Attractions and Places To See around Ravensthorpe - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ravensthorpe offer a mix of natural landscapes and historical features. The region provides opportunities to explore scenic lakes, tranquil forests, and disused railway tunnels. With 3 notable highlights, Ravensthorpe is a destination for diverse outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Ravensthorpe
- The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake that features a cafe, bike hire, and a children's play area. It offers a main walking and cycle path around the water, suitable for family friendly things to do Ravensthorpe.
- Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, disused railway tunnels. These unlit tunnels are 480 meters long and form part of the Brampton Valley Way, requiring lights for passage.
- Visitors also love Daventry Country Park Reservoir, a lake with a popular trail. This park includes a cafe, adventure playground, and nature trail, making it a great option for family friendly things to do Ravensthorpe.
- Ravensthorpe is known for its lakes, forests, and historical trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The attractions around Ravensthorpe are appreciated by the komoot community, with 83 upvotes and 31 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Kelmarsh Tunnels
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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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Harlestone Firs
Highlight • Forest
There is roadside parking in front of the main entrance, though this can get full quickly on a nice day or at the weekend. An ice cream van parks here most busy days, selling the local Gallone's ice cream, along with all the classics.
You can also visit the garden centre 328 feet (100 m) down from the forest entrance, where there is a cafe, shops and toilets.
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Daventry Country Park Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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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 area is great, lots of paths and variety, but the route given sticks to busy roads where you have to keep your dog on a lead. It also directs you down a private drive with no public right of way. Come to the area and follow your nose, not this route.
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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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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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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ravensthorpe?
Yes, several attractions are great for families. Pitsford Water features a children's play area, bike hire, and a cafe, with a main walking and cycle path around the water. Daventry Country Park Reservoir also offers an adventure playground, a nature trail, and a cafe, making it another excellent choice for a family day out.
What kind of natural features can I explore near Ravensthorpe?
The Ravensthorpe area is rich in natural landscapes, primarily featuring lakes and forests. You can visit Pitsford Water and Daventry Country Park Reservoir, both offering scenic trails around their respective lakes. For forest exploration, Harlestone Firs provides miles of criss-crossing paths through woodland.
Are there any unique historical sites or trails to discover?
Absolutely. The Kelmarsh Tunnels are a unique historical feature. These disused railway tunnels, 480 meters long and unlit, form part of the Brampton Valley Way. They were known as 'the rat-holes' by train drivers due to their small bore. Remember to bring lights if you plan to pass through them.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Ravensthorpe is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Holdenby to Althorp Track loop' or 'Winwick Byway' (Running Trails around Ravensthorpe). For cycling, there are gravel biking routes such as the 'Brampton Valley Way' (Gravel biking around Ravensthorpe) and road cycling routes like 'The Workhouse Café – Harrington Hill Climb' (Road Cycling Routes around Ravensthorpe).
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Pitsford Water is noted as wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible garden with raised beds near the main walking/cycle path. Daventry Country Park Reservoir also offers accessible bird hides, contributing to an inclusive experience.
Where can I find parking when visiting attractions in the area?
Parking is available at several key attractions. Pitsford Water has a main carpark. For Harlestone Firs, there is roadside parking in front of the main entrance, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. Daventry Country Park Reservoir is also easily accessible by car.
Are there dog-friendly walking spots around Ravensthorpe?
Yes, Harlestone Firs is an excellent choice for dog owners, offering miles of paths to explore. While some routes might stick to busy roads, the forest itself provides ample space for walks with your dog.
What facilities, like cafes or toilets, are available at these attractions?
Many attractions offer convenient facilities. Pitsford Water has a cafe, public toilets, and a bike shop. Daventry Country Park Reservoir also features a cafe, adventure playground, and picnic spots. Near Harlestone Firs, you can find a garden centre with a cafe, shops, and toilets.
What should I pack for exploring trails like the Kelmarsh Tunnels?
If you plan to explore the Kelmarsh Tunnels, it is critical to bring lights. The tunnels are unlit and 480 meters long, so good illumination is essential for safe passage, especially if cycling.
Are there any circular walks or trails around the lakes?
Yes, both Pitsford Water and Daventry Country Park Reservoir offer popular trails that loop around their respective lakes, providing scenic circular routes for walking and cycling.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ravensthorpe?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. The community frequently upvotes and shares photos of the scenic lakes, tranquil forests, and historical trails. The presence of cafes, play areas, and accessible paths at places like Pitsford Water and Daventry Country Park Reservoir also contributes to a positive experience.
Are there any longer distance cycling routes that pass through the area?
Yes, the National Cycle Route 6 runs from Northampton to Market Harborough, passing through the Ravensthorpe area. This route includes sections of the Brampton Valley Way and features tunnels like those at Kelmarsh, requiring lights for passage. It offers a mix of tarmac and gravel surfaces.
Most popular attractions around Ravensthorpe
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