Attractions and Places To See around Harrington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Harrington, located in Northamptonshire, offer a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and dedicated cycling routes. The area is characterized by its rolling countryside, disused railway lines converted into trails, and significant water bodies. Visitors can explore historical churches, expansive lakes, and long-distance cycle paths. This region provides diverse outdoor activities for those interested in exploring its heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Harrington
- The most popular attractions is Pitsford Water, a lake with facilities. It features a main walking/cycle path around the water, a cafe, and accessible gardens.
- Another must-see spot is Kelmarsh Tunnels, disused railway tunnels. It is part of the Brampton Valley Way, offering a unique experience for cyclists and walkers, with a tunnel length of 480 meters.
- Visitors also love National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, a cycle route. This route connects Northampton to Market Harborough, passing through countryside and two tunnels, including the Kelmarsh Tunnels.
- Harrington is known for historical sites, extensive cycle routes, and natural water bodies. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic trails.
- The attractions around Harrington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 82 upvotes and 31 photos shared across 4 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kelmarsh Tunnels
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed.
The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington
Highlight • Historical Site
Once a major part of village life, the church was built in the late 13th century, though it incorporates some stonework from an earlier period.
By the mid 19th century the church had fallen into a serious state of disrepair and was little more than a ruin, but thankfully in 1869 the building was restored to its former glory and a new Rectory was built alongside it. The person responsible for this was the Rector, John Downes. He personally paid for the restoration and for the building of the Rectory, now called Hannington House. It was John Downes' wife Lucy who founded the school in Hannington in 1871, and this school building still exists and is used as the Village Hall.
Ref. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannington,_Northamptonshire
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National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pitsford Water
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth
Highlight • Religious Site
Arthingworth is just north of the Brampton Valley Way, a 14-mile (22.5 km) trail that uses the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway. The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn, serves good food and has eight en suite rooms in a separate accommodation block.
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Tips from the Community
Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.
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You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.
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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed. The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Harrington?
The area around Harrington offers beautiful natural landscapes, most notably Pitsford Water. This large lake features a main walking and cycling path, open grassed areas perfect for picnics, and accessible gardens. It's a great spot for enjoying the outdoors.
Are there historical sites to visit near Harrington?
Yes, Harrington is rich in historical sites. You can visit St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, a unique 13th-century church known for its bisected nave. Another impressive historical church is St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, a Grade II*-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century. Additionally, the Kelmarsh Tunnels, disused railway tunnels, offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
What cycling routes are available around Harrington?
Harrington is an excellent base for cycling. The National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough passes through the area, offering a scenic ride through the countryside and two tunnels, including the Kelmarsh Tunnels. You can find more cycling options, including routes like 'Great Oxendon Tunnel – View of the River Ise Valley loop from Harrington', on the Cycling around Harrington guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Harrington area?
Absolutely! Pitsford Water is very family-friendly, offering a children's play area, open spaces for picnics, and accessible gardens. Both St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington and St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth are also considered family-friendly historical sites, offering educational and peaceful visits.
Where can I go hiking near Harrington?
The region offers various hiking opportunities. The Brampton Valley Way, which includes the Kelmarsh Tunnels, is popular for walkers. For easier walks, you can explore routes like 'Kelmarsh Station – Kelmarsh Tunnels loop from Draughton' or 'Kelmarsh Tunnel – Kelmarsh Station loop from Arthingworth'. Discover more options on the Easy hikes around Harrington guide.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions?
Yes, Pitsford Water is noted for its accessibility, featuring accessible gardens and paths around the water, making it suitable for wheelchair users.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Harrington?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The cycling and walking paths, especially around Pitsford Water and through the Kelmarsh Tunnels, are highly appreciated. The unique architecture and history of churches like St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington also receive positive feedback.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the attractions?
Yes, Pitsford Water has a cafe and public toilets conveniently located at the top of the main car park. Along the National Cycle Route 6, you can also find refreshments at the Willow Tree Café within Pitsford Country Park.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Harrington?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails in the vicinity. You can explore routes such as 'Kelmarsh to Goadby and Market Harborough loop' or 'Ornate Iron Footbridge – Brampton Valley Way loop from Draughtton'. More details are available in the MTB Trails around Harrington guide.
What are the disused railway tunnels like near Harrington?
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are part of the Brampton Valley Way, a former railway trackbed. These unlit tunnels are 480 meters (1,570 ft) long, and visitors are advised to bring lights if cycling or walking through them. They offer a unique and atmospheric experience.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots to discover?
While not strictly 'hidden,' the unique architectural feature of the bisected nave at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington makes it a particularly special and less commonly known historical gem. The peaceful countryside surrounding the various historical churches also offers quiet exploration away from more crowded spots.
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