Attractions and Places To See around Litchborough - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Litchborough include historic landmarks and rural landscapes in West Northamptonshire. This historic village offers a blend of cultural sites and natural features, reflecting its rich past and countryside setting. Visitors can explore significant historical buildings and enjoy walking routes that highlight the area's heritage. The region provides diverse points of interest for those seeking both history and outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Litchborough
- The most popular attractions is Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area, an other man made structure that features a seating area under trees. Visitors can join local sculptures for a picnic and potentially cross a small drawbridge to the opposite bank of the canal.
- Another must-see spot is Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man made monument. This memorial bench commemorates the crew of a USAAF B-17 Bomber that crashed on December 15, 1944.
- Visitors also love Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort, a natural monument. This site features the unmistakable remnants of a deep ditch surrounding a central open area. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and hosts events during the summer.
- Litchborough is known for its historic architecture, cultural sites, and walking routes. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient churches and country houses to memorials and scenic trails.
- The attractions around Litchborough are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Canons Ashby House and Priory Church
Highlight • Castle
Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era.
The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters.
Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby."
Cit. nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
The Norton B-17
On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany.
It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England.
Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine.
On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum.
On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry.
The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Leisure Lakes Bikes E-Bike Showroom
Highlight • Cycleway
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Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
Very interesting place with fantastic ground works all the way round.
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Great to walk around looks very impressive
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"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Nice place to stop and re fue, some wire sculptures and picnic area.
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Memorial bench with inscription "In memory of the USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944." The Norton B-17 On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany. It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England. Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine. On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum. On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry. The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Hunsbury Hill proper is little hard to find as it's surrounded by dense trees and shrubs on all sides, but keep following the paths and you will eventually see the unmistakable remnants of the deep ditch that surrounds the central open area. The iron age hill fort has seen its fair share of damage and looting over the past 200 years but is now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and plays host to Viking re-enactments during the summer. I have purchased a few hand carved items from the small but well organised group.
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Look out for the small seating area under the trees and join the local sculptures for a picnic. You may even be lucky enough to find the small drawbridge down so you can visit the opposite bank of the the canal for a while.
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Stop in mid ride for a look at the latest bikes, clothing, equipment and accessories or pick up a bargain from the baskets near the door. You never know when you're going to need a spare inner tube or replacement whatsit for your thingamijig. And best of all you can grab a coffee and cake (or something healthier) at the in store cafe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Litchborough?
Litchborough is rich in history. You can visit St Martin's Church, dating back to 1290, which features an 18th-century glass sundial and a monument to Sir John Needham. Another significant site is Litchborough Hall, a country house extensively remodeled in the Tudor style. Don't miss the Litchborough War Memorial on the Village Green and the Litchborough Radar Memorial, marking the crucial 1935 radar experiment.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around Litchborough?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area offers a pleasant spot for a picnic with interesting sculptures. Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench provides a poignant historical stop, and St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby, offers a beautiful setting for exploration.
What kind of outdoor activities or routes are available near Litchborough?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Upper Stowe Church loop from Litchborough' or the 'View of Badby Woods loop'. There are also several easy hikes, such as the 'Heyford Fields Marina – Bugbrooke Churchyard loop'. Cyclists can find road cycling routes like the 'Sulgrave Castle Hill – St Mary's Church, Culworth loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking guide, easy hikes guide, and road cycling guide for the area.
Where can I find natural features or viewpoints in the area?
The Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort is a notable natural monument with the unmistakable remnants of a deep ditch and offers viewpoints. The village itself is surrounded by rural landscapes, and the Litchborough Circular Walk provides scenic views of the countryside.
Are there any places to eat or drink in Litchborough?
Yes, the historic pub The Old Red Lion is a central point in the village for refreshments. Additionally, during summer afternoons, homemade tea and cakes are served at St Martin's Church on Sundays. For cyclists, Leisure Lakes Bikes E-Bike Showroom also has an in-store cafe.
What is the Litchborough Circular Walk?
The Litchborough Circular Walk is a 5.5-mile (8.85km) route that highlights the village's connection to the birthplace of radar. It offers a mix of surfaces, hills, and stiles, providing scenic views and a chance to explore the surrounding countryside.
What is the significance of the Litchborough Radar Memorial?
The Litchborough Radar Memorial marks the historic site where, on February 25, 1935, scientists Robert Watson Watt and Arnold Wilkins successfully detected radio waves deflected off an aircraft. This crucial experiment was fundamental to the development of radar technology.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see in Litchborough?
Litchborough is known as an 'ironstone village,' featuring distinctive historic architecture. Beyond the listed buildings like St Martin's Church and Litchborough Hall, you'll find an avenue of trees opposite Litchborough House and pretty archways on farms, contributing to the village's traditional character.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Litchborough?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. They particularly enjoy the unique historical significance of sites like the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench and the intriguing remnants of the Hunsbury Iron Age Hill Fort. The peaceful setting of the Northampton Arm Lock and Sculptures Picnic Area is also a favorite for relaxation.
Are there any easy walking routes near Litchborough?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. Examples include the 'Heyford Fields Marina – Bugbrooke Churchyard loop' (6.25 km) and the 'Pattishall Church loop from Pattishall' (7.11 km). These offer accessible ways to explore the local countryside. You can find more easy routes in the easy hikes guide.
What is the significance of St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby?
St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby, is part of what was once an Augustinian priory founded between 1147 and 1151. The surviving church dates from about 1250 and, along with Canons Ashby House, is now owned by the National Trust, offering a glimpse into medieval ecclesiastical history.
Can I find facilities for cyclists near Litchborough?
Cyclists can visit Leisure Lakes Bikes E-Bike Showroom, which offers a cafe with bike racks, a wide selection of bikes and accessories, and a workshop for repairs. It's a convenient stop for any cycling needs.
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