Stay at home orders have been lifted for the first time since the announcement of the third national lockdown on January 4 and residents can now meet up with up to six friends or one other household outside.
This means we can start looking forward to warmer days out in the Spring sunshine!
'Northamptonshire Britain's Best Surprise' have compiled over 20 top outdoor attractions in Northamptonshire that can be visited now that stay at home restrictions have lifted.
Here are some of their best recommendations so you can start planning your Easter holidays:
5. Delapre Abbey
This town centre Abbey is set in expansive gardens and the Walled Garden and dog / family friendly grounds remain open throughout April. Also available is the on-site ‘Common Ground’ for takeaways. The wonderful team at Delapré Abbey are committed to giving back to the local community and have widened access to heritage and culture through partnerships with organisations such as Warts and All Theatre. Nearby is one of the few Queen Eleanor Crosses as her body rested here on its route to London in 1290. As soon as restaurants reopen, combine a weekend visit to Delapre with dinner at AA rosette-awarded Hibiscus; located in the Abbey’s Billiard Room and recently crowned Booker Dining Venue of the year at the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. Photo: Chalk Original
6. East Carlton Countryside Park - Corby
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Welland Valley, Corby’s East Carlton Country Park is the highest rated of Northamptonshire’s country parks on Tripadvisor and for good reason. Lots of walking options, through fine mature woodland and grasslands, and a varied habitat with a great variety of wildlife. The Hall is unfortunately not open but can be viewed from the park which also has a children’s play area and takeaway teas and coffees when visiting in April. When restaurants reopen, combine your visit with lunch at the Tresham Restaurant at Rushton Hall or the Italian Market Kitchen, Rothwell. Photo: East Carlton Countryside Park
7. Evenly Wood Garden - Brackley
This beautiful, 60-acre private woodland is set in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley, and has stayed open throughout the past year. For families visiting this April, don’t miss takeaways from Uncle Geordie’s Shed, and the popular Easter Eggstravaganza (Easter Trail). Photo: Evenly Wood Garden
8. Fineshade Wood, Rockingham Forest
Top Lodge is at the entrance to Fineshade Woods. A great wood for all the family, really accessible too. Eco-facilities, nice children's play area, lovely walks and views, dog friendly, takeaway teas and coffees. The wonderful Fermynwoods gallery space ‘The Arches’ reopens here in May too.