Oundle, Northamptonshire

[CyanDog]

I’m looking for some advice as my husband’s new job is in a small town called Oundle, Northamptonshire.
We are in the South West and do not know this area well. Can anyone shed any light on whether it’s a good place to live? The nearby towns and cities are Corby, Kettering, Peterborough and Northampton.
Also is there a lot of media or alternatively security presence with Prince George allegedly starting at the school?

thanks!

Would call Oundle Stamford's smaller neighbor, but definitely not poorer - more and more people are fed up of Stamford's busyness, parking issues and the shopping has gone downhill. It's also becoming a bit touristy for my liking.

In many ways the people of Oundle and community are more dynamic and nicer than Stamford and less geriatric more intellectual thanks to the school.

It was spoken about - I have a weird feeling it might actually happen.

To be honest I agree with this and it isn't as horrendous as people think but it wasn't what it was. A real shame John Lewis left and like many high streets being destoryed, it reduced footfall. I use it for the dentist, cinema, waitrose, station and some of the garden centres (and a curry takeaway). But if wanting a stroll, shop and pub, def Oundle or Stamford.

Thrapston will be a bit cheaper, as will Kimbolton (bit too small maybe)

Fraser has moved into John Lewis and the shopping centre has had a facelift. There is now a University so that has brought quite a lot of new places such as restaurants etc. into the town centre.
I’m popping in later to get my nails done. I think, a few years ago, it had hit a bit run down, but I think it’s had an upturn and I quite like it.
For context I’ve lived in other parts of the country e.g. Windsor, which is definitely different to Peterborough, but it’s certainly not awful or scary as some PP have suggested!
I also like Stamford and Cambridge too and there are pretty villages nearby.

Yes it's had a facelift but it still isn't enough to attract me to go in sadly. It needs to upturn much much more!

Oundle is very nice, in my opinion. Stamford is also lovely but more expensive for houses. The surrounding towns aren't particularly nice but they're ok.

Prince George is supposed to be going to Oundle. From what I've read, it's his mother's choice. It's a nice school anyway. My two used to play cricket against them when they were at school.

I'm not sure that him going there is a good or bad thing for someone living there. I would think the security would be quite low key but maybe it will attract a lot of royal watchers.

It's lovely, but overrun by public school kids during the day. Nice restaurants, good walks.

Yes lots of school children (1100 give or take). Some love the bustling nature but it also is, well, very bustling. Not sure the mediæval street design envisaged having to cope with that amount of student but by and large it's ok. No worse than somewhere like Marlborough.

I think it's a gem of a place to live truly - you'll likely find (as has been the trajectory over the last 15 years) it won't be hidden much longer.

Yes - agree on the walks!!!

There's also Saltburn down the road if you're a movie buff lol

Oundle is beautiful and has many lovely nearby villages. Fotheringhay Castle is nearby, just the ruins but interesting. Stamford is equally lovely and the villages between it and Peterborough are charming. Burghley House is amazing.
Peterborough is a bit workaday and has very grotty bits, but the cathedral is stunning. I grew up just outside it and it was fine. Flag Fen archaeology is very interesting (can you tell I teach history?!). Train to London from Peterborough is very swift.
Northampton centre is uninspiring at best but again, the surrounding area is lovely.

There are far, far worse places to settle.

Agree with this, villages and Stamford are stunning. The towns aren't horrendous but more practical. Cambridge if you want a bit of culture and more beauty

I find it quite fascinating that you are apparently moving halfway across the country and this is your main concern about your new location

Is it just an attempt to start a rumour?

I did think this too ahahaha. No one I know, even those who live in Oundle, care about Prince G going there at all nor the security detail.

What do you mean the school is "quite separate"? It's right in the centre.

My friend's kids went there so I've been to meet up with her, watch school plays etc. And I also meet my ex stepson there for dinner as it's about halfway between us.

Saltburn is in Yorkshire 🤔

Yeah.

Get over yourself!

No it's not. It's Drayton manor in Lowick.

Haha I see your point Im just fed up with parking in Stamford!

Can you be clearer as to what you're talking about?

Saltburn is in Yorkshire. Lowick is in Scotland.

Ah I see - I was referencing Saltburn the film not the place. Apologies for confusion.

The film, yes, but what do you mean is near Oundle?

Are you saying it was filmed there? I mean, I live not far from Oundle and haven't a clue what you're talking about. Drayton Manor, which you mentioned, is near Birmingham.

Yes the film was filmed near Oundle at Drayton manor which is next to the village of lowick.

Oundle is a lovely sandstone town and nearby Ashton is pretty. The National conker fight championships are held there.
Surrounding villages will be nice too. Thrapston towards Northampton is nice and will be cheaper.
Corby, Peterborough, Kettering and Northampton are just average provincial towns.