Living in Northamptonshire

History

Northamptonshire boasts an impressive historic legacy.

Northampton was an important medieval town in trade, education, religion and politics. Its wealth led to rapid expansion and Northamptonshire is still world renowned for its boot and shoe industry, with famous names such as Church & Co, still based in the county. Local landowners built magnificent stately homes such as Althorp, Boughton House and Rockingham Castle in the Northamptonshire countryside, which can still be enjoyed by visitors today.

The building of the canal and rail networks during the Industrial Revolution means that Northamptonshire is particularly well connected to the rest of the country.

Northamptonshire's rich history is evident everywhere and the rich, rural landscape is the perfect backdrop to this diverse and prosperous county.

Leisure

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities in Northamptonshire including excellent facilities for swimming, sailing, golfing, cycling, fishing. There is a good choice of health and fitness clubs and thriving local leagues in football, rugby and cricket. The easily accessible countryside is perfect for keen ramblers and leisurely walkers.

If you prefer to be a spectator then you will be spoilt for choice! There is world class motor racing action at the International Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone and at the Rockingham Speedway. In Northampton, you can enjoy County Cricket, League football and Premiership Rugby Union.

There are also many theatre and music attractions. The Derngate Theatre and the Royal Theatre in Northampton are undergoing renovation and will continue to attract popular musicals, shows and plays. The Black Bottom Club and The Roadmender are also popular live music venues attracting nationally renowned artists.

Education and Schools

Nursery provision for children aged 3-4+ compares very favourably with other counties. This county maintains 9 nursery schools and 38 nursery units offering around 3,500 full and part time places.

A multi million pound investment is being made in Northampton's schools system which will help to drive standards and improve the learning environment for our pupils. This involves changing from the current three tier system to a two tier system to match school provision in the rest of the county. A Centre for learning - which will take pupils from 4 to 18 years old - is also being created.

Pupils with special educational needs are served by a range of special facilities in the county. They are supported in primary and secondary schools, special schools, special classes or units and in some cases by individual tuition.

There are independent schools in Northamptonshire at preparatory and senior level, both single sex and mixed, boarding and non-boarding.

The county's schools music service is nationally renowned and offers children the opportunity to take part in music in the country. Several of the county's bands, orchestras and choirs have won national awards.

Housing

Northamptonshire is fortunate in being able to offer both rural and urban housing.

The many villages surrounding the major towns offer rural retreats in popular stone built country houses. Northampton is currently experiencing a period of rapid development and there are some attractive modern conversions in and around the town centre for those attracted to a 'loft living' lifestyle. There are also attractive family homes in the centre of Northampton and newly built executive homes on the outskirts of the town.

The rapid growth in housing in the county demonstrates Northamptonshire's popularity as a great place to live.