The River Nene surrounds Oundle on three sides; the town also has a marina. This means riverside walks and discoveries in the historic streets offer different ways to explore. The Parish Church of St Peter is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check the opening hours before your visit. Small remains of a Norman predecessor are preserved in the church, while most of the building dates from the 13th century.
Walks along the River Nene
The Oundle Riverside Walks are easy walks through meadows and along the River Nene. Routes range from one to five miles, with stated timeframes of one to three hours. This makes it possible to choose a walk by either distance or the time you have available. One specific route is the five-mile Oundle River Circular Walk, which leads from Oundle along the river and through the surrounding meadows.
The Nene Way offers a different perspective, passing through Oundle along the River Nene between Northampton and Peterborough. The Oundle Pilgrimage describes a 43.5-mile route focused on Oundle, which runs mainly along footpaths, minor roads and country lanes. The family route of the Oundle Pilgrimage follows the River Nene to Cotterstock and on to Ashton before returning to Oundle along the riverbank.
Discover the town’s history on foot
The self-guided Heritage Trail leads through historic streets and introduces the town’s notable buildings. Most buildings in Oundle’s central conservation area are listed; many date from the 17th century. One specific historical stop is Latham’s Hospital and School: the institution was founded in 1611 as an almshouse for women and a school to educate the sons of poor men.
Oundle Museum is housed in the former courthouse of the stone-built market town and displays objects from Roman, Saxon and medieval times. The Oundle School archive offers another way to explore history, serving as an educational and historical resource for the public. Its collection includes the school register from 1626. Enquiries are accepted by email or in person by appointment; check the current arrangements before planning an in-person visit.
Markets and events throughout the year
The Oundle Farmers’ Market takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sells local produce directly to the public. The Oundle Food Festival is usually held on a Saturday in June and brings around 80 produce stalls to the town centre. The monthly market and the festival offer different opportunities to plan your trip around local produce. If you’re planning your visit around either event, check the current dates in advance.
The Oundle International Festival includes a festival week every July, as well as other events throughout the year. In Oundle, Queen Victoria Hall is a venue for theatre productions and shows. If you’re planning a visit around an event, it’s worth checking the relevant dates.
The marina and other discoveries
At Oundle Marina on Barnwell Road, Nene Extreme offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard hire. Booking and operating arrangements may change; check them before making plans. Another way to explore Oundle is with an interactive walking tour app, which uses GPS to trigger commentary based on visitors’ locations.
Discover more destinations: Wollaston, Deanshanger, Wellingborough, Woodford, Sywell, Harpole, Ringstead, Harrington
Return to the regional travel overview: Northamptonshire.
