Culture and community in West Northamptonshire

Get to know West Northamptonshire

West Northamptonshire covers 532 miles. It has lots to offer as there is a mix of rural and urban areas. There are many delightful villages with historic pubs, parks and museums.

Northampton is a market town that dates back to the 7th century. It has a bustling market square and a range of small and big businesses for you to explore.

Brackley, with its stunning town hall, is full of flavourful restaurants and cafés.

The historic market town of Daventry has beautiful architecture, and every Friday hosts a fleet of market stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

Towcester, Northampton, Brackley and Daventry are connected easily by car, bus and train, making days out and adventures easy to find.

Things to see and do

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Abington Park - the site of what was a medieval village and now hosts a museum
78 Derngate - an old Georgian building updated in 1916 by art nouveau designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, now a public attraction thanks to its beautiful interior
The Guildhall - Northampton’s town hall
Rookery Open Farm - a fun and educational petting zoo
Salcey Forest - a beautiful forest with activities for the whole family, walking trails, adventure park and an onsite café

There are many family attractions, heritage sites, museums and galleries, cinemas and theatres, parks and open spaces, events, wildlife.

Find out more about culture and tourism in West Northamptonshire.

You can download the Explore WN App on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Towcester Centre for Leisure

Towcester Centre for Leisure are offering those on the Homes for Ukraine scheme a three month free membership.

To sign up, your host needs to fill in an application form at reception. You should come with them and bring your ID with you. This could be your BRP card or passport.

Everyone Active

Everyone Active is offering one year free membership for all Ukrainian Refugees. To be eligible, you must provide proof of Home Office email.

Find out more about the free membership for Ukrainian guests.

Northampton Town of Sanctuary

Northampton Town of Sanctuary was formed in 2015 as part of the national City of Sanctuary movement. It aims to foster a welcoming environment for asylum seekers and refugees.

Northampton Town of Sanctuary collaborates with local schools, faith groups, and organizations. They also run a youth group, English classes, and a football club.

Find out more about Northampton Town of Sanctuary.

Faith and culture groups

Being part of a faith or culture group can be helpful in finding a sense of community in a new area.

Our directory can help you to find local faith and culture groups.

Search the community and voluntary organisations directory.

Welcoming Spaces

Welcoming Spaces are run by people from voluntary, community and faith groups across West Northamptonshire. They are a warm and trusted setting to socialise and access support social isolation and cost of living challenges.

It is a non-judgemental and safe space where all guests are equal and treated with both dignity and respect.

Each space varies but may include:

community activities, including homework club, community meals and film nights
access to computers, free Wi-Fi and charging points
access to support about money, welfare and mental wellbeing

Find a welcoming space near you.

Social groups

There are various social groups for resettled people that you can attend.

Renew Café host a weekly social for Ukrainians and their host. This is held at the Renew Café in Towcester 169 Watling Street West, Towcester NN12 6BX. It runs on a Monday morning from 10am to 12pm.

Saints Coffee hosts a monthly social event for Ukrainians.

A monthly social is held on the first Wednesday of the month at St Crispin’s Community Centre.

Facebook groups

There are plenty of Facebook groups that connect people from Ukraine, such as:

Last updated 09 December 2024