Discover the Beauty of Northamptonshire Villages
While the Cotswolds is renowned for its picture-perfect villages, you don’t always have to travel far — Northamptonshire is full of delightful villages just waiting to be explored.
Did you know Northamptonshire is home to over 200 charming villages? From quaint stone cottages to winding country lanes and colourful gardens, each village has its own unique character waiting to be explored. If you just drive from 10 minutes from the town centre, you’ll discover some gems right on your doorstep.
In this series, we’re showcasing 10 of the prettiest villages that capture the heart of the county — the perfect spots to wander, enjoy the beauty of the countryside and soak up that timeless village charm.
Yardley Hastings: What Makes It Special
Yardley Hastings is a gem of a village where stone cottages and manicured gardens line the streets, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.
As you wander the village streets, you’ll be struck by the residents’ carefully tended gardens, which in summer burst into colour with vibrant blooms.
Open Gardens Event – every two years
Their beauty is showcased at the biennial Open Gardens event, when 14–18 private gardens and allotments, including the Old Rectory Garden and the historic Court Parlour, welcome visitors. In 2024, the event drew over 900 guests and raised more than £8,000 for St Andrew’s Church.
Historic architecture
Surrounded by rolling countryside and connected to the Castle Ashby Estate—famed for its Capability Brown–designed landscapes—Yardley Hastings is perfect for walkers. A 5.6-mile circular route links the village with Castle Ashby, complete with sweeping views and the promise of a pint at the lovely Rose & Crown pub afterwards. Two pocket parks, a stream-side meadow and Wilsons Wood, add to the village’s green credentials.
Active Memorial Hall
- The Memorial Hall, owned by the Compton Estate and overseen by the Village Hall Committee, is a vibrant hub for the village community yardleyhastingsparish.org.uk.
- It serves as the venue for Open Gardens ticket sales, plant and food stalls, and serves as a meeting place for events throughout the year.
- It also hosts frequent Parish Council meetings (every ~5 weeks), managing local amenities like the recreation ground, village green, and street lighting.
St Andrew’s Church
- The village’s parish church, St Andrew’s, boasts a 13th-century west tower and traces of Norman architecture, including Romanesque detailing within its walls.
- The church benefits directly from the Open Gardens event—funds raised go toward its upkeep and preservation.
Yardley Arts
Yardley Arts, housed in a historic former school, boasts a diverse array of art exhibitions and workshops drawing people from around the local villages and beyond. It also hosts Northants & Rutland Open Studios festival and Open Gardens exhibition.
With its blend of history, gardens, countryside, and community spirit, Yardley Hastings more than earns its place among Northamptonshire’s prettiest villages.
Photo Disclaimer:
All photographs featured in this series were taken from public streets and pathways. No private property was trespassed upon. Images are used for editorial purposes only, showcasing the charm and character of Northamptonshire villages, and are not intended to depict or identify residents.