Which of these towns would you recommend?

[Dappy777]

I am staying away with my MIL, partner and kids. We'll be in a cottage a few miles away from Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton. Does anyone know these places? Which would you recommend for a day out? Which has the nicest vibe – you know, prettiest town centre, nicest coffee shops and book shops, etc? Thanks.

None of them! Depending on where you are, Uppingham or Oakham or Market Harborough or Oundle would all be nicer. There are some nice country parks in Northamptonshire if you’d rather do that instead!

I agree!

OK, different question – which is the least bad!

I guess, if pushed, Kettering is probably the best of the four options based on the fact it has the Blitz Tea Room, a Waterstones and Wicksteed Park. I'd still go to Market Harborough, Oundle or Uppingham if I had a choice since it sounds like you're driving anyway.

Northampton has some interesting independent shops on Giles Street which is just off the main shopping streets, but the revamped market square isn't really living up to expectations. Wellingborough is really quite run down these days but there's Nene Court on the outskirts which has some nice café options.

Honestly, I really couldn’t call it. Corby is okay if you want to go shopping with a teenager But functional rather than mooching! I wouldn’t go to any of the others, though I don’t really know Wellingborough as well. There’s Olney which is just a bit further on from Wellingborough if that helps. Hopefully, someone a bit more useful will come along soon!

Milton Keynes.

There is also Rushden Lakes, which has all the usual shops plus outdoor options by the lake, and sometimes has activities put on for entertaining children. There is a cinema and an indoor golf & climbing place too.

Actually is there anything around Abington Park these days in Northampton on Wellingborough Road? There’s sometimes stuff on at Delapre Abbey too. It always surprises me Northamptonshire towns are as bad as they are being commuting distance to London and with some lovely countryside. Rushden Lakes has made things worse too I think.

How old are the kids? Maybe you could go to Bletchley Park.

Hello, I recommend Oundle and Stamford! Really gorgeous.

Or a cottage in a village in the Welland Valley which is truly England at it's very best.

Boughton House is beautiful place to visit, ditto Elton Hall.

Or just download komoot and looks for walks in Welland valley. There's a lovely walk around Harringworth (round, goes to Seaton). ANother near Stoke Dry.

Southwick towards Oundle is beautiful. All of that part of England is undlating, beautiful. Queens Head Bulwick for food, Falcon Inn in Fotheringhay also lovely.

Rushden lakes for shopping and Bicester village if you can be bothered it's worth it.