Activities in Oundle
On Foot Around Town
Tour the Shops
Take a tour of Oundle’s Shops along West Street, New Street and around the Market Place where you will discover any number of goodies from fine wines and antiques to bespoke clothes.
Visit an Art Gallery
There are three art galleries in the town and all are well worth a visit. Check websites for opening times: The Dolby Gallery, The Cannon Gallery, and The Yarrow Gallery.
Take a Walking Tour or the Heritage Trail
Walking Trails
The Nene Way
The Nene Way runs through Oundle following the river Nene from Northampton to Peterborough. Why not pick it up and plan to walk a section near Oundle? You can download the map here.
Water Meadows Circular Walk
If you are looking for half a days walking then perhaps you should check out the 7 mile ‘Water Meadows Circular’ based from Oundle as prepared by the highly rated Northamptonshire Walks website.
Oundle River Circular Walk
This is a truly beautiful 5 mile walk that follows the river and surrounding meadows from Oundle and visits the pretty village of Ashton along the way. You can see the route on the Viewranger website.
On The River
Hire A Canoe, Kayak or SUP
At Oundle Wharf (next to the Tap & Kitchen) you will find Nene Extreme who hire out canoes, kayaks and inflatables and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs). Boats can be hired by the hour or by the day for longer trips.
Go Fishing
The waters surrounding Oundle are renowned in course fishing circles. Many of the fishing waters will require a day ticket. The Wellingborough & District Nene Angling Club control three separate sections of river and a lake at Barnwell near Oundle. You can also buy tickets for lake fishing at Barnwell Country Park from the Visitor Centre.
Boat Hire
Narrowboat hire is available from Nene Valley Boats based near Oundle. You can explore the River Nene as it winds its way gently past a series of villages with spired churches and old watermills.
Sporting Activities
Oundle Golf Club
An 18 hole parkland course with a par of 72 established in 1893 and with a enviable reputation for excellent greens and high quality course maintenance. Visitors are always welcome at Oundle Golf Club during the week and at the weekend.
Swim or Gym
Oundle’s new Sports Centre offers a wide range of classes, fitness facilities and activities for people of all ages and ability on both a membership and pay as you go basis. Also you might look in at Oundle Fitness who offer excellent gym facilities and a fitness studio.
Watch a Match
Oundle is amazingly lucky to have a large number of sports clubs, the big 3 being: Oundle Town Cricket Club who play in the Northants Premier League, Oundle Rugby Club who play in the Midlands East League, and Oundle Town Football Club who play in the Peterborough League. All welcome visitors to spectate and use bar facilities on match days.
Historic Outings
Lyveden New Bield
Less than 4 miles from Oundle you will find a National Trust property at Lyveden New Bield. It is an impressive unfinished building from the 1500s started by Thomas Tresham. Open all year around, visitors can access the building, the Elizabethan gardens and of course the tea room.
Fotheringhay Church & Castle
Kirby Hall
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. This English Heritage property is only 10 miles from Oundle and is open April – September.
For the Kids
Playgrounds at Barnwell Country Park
A woodland adventure play area for older kids with climbing frames, slides, tunnels, zip-wire, swings, mini-log cabins, and a sand and water area. For toddlers there is a specialy designed wooden activity area and smaller slides and ride ons. more…
Trails at Barnwell Country Park
The park has 15 hectares of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore, including 3 way marked waterside trails including a mini-orienteering course. Packs and further info available from the Visitor Centre.
Playground & Ramps at Recreation Ground
There is a large enclosed playground area with a variety of equipment suitable for toddlers through to teens, a Skateboard Park and a Pocket Park. There is plenty of room for walking, playing ball games and using the football goals and a basketball court, as well as sitting and picnicing. more…
Cycling Trails
The Tour of Oundle
A exciting ride in the beautiful East Northamptonshire countryside. See the route here at Let’s Ride.
Oundle's Top 20 Road Cycling Rides
Looking for the best cycling routes on road around Oundle? Here the Top 20 reviewed road rides around Oundle which can be seen at the Komeet website.
Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails Near Oundle
Looking for the best MTB routes on road around Oundle? Here the top reviewed road trails around Oundle which can be seen at the Komeet website.
Other Activities
Take a Brewery Tour
Book a tour at Oundle’s Nene Valley Brewery to see the hard work that goes into making their award-winning beer. Not only will you learn how the beer is made, but you’ll also have a tutored tasting session with a brewer at the Oundle Wharf site.
Oundle Museum
Award winning Oundle Museum is located in the town’s old Courthouse building near the end of West Street. It is free to enter and is open between March and October at weekends and some selected week days. The museum has much to offer including many exhibits from the Roman, Saxon and Medieval periods.
Visit St Peter's Church
Pay a visit to Oundle’s St Peter’s Church which boasts the highest spire in Northamptonshire at 210ft and is open most days. There’s been a religious building on the site since the 8th century. Inside you’ll find a 15th century brass eagle lectern, Italy, a 17th century brass chandelier, choir stalls and a host of 13th-19th century monuments.