For a stay in Maidwell, two different interests can shape your plans: getting active on Brampton Valley Way and exploring the architectural and local history of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Maidwell Hall and older traces in the Dales area. The dates range from the 13th century to changes in the early 20th century. This can help you decide whether to devote most of your time to the route or to historical details.

Brampton Valley Way: route and use

Brampton Valley Way runs for more than 14 miles between Northampton and Market Harborough. It follows the route of a disused railway and also serves as a wildlife corridor. The route is also part of Sustrans National Cycle Route 6. Its surfaced path is suitable for most walkers, cyclists and horse riders. In this way, the route connects a long-distance cycle route with a corridor that is also important for wildlife.

The stated length refers to the entire route between the two towns. That is a different scale for planning your day from the length of a single walk or cycle ride. There is a picnic area at the Brampton Valley Way car park in Maidwell, which you can include as a place to take a break.

Church: medieval tower and stained glass

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Maidwell brings together two distinctly different periods: the west tower dates from the 13th century, while the nave windows contain stained glass created by Kempe between 1892 and 1906. The dates relate to different parts of the church and reveal its long building history in different ways.

A service is usually held at the church on the first and third Sunday of each month. If you plan to attend a service, check the current date before travelling.

Country house, former church and watermill

Maidwell Hall is a listed country house with a datestone from 1637. It was remodelled by J. A. Gotch in 1885 and restored around 1902 after a fire. These dates represent different phases: the datestone, remodelling and later restoration should not be treated as a single construction date.

Maidwell St. Peter’s existed for at least 300 years, from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century. This time span offers a different perspective on local history from the construction and alteration dates of Maidwell Hall.

Earthworks of a mill race, a leat and a dam survive in the Dales area. Traces of water management are therefore among the site’s historical themes, alongside the history of the church and the country house.

Traditional pub food

The Stag serves traditional pub food in Maidwell. As the menu may change, check it in advance if you plan to eat there.

Discover more destinations: Hellidon, Towcester, Woodford, Castle Ashby, Weedon Bec, Hackleton, Potterspury, Hardingstone

For the main travel overview: Northamptonshire.