Shopping heaven and sumptuous scenery – a fab Northamptonshire day out by bus!

Breakfast in Grand Cafe at 8 Drapery

Coffee, cake, panini, toasties and much more, including the wonderful cherry and almond muffin – there’s no better place for breakfast in Northampton than the Grand Cafe situated right in the heart of the town centre!

A walk round Northampton Town Centre

Stroll through the historic Market Square and admire the Gothic Revival Guildhall. Visit 78 Derngate, the famous house remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or see All Saints Church.

Join the X46 bus at Northampton Bus Interchange

Check out the fab boot ornament in the bus station, in tribute to the shoe heritage of Northampton before getting on-board the X46 and enjoying a scenic journey of opening fields, low undulating countryside and charming villages before arriving in wonderful Wellingborough.

Alight the bus at Wellingborough Wilbye Grange

Stroll through the historic heart of Wellingborough by visiting the centrally located Wellingborough Museum for an insight into the town’s local history, or take a quick, peaceful walk by the remnants of Croyland Abbey and its surrounding gardens.

Alternatively, you could explore the independent retail and cafe offerings at Nene Court Shopping Village, which is housed in historic Victorian shoe factory buildings. For a brief cultural experience, the Castle Theatre in the town centre features an art exhibition gallery.

Lunch at Castello Lounge

Located in the heart of Wellingborough, close to the Market. It is big, bright, and serves a great range of food (including brunch, cocktails, gluten-free, and vegan options) in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Back on the X46

There’s an unhurried feel as the bus traverses classic Northamptonshire countryside, through delightful villages before arriving in Raunds.

Alight the bus at Rushden Lakes

Paradise has arrived at the fantastic Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre, which combines retail therapy with a delightful view!

Peruse Rushden Lakes

The shopping centre is part of  the Nene Wetlands nature reserve. Shops include high street favourites like Next, H&M, and Primark, plus designer brands. You can enjoy dining, Cineworld, or leisure activities like Rock Up climbing and 360 Play. Nature options involve walking trails, viewing wildlife, and canoe hire.

Back on board the X46

Through fields and woodland the bus continues, but it gets more built up, but enthrallingly still, as Northampton approaches. There’s still greenery aplenty though and Abington Park is the next stop!

Disembark the bus at Abington Park

Stroll through this popular park to visit the 500-year-old Manor House (Museum) and St Peter and St Paul’s Church, where Shakespeare’s granddaughter is buried. Enjoy the lakes, flower displays, play area, cafe, or use the fitness trail.

Back on the bus at Abington Park

The bus winds its way past a fascinating range of independent shops, industrial-era buildings and churches – all with architectural style as it nestles back in the heart of Northampton at the bus station.

Arrive back at Northampton

Enjoy a drink at The Fish and maybe take in a show at the Royal & Derngate theatre in 19-21 Guildhall and a peruse around the eclectic Cultural Quarter with its range of bars, restaurants and thriving arts scene to round off a fab day out!