cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens

Franklin's Gardens is Northampton's rugby temple, home to the Saints, and it's a proper cathedral of the sport. The cinch Stadium - that's the current name thanks to sponsorship - sits in the heart of the town, and if you're even remotely interested in rugby union, it's worth a visit on match day. The ground itself has real character, nothing like the soulless modern boxes you find elsewhere. Walking in on a Saturday afternoon, you feel the electricity. The locals are passionate, genuinely knowledgeable, and the atmosphere lifts with every try.

For match-day experience, arrive early and soak in the pre-match buzz around the stadium. The facilities are decent, and the standard of play is high - this is Premiership rugby. If you're not a huge rugby enthusiast, a non-match day tour might disappoint; the ground's appeal really depends on catching live action. Family groups with teenagers who understand the game will get the most from it, though it can get rowdy when emotions run high.

Stay at one of the nearby parks - Billing Aquadrome is barely four miles away and makes an easy base. Overstone Lakes, a bit further out at under six miles, offers a quieter alternative if you prefer a more low-key setup. Check match fixtures before planning your trip; there's no point making the journey if there's nothing on. Admission varies depending on the match and seats you want, so book ahead. Allow two to three hours for the full experience if you include food and drink.