To wonder what Northampton has got going for it?

[Bluebellsinseason]

Anything? Apart from some nice villages?

Missmiss, I grew up in Kingsthorpe too & like you couldn't wait to get out. I'm glad every day that I'm not there - feel sick just thinking about it.

But . . . I do still harbour some nostalgia for Northampton town centre. I do feel that it's an opportunity missed somehow. It's quite an attractive centre and could have been made quite lovely, but somehow there is something missing. It is a cultural wasteland I agree, but why? There's loads of people living there who'd clearly like more from their town - so why isn't it happening?

Back to cafe's - is 'Dreams' a leather sofa & newspaper cafe? I'm really not into greasy spoon revival. I'd like a nice latte with a bit of cake, and to have a chat in reasonably up to date surroundings (I know, I've gone all London-trendy & demanding). Would it fit the bill?

So, I went to "dreams' with my friend - it was lovely, & they were sooo helpful & pleasant. The cake was delicious too - really moist. It got a thumbs up from me & my friend.

Also, I went to a party at 78 Derngate. England's only Charles Rennie MacIntosh designed house. It was charming, & very interesting. So maybe it could be added to 'what Northampton has got going for it'?

Aaah, Buddies. And oh for the days when I thought Bridge street was an ace night out. And Roadmender. Anyone else remember the Maggie Thatcher night?

It's been a long time since I've shopped in Northampton. So I don't really feel like I cna comment.

But having lived out of the area for 15ish years I have just moved back. More for family support than anything else, but I had forgotten the amazing smell of the Weetabix factory on a wet day

Gla you liked it miss! What did you think to the town centre?

Town centre was charming as always, though was a bit shocked at the size of the market - I recall it as being full, full, full - especially on a Saturday. Always liked town centre though, just think Northampton needs some town planners with a sympathetic eye (and perhaps a few diggers) to it's mediaeval history to really turn it into the special place it could be.

Excellent thread. I'm looking at the possibility of moving to Market Harborough but it's quite expensive. Desborough & Kettering had popped up on Rightmove as they're quite close by. We have no knowledge of the area so handy to have a heads up.

Will keep an eye on the local meets if that's not too stalker-ish, would be nice to chat to some friendly MNers if we ever manage to move!!

I moved from up north to northamptonshire six years ago at the insistence of my fiancé who is from Northampton. I've hated every single second of living here and has fought battle after battle with my fiancé to move back up north with me.
Although the countryside and surrounding villages are so beautiful, it is also incredibly boring. There is just nothing to do here! Northampton town centre is a hole, and the majority of the people I have met have been very insular and unfriendly (not all I might add as I have met some lovely people too). There is no pride, culture, unity, or community feeling about the place.
I can't wait to leave!

Northampton is ok, it's essentially waiting for legal and general to either redevelop the main shopping centre or sell the bloody thing and let someone else do it. Until it's decided no one will invest.
It's got a thriving arts scene, and independant shops, history. None of which MK has.
The countryside is beautiful and great for cycling, there are parks etc :)
It's also an hour from london and brum.

I like it. It's an amazing spot historically, lots of the civil war battles round there. Countryside is beautiful and architechture, old sandstone, is beautiful. Villages like Rockingham are beautiful. People friendly and call you 'm'duck' which I like....also very convenient for just about everywhere - Birmingham not that far, London not that far, Nottingham and Leicester not that far, fab motorway network etc. It's not glamorous but it's unpretentious. House prices are reasonable. One piece of advice though - steer clear of Wellingborough ;)

Proximity to Corby, which proudly lays claim to the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe (or at least it did when I lived in the area)

Hi everyone,
I have been trying to find out about villages around Rushden and Wellingborough including towns and can hardly find any information. All the threads are nearly 10 years old.
We are planning to relocate from Bedfordshire to Northamptonshire.
We have 2 children 6+9 year old so schools, kids clubs (gymnastics, swimming, cheerleading...), community, safety are on our priority list. We need to be close to train line as my husband will be commuting.
We are looking at Irchester, Rushden, Highem Ferrers, Wellingborough. It is a big step for us and do not know anyone who lives up there. I would be really grateful for some help.

the M1 out of it