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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Northamptonshire
Kettering

Loddington

Attractions and Places To See around Loddington - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Loddington, a village in Northamptonshire, England, offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by gently sloping terrain, cut by streams, and sits on ironstone beds with archaeological findings from prehistoric and Roman eras. Notable historical landmarks include Loddington Hall and the Church of England Parish Church of St Leonard, both Grade II* listed buildings. The region provides opportunities to explore historical sites, natural features, and dedicated cycling routes.

Best attractions and places to see around Loddington

  • The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake that features a cafe, public toilets, and a bike shop. It is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, offering facilities and a cycle way around the water.
  • Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, disused railway tunnels known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers due to their small bore. The former "up" line tunnel is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, requiring lights for its 480-meter length.
  • Visitors also love National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, a cycle way that offers a route from Northampton to Market Harborough, featuring two tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon. It provides an easy route between railway stations and passes through varied terrain, including tarmac and gravel sections.
  • Loddington is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and cycling routes. The area offers a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and dedicated cycling paths.
  • The attractions around Loddington are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 80 upvotes and over 30 photos, these spots are well-regarded by the komoot community.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Kelmarsh Tunnels

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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers.

The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed.

The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!

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St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington

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The church in Hannington is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul and is one of only two in England with a bisected nave; the other (at Caythorpe in Lincolnshire) had a north aisle added in Victorian times, spoiling the symmetry, and therefore this church could be considered to be unique in England.

Once a major part of village life, the church was built in the late 13th century, though it incorporates some stonework from an earlier period.

By the mid 19th century the church had fallen into a serious state of disrepair and was little more than a ruin, but thankfully in 1869 the building was restored to its former glory and a new Rectory was built alongside it. The person responsible for this was the Rector, John Downes. He personally paid for the restoration and for the building of the Rectory, now called Hannington House. It was John Downes' wife Lucy who founded the school in Hannington in 1871, and this school building still exists and is used as the Village Hall.

Ref. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire

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Eleanor Cross, Geddington

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A great route from Northampton to the picturesque town of Market Harborough and beyond, an especially easy route to and from the Railway Station in both towns. There are two tunnels, one at Kelmarsh and another at Oxendon so don't forget your lights, other things to mention are, where route 6 crosses the A5199 at the Windhover Pub to un-adopted road leading to Northampton via Windrush Way the path is tarmac, north from the Windhover is all gravel and quite bumpy in parts. If you have time why not visit Pitsford Country Park, its roughly 7 miles round some stunning countryside and you can grab drinks and eats at the Willow Tree CafƩ!

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Pitsford Water

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There is a cafe, public toilets and bike shop providing bike hire at the top of the main carpark, with open grassed areas (perfect for picnics) leading down to a childrens play area and then the main walking/cycle path around the water. To the left of the grass beside the other footpath is an accessible garden with raised beds.

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Popular around Loddington

MTB Trails around Loddington

Hiking around Loddington

Road Cycling Routes around Loddington

Cycling around Loddington

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Tips from the Community

Martin Stevens
July 1, 2025, Pitsford Water

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Paula
January 22, 2025, Pitsford Water

Easy Gravel Ride with some stunning views

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Beautiful old church, worth seeing

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When King Edward I’s beloved first wife, Eleanor of Castile, died in 1290, he spent three days in intense mourning, unable to leave the Nottinghamshire village of Harby where she died. He then led her funeral procession, journeying some 200 miles to London over many days. To commemorate Eleanor, Edward commissioned three tombs and had 12 stone crosses built to mark each place where her body rested overnight on its final journey. He employed the best masons in the land to build them. (Text from: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eleanor-cross-geddington/history/ )

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Pascoe
October 12, 2023, Kelmarsh Tunnels

Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.

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Pascoe
October 12, 2023, Kelmarsh Tunnels

You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.

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SteveP
June 24, 2023, Kelmarsh Tunnels

Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.

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Adie
August 9, 2022, Kelmarsh Tunnels

The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed. The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Loddington?

Loddington is rich in history. You can visit the 13th-century St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, known for its unique bisected nave. Further afield, the impressive Eleanor Cross, Geddington, one of the best-preserved medieval monuments, commemorates Queen Eleanor of Castile. Within Loddington itself, the historic Loddington Hall and the Church of England Parish Church of St Leonard are both Grade II* listed buildings, with parts dating back to the 13th century.

Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy near Loddington?

Yes, the area offers several natural points of interest. Pitsford Water is a large lake with a cycle way around it, offering scenic views and open grassed areas perfect for picnics. The parish itself features a gently sloping landscape cut by three parallel streams, and the area sits on ironstone beds, which were historically worked.

What cycling routes are available around Loddington?

Cyclists have several options. The National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough passes through the area, featuring two tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon. The Kelmarsh Tunnels themselves are part of the Brampton Valley Way, a former railway trackbed. For more specific routes, you can find various gravel biking and road cycling tours around Loddington, offering diverse terrain and distances. Explore options like those in the Road Cycling Routes around Loddington guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions near Loddington?

Absolutely. Pitsford Water is highly recommended, featuring a children's play area, picnic spots, and a safe cycle path. Nearby, you'll find attractions like Wicksteed Park in Kettering, a popular theme park, and West Lodge Farm Park, a rural centre with family activities. The Eleanor Cross, Geddington and St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington are also noted as family-friendly historical sites.

Are there any accessible attractions for wheelchair users?

Yes, Pitsford Water is wheelchair accessible, offering facilities and a main walking/cycle path around the water. There's also an accessible garden with raised beds near the main car park.

What kind of archaeological discoveries have been made in the Loddington area?

The area around Loddington has significant archaeological importance. Extensive ironstone quarrying in the early 20th century revealed prehistoric and Roman artifacts, including Bronze Age burials, a Roman well, and Roman pottery. There are also mentions of the deserted village of Mawsley within the parish, hinting at past settlements.

Where can I find easy hiking trails around Loddington?

For those looking for easier walks, there are several options. You can explore routes like the 'The Three Farthings Pub – Sailing on Cransley Reservoir loop' or the 'Dismantled Railway Path – Abandoned Farm Ruin loop'. These and other easy hikes can be found in the Easy hikes around Loddington guide.

What is the Allerton Project in Loddington?

The Allerton Project, run by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust since 1992, is located in Loddington. It's a pioneering initiative demonstrating how profitable farming practices can be integrated with wildlife conservation. The project has successfully shown improvements in bird species, mammal populations, and invertebrate numbers, focusing on enhancing natural capital and improving water quality.

Are there any aviation museums nearby?

Yes, for aviation enthusiasts, there are two museums within a short drive. The Sywell Aviation Museum is located near Northampton, and the Harrington Aviation Museum is even closer, just 3.1 miles away in Harrington.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Loddington?

Visitors frequently praise the diverse offerings. For instance, the Kelmarsh Tunnels are noted for their unique experience, though lights are essential. Eleanor Cross, Geddington is admired as one of the most spectacular surviving Eleanor crosses. Pitsford Water is loved for its amenities, scenic beauty, and accessibility, making it a popular spot for cycling and family outings.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?

Yes, for example, Pitsford Water has a cafe and public toilets at the top of the main car park. While specific pubs in Loddington village are not detailed, the surrounding area and nearby villages offer various options for refreshments, especially along popular cycling and hiking routes.

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