Best attractions and places to see around Clipston include a blend of historical landmarks, natural settings, and cultural sites in West Northamptonshire. The village is surrounded by countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore historical buildings, tranquil conservation areas, and significant natural features like medieval earthworks. The area provides a variety of experiences for those interested in history, nature, and local culture.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Things to do Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat. Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton: Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only) Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history Guided walks, themed activities and events Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61. source: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/foxton-locks-leicestershire
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The basin marks the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm, situated at the base of Foxton Locks. Foxton Locks is the 'staircase' of ten canal locks. This flight of locks was built in the early 19th century to enable canal boats to navigate the steep incline. The locks are arranged in two groups of five, allowing boats to ascend or descend the hill.
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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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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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Clipston offers a rich history with several notable sites. You can visit All Saints Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the early 13th century, featuring monuments to the Buswell family. The Baptist Chapel, built in 1803, also showcases interesting architecture. Additionally, you can find medieval earthworks, including ridge and furrow, to the north, south-west, and south-east of the village, offering insights into historical agricultural practices.
Yes, Clipston is surrounded by beautiful countryside perfect for walking and cycling. A popular option is the Clipston to Naseby Trail, which offers stunning views. For cyclists, the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough passes nearby and includes two tunnels that require lights. You can also explore the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile trail along a former railway trackbed. For more detailed routes, check out the hiking guide around Clipston or the gravel biking guide.
The area around Clipston is characterized by vast skies, emerald hills, rolling hills, and sprawling woodlands. You can enjoy picturesque countryside views along trails like the Clipston to Naseby Trail. A natural spring on the western side of the village flows into the river south-east of Langdale House, adding to the natural charm. The Clipston Conservation Area also provides tranquil open gardens and unspoiled village scenery.
Absolutely. A short drive from Clipston, Foxton Locks is a fantastic family-friendly destination. It features a staircase of ten canal locks, scenic canal walks, two pubs, two cafés, and a museum. It's also great for nature spotting, with herons, swans, and kingfishers. The site offers boat trips, day boat hire, guided walks, and a summer events program. The St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth is also listed as family-friendly.
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels that are part of the Brampton Valley Way. They are 480 meters long and unlit, so you will definitely need lights if you plan to walk or cycle through them. The surface is decent, but it's advisable to take it slow, especially as others might be on foot without lights.
The village of Clipston has The Bull's Head, a traditional pub dating back to the 17th century, which is a central part of the community. Nearby, at Foxton Locks, you'll find two pubs and two cafés, including the Top Lock Cottage café and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61, offering various options for refreshments and meals.
Clipston's beautiful countryside is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, when the weather is most favorable for walking, cycling, and exploring. During these seasons, you can fully appreciate the emerald hills and sprawling woodlands. However, the area also offers charm in winter for those who enjoy crisp, cooler walks.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes in the vicinity. For example, the hiking guide around Clipston lists an easy route called "Great Oxendon Tunnel – Jurassic Way Footpath loop from Great Oxendon," which is approximately 6 km long. The general countryside around Clipston also offers many gentle paths suitable for leisurely strolls.
Foxton Locks is a historic and engineering marvel, featuring a unique staircase of ten canal locks. This flight of locks was built in the early 19th century to allow canal boats to navigate a steep incline. It's a popular spot for its rich heritage, scenic canal walks, and the remains of the Inclined Boat Lift, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The basin itself marks the convergence point of the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal and the Market Harborough arm.
Yes, the extensive countryside and numerous trails around Clipston are generally dog-friendly. Many of the walking routes, including sections of the Brampton Valley Way and the Clipston to Naseby Trail, are suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially near livestock, and follow local guidelines for waste disposal.
Clipston is a rural village, and while local bus services may connect it to nearby towns like Market Harborough, public transport options directly to specific attractions might be limited. It's often recommended to check local bus schedules for connections to Clipston or nearby Market Harborough. For detailed travel planning, you might find information on the local council's transport pages or by checking services like Traveline.
Beyond Clipston itself, you can easily access the Naseby Battlefield, a significant site from the English Civil War, offering a deeper dive into the area's historical intrigue. Additionally, the historic village of Arthingworth, just north of the Brampton Valley Way, features the impressive St Andrew's Church, a Grade II*-listed building from the 12th and 14th centuries.


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