Towcester is steeped in history, and professes to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the country. With the A5 running right through it, which is actually the old Roman route of Watling Street, you can understand how that claim may well just be true. It has its own racecourse, lovely boutiques along the high street, and a popular garden centre called The Bell Plantation; a favourite of many for a cuppa and a catch up. Plus it too has a collection of gorgeous villages worth a visit, including Farthinghoe, Wappenham, Maidford, Blakesley, and Whittlebury.
If you head to Brackley, which sits nestled a little closer to the Cotswolds, you’ll discover another delightful market town. Brackley has strong connections with Magdalene College in Oxford, which continue to this day. It’s known for its antiques, and a visit to the town will enable you to enjoy a browse followed by a coffee in one of the quaint independent cafes dotted along the high street. We’d also recommend looking at some of the local villages, including Silverstone, Biddlesden, Syresham, Greatworth, and Helmdon.
Then if you make your way to Daventry, you’ll discover yet another historical market town, the heart of which is set in a conservation area. On the edge of the town sits the award winning Daventry Country Park. And the town hosts a street market twice a week; a sight to behold surrounded by 18th century buildings. Again there are many satellite villages worth a look, including Badby, Byfield, Staverton, Guilsborough, and Preston Capes.