The Hill Farm House is a unique marquee wedding venue that offers couples the perfect setting to mark their special occasions. Located in the village of Brigstock, wedding guests can find plenty of local accommodation and explore several of the adjacent towns whilst staying in the area.
The following local areas offer some great opportunities for exploring.
Guests won’t have to travel too far from the Hill Farm House’s serene setting to find many of the best places in Brigstock. First settled during the Bronze Age, many of the village’s structures have been standing since the Middle Ages and serve as reminders of Brigstock’s illustrious history.
Brigstock’s ties to the British Royal Family is perhaps one of the village’s most alluring attributes. Queen Elizabeth I, who reigned during the latter half of the 16th century, had a cross in the old village’s centre erected in her honour after having passed through the community. Rockingham Forest was once used as a royal hunting ground and only remains partially intact today.
One of the village’s most iconic structures is the Anglo-Saxon church known as St. Andrew. The church’s stone structure and bell stair tower are indicative of an old-world architectural style. Inside the church sits a memorial for Robert Vernon, who served as MP for Northampton and belonged to the Whig political party.
The Brigstock Cricket Meadow often hosts games played by opposing teams. Some of the village’s most beautiful historic homes sit next to the field and create the perfect backdrop for a tournament.
Just outside of Brigstock’s main centre is Fermyn Woods Country Park. This wooded area offers visitors the chance to bask in a peaceful outdoor setting. Spacious meadows and ponds that are great for fishing can be found in many sections of the park. A children’s playground gives young visitors more opportunities for fun. Fermyn Woods Country Park is also home to butterflies, lizards, toads and other fascinating wildlife creatures. An on-site cafe offers salads, pastries, tea and other refreshments.
Another place that is just beyond Brigstock’s main centre that is worth visiting is the old property known as Lyveden. A summer home, which remains unfinished, was supposed to serve as a residence for Sir Thomas Tresham in the 17th century and now sits as an open-air structure that can be explored. Lyveden also has the distinction of having one of the oldest garden landscapes in England. Open-air music concerts are also held here during the summer. The picturesque setting creates the perfect atmosphere for walking, jogging or sitting out on a sunny day.
Corby has a more progressive nature than many of the other towns and villages in the area. The rapidly growing population has greatly influenced the town’s development. Once a hub for Scottish steelworkers, Corby earned the name “Little Scotland” and still maintains many of the cultural influences to this day. One of the best aspects to visiting Corby is that there are many attractions and plenty of other fun things to do.
Corby is one of the best places for children and features many fun attractions that are geared towards their age level. The Race Club Carting is one of the premier go-karting facilities in all of Northampton and includes a track that is designed for both safety and excitement. Children and teenagers who want to go bouncing can visit the indoor trampoline park known as Planet Bounce Corby. On a rainy day, indoor sports can be played at Cheeky Monkees.
One of the best ways to learn about the city’s history and local culture is by visiting the Corby Heritage Centre. Housed inside a building that was constructed in the 17th century, the venue hosts many art and music exhibitions throughout the year that are free to the public. The building is situated in the historic section of the town known as Corby Old Village and gives visitors access to in-depth information about the location’s history.
Kirby Hall serves as one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture and has become a signature landmark in Corby. This historic home was once the residence of Sir Christopher Hatton, who had the honour of being Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. Inside the home, exquisite state rooms and regal décor pieces help tell the story of the property’s intriguing past. Just outside the front entrance sits a lavish garden. Visitors can take an audio tour of the home and walk around the premises at their leisure.
Corby is also a great town for sports enthusiasts. The Corby Town F.C. football team hold their matches locally before enthusiastic spectators. The Corby East Midlands International Pool is a world-class swimming facility complete with an Olympic-size swimming pool along with other smaller pools. Exciting motor races can often be seen on the track of the Rockingham Motor Speedway.
Anyone who wants to spend some time in nature can pay a visit to the East Carlton Country Park. This point of interest is one of the best places to go for a picnic on a sunny day. A duck pond, children’s playground and petanque court can be found within the park. The Heritage Village, which sits on the park’s grounds and is located inside an old coach and stables house, provides more in-depth information on Corby’s history and steel and iron industries. Finewood Shade is another local wilderness area that is worth exploring and is complete with walking, cycling and horseback riding trails.
The town of Kettering can best be described as one of the UK’s premier centres for fun and entertainment. Kettering has also played an important role in the boot, shoe, clothing and engineering industries, which helped spur the town’s growth. The local family-friendly attractions are ideal for both adults and children and can add to the excitement of attending a wedding at the Hill Farm House in nearby Brigstock.
Many of the local attractions are particularly appealing for small children. Kids Play Kettering is an indoor entertainment venue that features a carousel, ball pool and climbing wall. Bugtopia gives young visitors the chance to interact with some crawly creatures. Children can also make some new farm animal friends by touring the West Lodge Rural Centre. Young explorers can try their luck at treasure hunting at Hunt Fun Kettering.
Wickseed Park is a popular amusement park that comprises 147 acres of parkland. The Playground, Fairground, Lakeside and Arena sections of the park feature various rides and other types of entertainment. A rollercoaster, log flume and other types of rides are suitable for riders of different ages and height measurements. A miniature train ride along the Wickseed Park Railway takes young guests around the Lakeside section.
Kettering is also known as a shopper’s paradise and features many small shops and immaculate retail centres. Visitors in Kettering can go to Newlands Centre to check out the department stores and specialty shops that sell a variety of practical goods. Kettering Retail Park includes several stores and well-known eateries. Several unique shops along with restaurants that serve international cuisines can be found at the Cultural Quarter. The Yards has many specialty items for sale inside the centre’s independent shops and microbusinesses.
Another perk to visiting Kettering is its easy accessibility thanks to the town’s extensive public transportation network. The town’s railway station provides rail service to and from many of the local towns as well as to bigger cities in England. City buses travel to many of Kettering’s top points of interest.
Situated along the River Nene is the historic town of Oundle. Many of the town’s most impressive historic homes line North Street, and many of these stone houses date back more than 300 years. Oundle’s genesis can be traced back to the Iron Age when the town served as an important trading post for farmers and artisans. Culture and history enthusiasts can find several places in the town that are sure to be to their liking.
The Talbot Hotel offers comfortable accommodations and is a remarkable landmark in itself. Remnants from Fotheringhay Castle were used to build the hotel in 1626. Many people believe that the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, who was put to death in Fotheringhay Castle, still roams the premises.
St. Peter’s Church is another impressive landmark that still serves as an important place of worship. This church boasts the tallest spire in all of Northamptonshire. Everyone is invited to attend services or tour the inside of the church to see beautiful religious artworks.
More details about the town’s history and culture can be learned about by visiting the local museums. A building that was once used as a courthouse now houses the Oundle Museum, which contains relics dating from prehistoric to contemporary times. The Dolby Gallery is the place to go to see unique contemporary artworks that include paintings, ceramics and fused glass pieces.
Oundle is also home to one of the world’s oldest public markets to still be in operation. The Market Place plays host to a weekly open-air market that features more than 20 vendor stalls each Thursday. These stalls sell a vast array of fresh food items along with other useful merchandise. Part of the sales proceeds goes towards helping charities in the area. During the summer months, live outdoor music and outdoor films are showcased at this location to the public.
In addition to its awe-inspiring landmarks, Oundle stages many entertaining festivals each year. Some of Great Britain’s most talented filmmakers, organists and other performance artists showcase their masterpieces to live audiences during the Oundle International Festival in July. Anyone who visits in October can travel a short distance to the village of Ashton to watch the World Conker Championships. The Oundle Festival of Literature consists of year-round programmes that are suitable for different reading levels.
Officially established in the year 1205, the quaint town of Thrapston received its charter from a trade involving two riding horses. Much of Thraptson has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history and gives visitors the chance to feel as though they are stepping back through time.
Each summer, Thrapston hosts an elaborate charter fair in honour of the town’s founding. Festivities in the streets provide entertainment for all attendees. Food, music and other live performances help create a celebratory atmosphere that adds even more excitement to the summer season.
The Church of St. James is listed as a Grade II historical building and considered to be a focal landmark in the town. The church’s current building dates back to the 13th century, but much of the structure seen today was reconstructed in the 19th century. Beautiful stained-glass windows show depictions of important religious figures. Other notable features of the church include a limestone ashlar nave and a series of marble tablets with inscriptions.
There are certain areas in and around the town that are ideal for outdoor activities. The rolling hills that surround Thrapston provide excellent conditions for hiking and cycling. A scenic stroll can be taken around the Thrapston-Islip walk to see birds and other charming animals that are indigenous to the area. Many people consider Lake Elenor to be one of the best local fishing spots.
Just a quick trip outside of town leads to the Rockingham Castle and Gardens. The castle’s construction was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. After more than 400 years in existence, Henry VII abandoned the castle in 1485 before the Watson family eventually took ownership. Today, the castle can be toured by guests who want to learn more about its royal history. Extensive gardens surrounding the castle create a setting reminiscent of a fairytale.
Another popular attraction that is located just beyond the town’s centre is Stanwick Lakes. This family-friendly fun spot allows children to enjoy water play and even has its own small steam and water wheels. Children also have access to a sand play area as well as a large slide and climbing tower. In addition to the outdoor area, Stanwick Lakes features the nautical-inspired Hideaway indoor play facility.
One of the best places to go shopping in Thrapston is the Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre. Stores here sell everything from big-brand fashions to merchandise from local independent businesses. Shoppers can also grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site eateries while on the go. The Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre sits adjacent to the Nene Wetlands and offers easy access to walking and cycling trails.
Distances From:
Corby: 4.8 miles via A6116
Kettering: 10.2 miles via A4300 | A6116
Oundle: 7.3 miles via Harley Way
Thrapston: 6.3 miles via A6116
View our list of local accommodation providers within easy reach of our wedding venue.
Our accommodation list includes hotels, bed & breakfasts, pubs with rooms and starts in Brigstock expanding outwards towards Corby, Kettering and Oundle.