Things to do

The Short Answer Melton Mowbray calls itself the Rural Capital of Food and has the credentials to back it: the pork pie has held Protected Geographical Indication status since 2008, and Stilton is still made at Tuxford & Tebbutt, one of only six dairies licensed to make it. The town has held a Tuesday marketContinue reading "Melton Mowbray: A Food Day Out from Market Harborough"

The Short Answer Oundle is a limestone market town on the River Nene in North Northamptonshire, roughly forty minutes from Clipston. It has held a market charter since 972, the tallest church spire in Northamptonshire at 210 feet, and a 17th-century coaching inn rebuilt from the stones of Fotheringhay Castle. It is small enough toContinue reading "Oundle: A Georgian Market Town Day Trip from Market Harborough"

The Short Answer Stanford Hall is a Grade I listed country house of the 1690s, built for Sir Roger Cave by William Smith of Warwick, on the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire border near Lutterworth. The River Avon runs through the grounds. The same family has held it since 1792, and it is best known to aviationContinue reading "Stanford Hall, Lutterworth: Visitor Guide and the Pilcher Story"

The Short Answer Sywell Country Park is a former Victorian waterworks turned country park on the edge of Ecton, north-east of Northampton. The main draw is the 2.5 mile (4km) blue trail around Sywell Reservoir, a flat, well-surfaced circuit that takes most people about an hour and a half at a walking pace. There isContinue reading "Sywell Country Park: Walks, Wildlife and the Reservoir Circuit"

The Short Answer Foxton Locks is a flight of ten staircase locks on the Grand Union Canal, about three miles from Market Harborough and roughly ten to fifteen minutes from The Cottage at Clipston. It is one of the easiest big days out for a couple: a flat towpath walk, romantic getaway for two watersideContinue reading "Foxton Locks: A Canal Walk & Pub Lunch for Two"

The Short Answer Bradgate Park is Leicestershire’s largest country park: 830 acres of open heath, a wild herd of around 550 deer, the Old John folly on the skyline and the ruins where Lady Jane Grey grew up. It opens daily from 8am until dusk and is free to enter, with pay-and-display parking at NewtownContinue reading "Bradgate Park: Deer, Old John & a Romantic Walk"

The Short Answer Delapre Abbey is a former Cluniac nunnery turned country house just south of Northampton, sitting on a protected Wars of the Roses battlefield from 1460. The grounds and parkland are free to wander, while a day ticket into the historic house costs around £8 (under 18s free). Go on a Wednesday, ThursdayContinue reading "Delapre Abbey: Gardens, History & a Slow Day Out"

The Short Answer Rutland Water is England’s largest reservoir and one of the loveliest slow days out you can give yourselves as a couple. Hire a pair of bikes at Whitwell, ride the flat traffic-free family trail to Normanton Church, share lunch at a waterside cafe, then head back. Parking is around £2 an hourContinue reading "Rutland Water: A Couples’ Day Out by the Water"

The Short Answer Burghley House is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses, sitting just south of Stamford. Pair the 18 State Rooms with the Garden of Surprises and Sculpture Garden, then walk the free Capability Brown deer park hand in hand. Book online for up to 10 percent off, arrive for the 10:30am house opening,Continue reading "Burghley House: A Romantic Day Out & Garden Guide"

The Short Answer Stamford is a honey-coloured Georgian town on the Lincolnshire border, about 40 minutes from The Cottage near Market Harborough. It is one of England’s prettiest stone towns, with over 600 listed buildings, five medieval churches, an antiques centre, independent cafes and Burghley House on its doorstep. For a couples retreat cottage‘ dayContinue reading "Stamford: A Couples’ Day Trip to England’s Stone Town"