Things to do

At A Glance Clipston is a small Northamptonshire village with a medieval church, a conservation area, and the 14 Acres estate, 10 minutes from Market Harborough. Medieval parish church of All Saints at the heart of the village The Bulls Head pub on the high street (4.7 Tripadvisor, 240+ reviews, #1 in Clipston) Clipston ConservationContinue reading "Top 5 Things to Do in Clipston: A Hidden Gem in the East Midlands"

At A Glance The Clipston Conservation Area covers the historic core of the village, including the medieval church and 17th-18th century stone houses along the high street. Conservation Area status protects the historic village core All Saints Church dates to the 13th century Cromwell Monument (Battle of Naseby site) a short walk away The CottageContinue reading "Exploring the Clipston Conservation Area: A Hidden Gem in the East Midlands"

At A Glance The Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2026 runs 3-6 September; The Cottage is 40 minutes from the estate and a romantic base for couples attending. Dates: Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026 Day passes: £18 advance, £21 on gate; season tickets available The Cottage is 40 minutes from Burghley, ideal for couplesContinue reading "Top Hotels for Burleigh Horse Trials: Best Places to Stay Near the Event"

At A Glance The Northampton Balloon Festival is a highlight of the Northamptonshire summer — a 30-minute drive from The Cottage. Annual summer event; night-glow display the standout moment 30 minutes from The Cottage in Clipston Family-friendly with picnic areas, food stalls, and activities Stay at The Cottage (sleeps 4) or book the whole estateContinue reading "Northampton Balloon Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know"

At A Glance The Cottage is a 40-minute drive from Burghley House and sleeps 4, a romantic base for couples attending the Horse Trials. 3-6 September 2026; one of 7 five-star eventing competitions in the world The Cottage sleeps 4; book The Barn (8) and The Loft (6) for groups 40-minute drive from Burghley gateContinue reading "Burghley Horse Trials Stays: Top Hotels, Countryside Lodges & Cottages Nearby"

At A Glance Market Harborough is one of Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the Midlands 2026, 10 minutes from The Cottage. Sunday Times Best Places to Live in the Midlands 2026 Markets on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday; indoor market year-round Ascough’s Bistro widely rated one of the best restaurants in Leicestershire Old GrammarContinue reading "Things to Do in Market Harborough: A Day Out Near The Cottage"

At A Glance Pitsford Reservoir is a 7-mile circular walking and cycling trail 15 minutes from The Cottage, with bike hire on site at Brixworth Country Park. 7-mile Pitsford Water Trail around the reservoir Bike hire on-site at Brixworth Cycle Hire Willow Tree Café at Brixworth Country Park Excellent fishing (perch, pike, carp); boat hireContinue reading "Pitsford Reservoir: Scenic Walks and Wildlife Near The Cottage"

At A Glance The National Space Centre in Leicester is one of the best indoor family days out in the UK, 40 minutes from The Cottage. Real rockets, planetarium, and hands-on exhibits Budget 4-5 hours for a full visit 40 minutes from The Cottage; easy by car Combine with the King Richard III Visitor CentreContinue reading "National Space Centre Leicester: A Day Trip from The Cottage"

At A Glance Brixworth Country Park sits at the south end of Pitsford Reservoir with a café, play area, bike hire, and the full Pitsford Water Trail, 15 minutes from The Cottage. Main car park open 6am-10pm daily; blue badge free parking 7-mile Pitsford Water Trail circular path Willow Tree Café, children’s play area, Ranger-ledContinue reading "Brixworth Country Park: Walks and Wildlife Near The Cottage"

At A Glance Cathorpe Manor Estate is a Northamptonshire heritage property near Clipston, an easy afternoon visit from The Cottage. Historic manor estate in rural Northamptonshire Short drive from The Cottage in Clipston Combine with a Market Harborough lunch Suits guests who enjoy country house visits Part of the wider Northamptonshire stately home circuit StayingContinue reading "Cathorpe Manor Estate: A Historic Gem Near The Cottage"