, The Falcon is a converted coaching inn, dating back to 1954, now a stylish country retreat with 21 plush, warm rooms. The city centre’s 10 minutes away, though you’re more likely to take peaceful country walks and explore historic Castle Ashby’s elegant gardens. There’s a feeling of nature inside the hotel, as well as outside, with earthy colours and abstract artworks. Eyas fine dining restaurant is pricey but memorable, great for occasions, while the wellness centre offers yoga, massages, meditation, nature walks, and bracing open-water swims.

Price: Doubles from £120, room only

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Northampton-born rapper Slowthai used this striking country house – part-covered in greenery and surrounded by neat gardens – in one of his museum videos, as did singer Arlo Parks. It’s also featured in ads for Next and Sainsburys. Dating from the early 17th century, Flore House is a Grade II-listed Jacobean Hunting Lodge, set in 19 acres of parkland and countryside. Many original period features remain in the house, such as fireplaces and wood-panelling, but crisply whitewashed bedrooms throw off the shackles of history and instead go with eclectic modern flair, with contemporary art and free-standing bathtubs in bold pink and orange.

Price: Doubles from £215, B&B

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Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa was previously used for entertaining Elizabeth I and other…