Our lovely village of Yardley Hastings is renowned for its character and beautiful countryside. Part of the Castle Ashby Estate, we are surrounded by fields, woods, glorious views, historic architecture & grazing sheep. Yardley, meaning ‘fenced meadow’, affixed the name Hastings following the death of Sir Henry de Hastings in 1250. As he had inherited the Manor of the village, the family name was used after his death to distinguish the village from other Yardleys (i.e. Gobion)

We are easily accessible from London & just over an hour away from Oxford, Cambridge and Birmingham.

Our nearest railway stations are Wellingborough, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton. If you are travelling by car, leave the motorway at J14 or J15 of the M1 to join the A45.

Whether you are on a country escape or a fleeting visit, we have compiled a selection of our favourite places to help you make the most of your trip.

yardley hastings & castle ashby circular

A picturesque 5.6 mile walk starting at the Art Centre. Consisting of mainly fields & quiet country roads, this loop will bring you back to the village where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in one of our local pubs.

With miles of rolling countryside to explore, ‘Northamptonshire Walks’ has detailed directions for over 200 scenic routes.

For directions and other local walks click here

ROSE & CROWN, YARDLEY HASTINGS

Whether you are enjoying a drink, a casual meal or celebrating an occaision, Claire & Kelvin look forward to welcoming you to their traditional, family run pub.

Walk-ins are welcome and ‘dog friendly tables’ are available on booking, making this an ideal pit stop after walking the Yardley Hastings & Castle Ashby Circular.

For contact details and booking click here

the red lion, YARDLEY HASTINGS

With a children’s play area just over the road & dogs welcome, this thatched country pub is ideal for drinks and dining all year round.

Easy access to link roads and motorhome stopovers available on enquiry make this a great family friendly pit stop.

For contact details and booking click here

CASTLE ASHBY GARDENS

Castle Ashby is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton, with gradens spanning 35 acres.

With a Tearoom, menagerie and children’s play area, Castle Ashby has something to offer for visitors of all ages.

To find out more click here

the rural shopping yard, castle ashby

Explore the gardens and relax over a morning coffee, brunch with friends or indulge in an afternoon tea.

The old converted farm buildings are now home to a variety of shops where you will find gifts for any occaision.

For opening times click here

the falcon, castle ashby

A former coaching inn built in 1594, The Falcon has been restored in to a hotel, restaurant and wellbeing retreat.

From yoga & open water swimming, to afternoon tea & cocktails, The Falcon promises rest & renewal.

For more information click here

althorp house

A Grade I listed stately home held by the Spencer family for more than 500 years.

Althorp House is the former home of Lady Diana Spencer (Princess Diana) and is open in the summer months to visitors who wish to view the memorial.

For opening times click here

northampton & lamport railway

NLR is a steam and heritage diesel tourist railway, running a line of approx 1.5 miles from Pitsford & Brampton Station.

NLR is run by volunteers who work to restore the rolling stock & host events throughout the year.

To view opening times and events c lick here

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

Situated in the Cultural Quarter of Northampton, The Royal was opened in 1884 and now consists of the Royal Theatre, Derngate Theatre & the Northampton Filmhouse.

Nominated as Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2022, it is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northampton.

To view what’s on click here

northampton museum & art gallery

Given the town’s historical shoe-making industry, it will come as no surprise that the museum is home to over 15,000 pairs of shoes, making it one of the largest collections in the world.

Aside from footwear, the museum boasts a wide range of collections including fine art, decorative art, military, ethnography & archaeology.

For more information click here