Northampton NN3

Shopping centres and roundabouts might dominate the first impression, but Northampton's northern reaches reveal a surprisingly green character once you venture beyond the ring roads. The Nene Valley cuts through the landscape here, creating pockets of proper countryside that feel miles from the town centre bustle. Billing Aquadrome sits right on the river - a watery playground that's been drawing families for decades, though it can get properly hectic during school holidays.

Pitsford Water stretches north like an inland sea, its reservoir banks offering decent walking and some of the county's best coarse fishing. The Northampton & Lamport Railway runs heritage steam services from Pitsford and Brampton Station - a lovely little line that putters through rolling farmland towards the Leicestershire border. Worth timing a visit with their Sunday lunch trains.

Kingsthorpe feels almost village-like despite being swallowed by suburban sprawl. The recreation ground provides breathing space, while nearby Eastfield Park offers proper woodland walks along the Brampton valley. Moulton, just northeast, keeps its parish church charm intact despite the A43 thundering past.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Junction 15 of the M1 drops you practically on the doorstep, while the A14 sweeps in from the east. The town centre is a short hop south, but you're better off exploring the Nene Way footpath or cycling the quiet lanes around Boughton and Brampton. Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you right in the countryside while keeping Birmingham, Leicester and London all within striking distance.