Fotheringhay; A Magical Place Full of History!

There can be few counties in England with quite such a fascinating past as Northamptonshire, let alone one with so many historic houses, fine churches and monuments.

To the north and east lies Rockingham Forest, once annexed by William the Conqueror as his personal hunting ground and still with large tracts of woodland. It is excellent touring country, dotted with unspoilt pretty stone villages and the attractions of Rockingham Castle, Thomas Tresham's follies, Kirby Hall and the ancient market towns of Oundle and Stamford to name but a few.

Here, as with elsewhere in the county, water is a special feature of the quiet rolling countryside and the rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs will keep many a fisherman and birdwatcher happy. Ramblers, golfers and horse riders are also well catered for.

In the south and west you'll find other hidden treasures such as Althrop, Cannons Ashby, Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Sulgrave Manor. These, together with a variety of gardens, animal parks, antique, craft and farm shops, pubs and restaurants provide a thoroughly relaxing and richly rewarding holiday experience.

Local Places of Interest

St Mary's and all Saints Church, Fotheringhay

Almost on cathedral scale and dating from the 15th Century, with a mass of windows. A former collegiate church reduced to half its size in the reign of Edward VI. Superb riverside position.

Burghley House  - The home of the Cecil family for over 400 years. The house is situated on the edge of the town of Stamford within a Deer Park landscaped by Capability Brown. There are 18 magnificent state rooms open to visitors filled with fine pictures, furniture, porcelain, tapestries and painted ceilings. The house is open seven days a week from Easter to early October.

Rockingham Castle  - Built by William the Conqueror. Still the home of the Watson family as it has been since 1530. Fine rooms with furniture, pictures, china and armour, collected over 400 years. Commanding views over four counties. 12 acres of gardens. Gift shop and teas.

Elton Hall - House dating back to 1474, lived in by the Proby family since the early 17th century. Fascinating mixture of styles, reflecting the tastes and interests of succeeding generations. Many art treasures. Gardens and teas.

Peterborough Cathedral  - A monastic church founded by King Peada in 655 AD, destroyed by the Danes in 870, rebuilt as part of a Benedictine Abbey and re-consecrated in 972, burned down in an accidental fire in 1116 and re-built in its present form between 1118 and 1238. In 1539 the monastery was closed by Henry VIII, but 18 months later in 1541, the church became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Peterborough, with the last abbot as the new bishop, and Peterborough became a city.

Fotheringhay is in a central position with easy access to main roads and main towns, East of England Showground , Oundle School  and Uppingham School.

Ready to book? The please go to our Castle Farm Guest House contact page.