Location: Kettering
Top Things to do in Kettering
What to do and see in Kettering, England: The Best Free Things to do
Kettering is a town in Northamptonshire, England, about 81 miles (130 km) north of London and 15 miles (24 km) from Northampton. Kettering is mainly situated on the west side of the River Ise, a tributary of the River Nene which meets at Wellingborough. Originally named Cytringan, Kyteringas and Keteiringan in the 10th century, the name Kettering is now taken to mean 'the place (or territory) of Ketter's people (or kinsfolk)'.
Restaurants in Kettering
1. Church of Mary Magdalene
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Gorgeous and Historic Saxon/Norman/Medieval church open for guided historical tours. Tour will include links to the nearby Eleanor cross, the finest in England, pagan past, Saxon/Norman architecture and sculpture, the lost Royal Palace of Geddington and the many Kings and Queens who worshiped there. Resting in a pre-Roman village containing pubs, tea room and shop, picnic grounds by medieval bridge, grade one listed buildings and thatched cottages. All within minutes walk of church. The tours can be small as one person, or as large as 50 persons and are free, though donations to the church are appreciated. The church has approved safeguarding programs, and have received enthusiastic raves from scores of groups, from children, the disabled, from foreign visitors and historical authorities. We can also arrange for meal or snack bookings, free reserved parking, historical treasure/scavenger hunts, all of which have been praised for making history come alive.
Reviewed By michelles662016 - Leicestershire, United Kingdom
We initially stopped at Geddington, just because we were on the look out for a village cafe with outside seating.Which we found there. We then decided to view the Eleanor cross. It was there that we met the very knowledgeable and enthusiastic church guide Kam, who was kind enough to share his extensive knowledge of Geddington church with us. We had passed by Geddington church on the way to the historic houses in the area, but never realized that the church was such a gem and of national historic importance. It's Saxon age was a surprise, as were the with Saxon architectural features.It was also redesigned by the emanate Victorian architects of the day, but it's main draw is the many British kings and queens who walked though the wooden 11th century church door during the past. There is also a connection to the gun power plot as members of the Tresham family who lived at that time have memorials inside the church building.Even the church yard is of national historic important being the site of a royal lodge and with such features as the Saxon sun dial and the crusader oath marks on the masonry on the outside church walls. If you enjoy British history it really is worth a visit.
2. The Montagu Monuments
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Members of the Montagu Family were buried, and often commemorated by contemporary monuments, in churches in two of the villages on the Boughton Estate. With Saxon origins and Norman remains, St Edmund's Church in the village of Warkton, to the south of Boughton House, is distinguished by its Chancel, containing an exceptional grouping of four world class monuments to the last three generations of the Montagu family of Boughton. It was designed and built, in 1751, by Louis Francois Roubiliac, the greatest sculptor active in England in the 18th century, to house his individual monuments to John, Duke of Montagu and his Duchess wife, Mary. The two other niches were subsequently filled by monuments to John and Mary's daughter and granddaughter. In 2014 - 2015 the Montagu Monuments Conservation Project undertook major works to all four of the principal monuments in St Edmund's church, Warkton, to secure and protect them from damage caused, possibly, by over zealous cleaning in the past and by environmental issues, including pollution and high humidity levels. These monuments have now been secured and restored to their former glory.
3. St Edwards Roman Catholic Church
4. RAF Grafton Underwood Memorial
5. Eleanor Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By 487malcolmj
Geddington village is worth a visit for many reasons but it is also unique in having the only triangular-section Queen Eleanor Cross of the 12 or so erected in the 1290s (nearby Hardingstone Cross on the southern side of Northampton and Waltham Cross are the other sole survivors). The quality of the stone carving at Geddington is outstanding and much of the detail remains sharp after over 700 years exposure to the elements! Historians debate the stylistic forms of the carvings and they may or may not be Spanish or English Gothic in origin but this is all a bit academic really. Go visit and spend a quiet 30 minutes or so in the centre of a virtually unspoilt English village with a rich heritage. St Mary Magdalene church, The Star Inn and the medieval bridge over the River Ise (with adjacent ford) are also worth visiting as you wander around. NB. Check SatNav for Geddington location as village now off main road but approx. mid-way between towns of Kettering and Corby.
6. The Hare at Loddington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Global65028687767 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
This place is a hidden gem! Was passing the area and stopped for Sunday lunch. Lovely food, portion size and great service. The roast chicken and minted lamb shank were cooked beautifully. Defiantly recommend.
7. Desborough War Memorial
8. The Yards Kettering
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
A unique shopping complex welcoming individual and independent businesses to share in a new, exciting experience for both retailer and customer.
Reviewed By rebeccasJ3995YA
Visited today, new shops have appeared and staff informed us of new plans. It seems The Yards is being revamped and even though the weather was not the best the place looked vibrant, clean and colourful. The pub has been turned into a number of retail outlets and a new food area being planned for the outside!
9. Alfred East Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 442pixieliz - Nottingham, United Kingdom
This gallery is just the right size for enjoyment of the art displayed, it is not too big so all the exhibits can be viewed without feeling overwhelmed. The guide booklet listed the exhibits clearly and there were helpful descriptions on the walls too, with information on the artists and some of the subjects. I went with my husband who is more "into" art than me, but I found the whole exhibition fascinating and I'm glad I travelled there from Nottingham for it.
10. The Parish Church of St Peter and Paul
TAGS
