Eight Popular Ancient Houses to Visit in the Kettering Area

If you are looking for flats to rent in Kettering, with a view to moving to the area for the first time, you may well want to know about the attractions to visit. If you like history and seeing inside old buildings, Kettering has a number of ancient houses, some of which are run by English Heritage or the National Trust, and others are privately owned. Read on to see our pick of the best.

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Lamport Hall

This magnificent country home can be found nine miles from Kettering, off the A508. It has been run by the Preservation Trust since 1974, following the death of Sir Gyles Isham whose family occupied the property for 400 years. Here you can take a look at the period furniture, artwork, and china, much of which was collected during a Grand Tour. You’ll also find a farm museum and grounds to meander in. There’s a fee for entry.

Deene Park

This stunning stately home, which has its origins in the 16th century, can be found in the village of Deene, near Corby. The country house, which has been home to the Brudenell family for generations, has rooms of different periods to explore so you can see how the property was extended through the centuries. View the portraits of the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who led the charge of the Light Brigade, see fascinating artwork and antique furniture, and explore the superb gardens and parklands.

Rushton Triangular Lodge

This unusual English Heritage run building is based three miles from Kettering, between Rushton and Desborough. This historic, three floor property was built in the late 16th century by Sir Thomas Tresham and has a triangular design to represent the Holy Trinity and the Catholic Faith. There’s an entry fee to visit, although it is free for members of the English Heritage.

Kirby Hall

This is another English Heritage run property, which is off the A43 near the village of Deene, about seven miles from Kettering. The stately home was visited by royalty, including James I, although the state rooms are empty now and parts of the hall are without a roof. The beautiful gardens, which are perfect for picnics, have been partly restored by English Heritage.

Rockingham Castle

This fine fortress, built by William the Conqueror can be found in Rockingham, ten miles from Kettering off the A6003. Here you can view the fully-refurbished rooms, and take a walk in the 18 acres of grounds and find out about the castle’s amazing history. The ancient castle, which offers panoramic views across five counties, was once surrounded by a vast forest which served as a royal hunting ground. There’s an admission charge to see the castle, which received a Silver Enjoy England Award in 2008 for the title of Best Small Visitor Attraction.

Kelmarsh Hall

You can find this glamourous country home nine miles from Kettering, off the A508. It was built in the early 18th century and decorated in an ‘English Country House Style’ in the 20th century. Formerly owned by the Lancaster family and now run by the Kelmarsh Trust, you can explore the hall and roam the amazing grounds which have a walled garden, rose garden, topiary garden, woodlands and a lake. There’s an admission charge for this attraction to help with the hall’s upkeep.

Lyveden New Bield

This imposing yet spooky unfinished Grade I listed National Trust run property is nine miles from Kettering off the A6116, between Oundle and Brigstock. Built in Elizabethan times by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of Francis Tresham who was involved in the gunpowder plot), the 16th century property was left unfinished after the older family member’s death. The ancient summer house has large grounds to wander in, including a moated terraced garden. You can expect to pay an entry free, although the attraction offers free admission for National Trust members.

Boughton House

This much-visited attraction, which can be found off the A43 on the Geddington to Grafton Underwood Road, is described as one of England’s finest country homes. This enormous stately home was once a small monastery, but in the 17th century it was completely transformed into a stunning mansion modelled on the Palace of Versailles. You can roam the parkland, see amazing works of art, and view the weapons collection. There’s a charge for entry.

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