Free Things To Do Near Kettering

Located in a beautiful church near Boughton House, the Montagu Monuments were built to commemorate key members of the Montagu family, ancestors of the Buccleuch family, whose luminaries include the 1^st Duke of Montagu who built the incredible Boughton House. Crafted with fine marble, the monuments were designed and built in 1751 by Louis Francois Roubiliac, England’s greatest sculptor of the 18^th century, the monuments pay tribute to the Duke, his wife Mary, and their daughter and granddaughter. Reflecting the incredible artistic innovations of the times, the monuments now stand as important touchstones of Britain’s social and cultural history.

Part of the Thrapston Gravel Pits complex, which lies within the Upper Nene Valley , Titchmarsh Nature Reserve is a beautifully scenic area that is perfect for walks and picnics with the whole family. Run and preserved by the Wildlife Trust, the site is home to Aldwincle Lake, which provides a large area and isolated islands for overwintering birds, and Heronry Lake, an old duck decoy enclosed by vegetation and home to large populations of grey herons. The area also features the Nene Way footpath, which includes a great vantage point to see butterflies, whilst the riverbanks are filled with wildlife like dragonflies and red-eyed damselfly.

A voluntary, non-profit organisation which aims to preserve the history of Northampton’s rich aviation heritage, the Sywell Aviation Museum tells the incredible story of the Sywell Aerodrome. Free for visitors to explore, the museum charts the Aerodrome’s evolution from its early days in the 1920s, through the dark days of World War II, to the aerial innovations of today. You’ll see fascinating relics such as aircraft cockpits, a wartime kitchen Anderson Shelter, and a WW2 bomb tractor, along with an original WW2 flight simulator. You’ll also learn incredible stories about the Home Guard, the Great War, and Aviation Archaeology, as well as the story of the American Air Force in Northamptonshire.

Home to a diverse and exciting collection of incredible works, the Alfred East Gallery ranges from 19^th Century pieces to contemporary artworks, including photographs, paintings, and sculptures. Named in honour of one of Kettering’s most famous sons, the painter Alfred East, the gallery was opened in 1913 just three months before his death. The gallery features a vibrant programme of touring exhibitions, events and activities.