Trains to Northampton

Things to do in Northampton

The aristocratic Spencer family has been around for many generations, but its name was thrust into the limelight in the early 1980s when a certain Lady Diana Spencer got married to Prince Charles. For a while she was said to be the most photographed person in the world, and lived a glamorous life that was tragically cut short in 1997. Althorp Estate, near Northampton, is her final resting place. Whether you’re coming to pay your respects to the People’s Princess or simply enjoying a walk in the gardens and a tour of the stately home, it’s a lovely day out.

A fun and tranquil experience is all but guaranteed at Stanwick Lakes, a few miles outside of Northampton. It’s a huge park comprising multiple lakes, but also nature walks, adventure playgrounds, a fantastic cafe and countless opportunities to observe wildlife, from birds to deer. It’s one of the most popular places for Northampton residents to stretch their legs and get some fresh air, and you won’t regret joining them.

As we mentioned in the intro, Northampton is a large town, but it really feels like a city. The centre is therefore a shopper’s heaven, with the whole range of outlets to choose from, whether it’s a household-name store or a small independent retailer. The same applies to eating out too – expect chain cafes and restaurants, but there are also plenty of hidden gems in the shape of atmospheric indie pubs and cafes that you really need to explore in the centre of town.

Need to get to Northampton fast? Check out the quickest train times from these key locations:

Ways to save 

1. Book as a Group

The sooner you book your ticket to Northampton, the cheaper it’ll be, so make sure to book in advance as far as possible to save money and reserve a seat. And if you’re in a party of three or more, you’ll save again if you make a group booking all at the same time – and you’re more likely to be able to sit together. Another way to pay the minimum possible is to book direct through this website or app. Why? Two reasons: first, we never charge a booking fee, unlike external sellers; and second, if you do find the same ticket cheaper elsewhere, we’ll refund the difference, no questions asked.

2. Get yourself a Railcard

A longer-term saving can be made by getting yourself a Railcard. You buy one for 12 months or three years, and every time you buy an off-peak train ticket with the Railcard, you can save a third – or 50% if you’re 16 or 17. Have a look at all our ways to save, including our Best Fare Finder before you buy your train tickets to Northampton.

Yes, there is a taxi rank directly outside the main entrance of the station.

Yes, it’s easy to get to Northampton by train. Avanti West Coast runs regular trains to Northampton, so you can travel in comfort from wherever you are in the country. Check our train times page for up-to-date information on routes, journey times, and train timetables.

The car park is available 24/7 so you can leave your car for the duration of your trip.

The best way to get cheap tickets to Northampton is to book in advance. You can do that online or on the Avanti West Coast app - and remember that when you book directly with us, you don’t pay any booking fees. It’s also easy to upgrade or change your ticket when you book with us, giving you more flexibility. There are also lots of other ways to save with Avanti. If you’re travelling with friends, family, colleagues or with a school group, consider booking a group ticket to benefit from cheaper tickets, or if you fall into one of our eligible groups, you could save up to a third on the cost of train tickets with a railcard.

Northampton train station is served by several buses, including services 1, 16, 21, 88, X10 and X4. There is also car parking and sheltered bike parking spaces.

Northampton is a great destination all year round, with lots to see and do no matter when you visit. You'll find the Carnival in June, Northampton Town Festival and the Balloon Festival in the summer, and Northampton Music Festival in June, to name just a few.

When you travel First Class with Avanti, all you need to do is sit back and relax - and let us take care of the rest. You’ll enjoy roomier seats with a guaranteed table, so you can catch up on emails, watch an episode of your favourite show, or get stuck into a good book. We also offer complimentary food and drink on board in First Class, served to you at your table by a dedicated host (subject to availability), with a carefully chosen menu featuring suppliers local to our routes. And if you’re departing from or arriving at one of our stations with a First Class Lounge, you can take advantage of it to enjoy snacks, refreshments, comfortable seating and free, fast Wi-Fi.

Tickets usually become available to book online and on the app 12 weeks in advance. You can sign up for Advance Ticket Alerts to be notified when tickets for your routes become available. Remember that the earlier you book, the more you save - and with an Advance ticket, you’ll always have a seat booking for stress-free travel, whatever your destination.