Attractions and Places To See around Mears Ashby - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mears Ashby include historical landmarks and rural landscapes. This Northamptonshire village features traditional English architecture, with older cottages built from local ironstone and sandstone. The area offers a mix of cultural sites and natural points of interest, providing opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Mears Ashby
- The most popular attractions is Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, a historical site that offers shops, cafes, and a deli with locally sourced products. Visitors can find gifts, antiques, and footwear, alongside dining options.
- Another must-see spot is National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, a trail suitable for cycling between Northampton and Market Harborough. This route includes two tunnels and offers access to Pitsford Country Park.
- Visitors also love Nene Whitewater Centre, a cafe located at the UK's first pumped, artificial whitewater course. It provides activities for various skill levels and features a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Mears Ashby is known for historical sites, recreational facilities, and scenic trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cultural landmarks to outdoor activities.
- The attractions around Mears Ashby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard
Highlight • Historical Site
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Nene Whitewater Centre
Highlight • Cafe
Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington
Highlight • Historical Site
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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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pitsford Water
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The Nene Whitewater Centre is the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course, offering activities for all skill levels – from families to seasoned kayakers. Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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Gentle hill climb, good view of the Castle and a nice coffee and cake at the cafe Little shops nice to look round too
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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 Café!
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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. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Mears Ashby?
Mears Ashby is rich in history. You can visit the Grade II* listed Jacobean Manor House, Mears Ashby Hall, built in 1637. The medieval All Saints Church, dating from the 12th century, features a rare Viking Cross Wheel window. Don't miss The Town Well, an integral part of the village's heritage, or the poignant WWII Bomber Crash Memorial. Additionally, the nearby Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard offers a historical setting with shops and cafes, and St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, is a unique 13th-century church with a bisected nave.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Mears Ashby?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard provides a pleasant outing with shops, cafes, and space to explore. The Nene Whitewater Centre offers various activities suitable for different skill levels, alongside a cafe. Pitsford Water is also family-friendly, featuring a cafe, public toilets, bike hire, open grassed areas for picnics, and a children's play area.
What natural features and scenic spots can I find in the Mears Ashby area?
The village itself is surrounded by the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside. You can observe the local ironstone and sandstone architecture of the older cottages. Swans' Pool Brook is the notable stream flowing through the village, and Ashby Furze covers several acres in the northeast. For larger natural areas, Pitsford Water offers scenic views and a circular path, and Sywell Reservoir is accessible via footpaths from Mears Ashby.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Mears Ashby?
The area around Mears Ashby is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy routes around Sywell Reservoir. For cycling, the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough passes nearby, offering a trail with tunnels and access to Pitsford Country Park. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Mears Ashby guide or the MTB Trails around Mears Ashby guide for mountain biking options.
Are there any easy walking routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The path around Pitsford Water is generally accessible and suitable for a leisurely stroll. You can also find easy hikes, such as the Sywell Reservoir loop, which is about 4.6 km. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Mears Ashby guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mears Ashby?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical charm and outdoor opportunities. For instance, the Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard is loved for its deli with locally sourced products and unique shops. The Nene Whitewater Centre is praised for its activities and its cafe, which is perfect for walkers and cyclists. The scenic beauty and accessibility of places like Pitsford Water also receive high marks from the community.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard hosts a deli and The Buttery, a traditional tea room. The Nene Whitewater Centre has a fantastic cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. At Pitsford Water, you'll find a cafe near the main car park. The village of Mears Ashby itself also has local pubs.
Are there any unique architectural features in Mears Ashby?
Mears Ashby is notable for its traditional English village architecture. Many older cottages are built from local ironstone and sandstone, reflecting the geology of the area. The village layout is also distinctive, described as an unusual 'box-shaped' format with intersecting lanes. Mears Ashby Hall is a prime example of Jacobean architecture.
Where can I find information about the history of Mears Ashby village?
For a deeper dive into the village's history, you can explore resources like the Mears Ashby Parish Council website. It provides details on landmarks such as Mears Ashby Hall, All Saints Church, and the Town Well. You can find more information at mearsashby-pc.gov.uk.
Is there a specific cycle route connecting Northampton to Market Harborough?
Yes, the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough is a dedicated trail for cyclists. This route includes two tunnels (at Kelmarsh and Oxendon) and offers access to Pitsford Country Park, making it a popular choice for a longer ride.
What is the significance of the Nene Whitewater Centre?
The Nene Whitewater Centre holds the distinction of being the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course. It provides a range of activities for all skill levels, from families to experienced kayakers, and is a hub for water sports enthusiasts in the region.
Most popular attractions around Mears Ashby
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