The prettiest villages near Oundle: Idyllic countryside living at its best
There are a great many attractive places to live in the East Midlands, here we highlight some of the prettiest villages near Oundle, which offer idyllic rural living within close proximity to great amenities.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Northamptonshire, Oundle is a charming market town that offers a genteel and idyllic lifestyle. For those looking for a quieter and more intimate living experience, there are several beautiful villages in the surrounding area, each with its own unique character and charm.
Due to their close proximity to Oundle, residents can take advantage of the town’s amenities. These include a variety of independent shops, local eateries, and community facilities as well as Oundle’s monthly farmers market.
Oundle has excellent education facilities. It is home to the esteemed Oundle School, an independent boarding and day school. Also, the well-regarded Prince William School provides excellent learning opportunities. In addition, the town boasts many reputable primary schools, such as Oundle Church of England Primary School.
From stone cottages to historic churches and stunning countryside views punctuated by the meandering Nene River, whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a vibrant community, there is a village for you. Here we explore some of the prettiest villages near Oundle:
Ashton
Characterised by its traditional thatched cottages and elegant properties, Ashton encapsulates the architectural heritage of the region. The Ashton Wold and surrounding countryside, provide residents with well-preserved green space for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Close to Oundle, it is possible to walk over the fields into the town in less than half an hour. From there, a regular bus service provides car-free access to train stations in Corby and Peterborough.
Barnwell
The charming village of Barnwell offers a peaceful rural lifestyle steeped in history. This picturesque settlement is famed for its distinctive limestone houses that echo the timeless design of traditional English villages.
In 1938 the late HRH Duke and Duchess of Gloucester acquired Barnwell Manor as their family home. It has, however, been recently sold to a private individual. Barnwell boasts a selection of local amenities, including the historic Montagu Arms, a classic example of a British country pub.
There is an active community spirit in the village with regular pub events. There are also various community activities including the annual fireworks display throughout the year. The village’s proximity to the A605 provides seamless connectivity to Peterborough, the A1, and beyond.
Aldwincle
Another of the prettiest villages near Oundle is Aldwincle which combines rural tranquillity with community spirit. The village is distinguished by its attractive stone-built homes and historical St. Peter’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century, adding a sense of historical significance to its peaceful streets.
Aldwincle’s residents benefit from the village’s own amenities such as the local primary school, Aldwincle Trinity Church of England School. The school is known for its intimate learning environment.
Additionally, the village is encircled by open fields and footpaths down to the River Nene, ideal for those who value outdoor pursuits and nature. Though Aldwincle enjoys a secluded position, it maintains good transport links via the A45 and A14.
Wadenhoe
Wadenhoe, a beautiful hamlet nestled along the banks of the River Nene, epitomises the idyllic English countryside setting. With a history that can be traced back to the Domesday Book, Wadenhoe houses a collection of exquisite stone cottages and farmhouses, many of which are listed buildings with thatched roofs, reflecting the area’s rich heritage.
Furthermore, the Wadenhoe Trust maintains and renovates some of the buildings in the village (including a historical dove coup) and most of the properties are maintained to an exceptionally high standard. A true picture postcard location!
The Wadenhoe House, a Jacobean manor house, now a popular venue for events, adds to the village’s historic charm.
Local amenities in Wadenhoe include the inviting Wadenhoe Church and the village hall. Also, the reputable King’s Head Inn, a 17th-century traditional pub with riverside gardens.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Wadenhoe Trust maintains beautiful walking paths and nature reserves. Local people are often seen launching paddleboards and kayak from the pub car park in summer and a few intrepid soles even take to the water for swimming.
Despite its peaceful seclusion, Wadenhoe benefits from easy accessibility to the A605 and is among the prettiest villages near Oundle.
Cotterstock
Cotterstock, a small yet captivating village, is the epitome of pastoral elegance. The village is primarily composed of attractive stone properties, many of which exhibit the classic features of 17th-century architecture, lending Cotterstock a timeless aesthetic.
It is home to the historic Cotterstock Hall, a significant landmark that enhances the area’s grandeur. Cotterstock provides a serene environment, with nearby walking trails along the River Nene offering residents a tranquil escape into nature along with an enjoyable country walk into Oundle
Despite its serene rural charm, Cotterstock maintains convenient transport links, with the A605 in close proximity.
Elton
Elton is a village that combines the allure of rural Northamptonshire with a vibrant community spirit. It is famed for its stately homes and well-preserved stone cottages that line the streets, offering a snapshot of historical architectural beauty. There is a mixture of attractive modern and period properties in the village to suit every taste.
Elton Hall, an impressive country house set in an idyllic estate, further enhances the village’s aesthetic appeal.
The village hosts a variety of local amenities, including, traditional pubs, and a local farm shop, catering to the daily needs of its residents. While Elton enjoys the benefits of the picturesque River Nene that meanders through the village, providing scenic views and leisure opportunities, it is important to note the potential for flooding during the winter months.
Careful management and local awareness initiatives ensure residents are informed and prepared for such natural occurrences. Despite this, Elton’s charm is undiminished, with its strong transport links via the A605.
Fotheringhay
Fotheringhay is a tranquil village steeped in England’s royal history. The village’s most notable historical site is Fotheringhay Castle, the birthplace of King Richard III and the final prison of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Today, the village is defined by a collection of stunning stone-built properties, ranging from quaint cottages to grander family homes, reflecting a rich architectural heritage.
A focal point for the community is the Church of St. Mary and All Saints, with its striking lantern tower dominating the local landscape. The Falcom Inn is also a popular pub and eatery for locals.
The village is surrounded by sweeping countryside, offering residents picturesque views and an array of walking paths. Though Fotheringhay enjoys a serene, secluded setting, it maintains good transport links, with the A1 and A14 easily accessible.
Woodnewton
Woodnewton is last featured but by no means least of our prettiest villages near Oundle. This picturesque village is located amidst rolling countryside. It is a vibrant community renowned for its beautiful limestone houses that capture the essence of traditional Northamptonshire architecture. The village exudes a sense of historical charm while embracing a close-knit village atmosphere.
The newly refurbished White Swan Inn was awarded Best Pub & Restaurant in the East of England in 2023 and serves a traditional menu with a modern twist and conveniently provides a takeout and delivery service too.
The village is also known for its annual events, which foster a strong sense of community. Residents have access to a wide array of outdoor activities with nearby woodlands and public footpaths ideal for walking and cycling.
The village’s location ensures convenient travel, with easy access to the A1 and A47, providing excellent links to Peterborough and beyond.
The prettiest villages near Oundle
Living near Oundle provides residents with access to some of the prettiest villages in the region. Residents of these villages can enjoy the tranquillity of rural living while still being within easy reach of the amenities of Oundle.
Those looking for a picturesque and peaceful place to call home should consider these prettiest villages near to Oundle as a top choice. With their attractive properties, beautiful surroundings, and friendly communities, they offer a truly idyllic setting for those seeking a slower pace of life but within convenient reach of major cities and towns.
If you are considering making one of the prettiest villages near Oundle your home, please do contact us for an initial discussion without obligation.
