Discover Rothwell: Rowell Fair, History and Nature

Rothwell combines lively traditions with remarkable historic sites and a varied surrounding area. The Rowell Fair is particularly characteristic: since 1204, it has taken place every year as a week-long Charter Street Fair. This gives Rothwell an unusual appeal for anyone who wants not only to see attractions during their trip, but also to experience a local tradition.

Tradition and special experiences in Rothwell

The opening of the Rowell Fair follows a set ceremony. The Bailiff of the Lord of the Manor rides through Rothwell early in the morning, accompanied by a group of Halberdiers. During this procession, the old charter is read aloud. Throughout the week-long event, fairground rides, street entertainment, live bands, food and drink outlets, stalls and exhibitors fill Rothwell town centre. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, you can plan the Fair as a cultural highlight or explore Rothwell's history independently of the event period.

A striking testament to the past is Rothwell Market House. It was built in 1578 to designs by William Grumbold for Sir Thomas Tresham. The building has a rectangular ground plan with projecting square oriels and a round stair turret. In 1895, it was completed for use as council chambers and a library, and it was restored in 1913. The various construction phases and architectural details make Market House a worthwhile focus for a stay centred on history.

Medieval heritage and Rothwell's culture

Rothwell Charnel Chapel houses one of only two surviving medieval ossuaries in situ in England. The site includes the Bone Crypt, a 13th-century crypt containing the remains of around 2,500 people. This place offers a particularly powerful connection with Rothwell's medieval past. In addition, the Rothwell Arts & Heritage Centre presents exhibitions on the town's medieval history and documents Rothwell's important role in the footwear and lace industries.

The centre also covers more recent cultural history. The Jim Dale Room documents Jim Dale's life and career in show business through photographs from his family collection. The exhibition includes original photographs, posters, scripts and memorabilia. Local art is displayed in the Janet Bassett Gallery. During a stay, you can therefore discover different sides of Rothwell: medieval heritage, regional economic history, entertainment culture and local art.

Paths and landscape in the surrounding area

If you would like to include some activity alongside culture, Rothwell Gullet in the area around Rothwell offers a distinct contrast to the historic sites. The former ironstone quarry is characterised by ferns, fungi, woodland and grassland. The routes described require careful planning: one path includes a stile and steep steps, while another is winding and hilly, with additional steps and another stile. These specific route features help you choose an outing suited to your preferences and the day's schedule.

Another way to stay active is the Rothwell Wellbeing Walk. It meets every Friday at 10 am in front of The Market House. Anyone who likes to combine their stay with a fixed appointment can take this meeting point into account when planning their trip. This creates a clear thematic choice when selecting a holiday cottage in Rothwell: you can focus on a cultural trip with historic discoveries, complemented by the Rowell Fair, or choose a stay that also includes an outing into the surrounding landscape.

Getting there and other destinations

Rothwell's nearest railway station is in Kettering on the Midland Main Line. This information is just as relevant to planning your journey as it is to deciding whether to treat Rothwell as a destination in its own right or as part of a larger tour. A holiday cottage in Rothwell is particularly suitable for travellers who want to focus their stay on history, cultural attractions and the routes described in the surrounding area.

For further searches, you can also view the pages for Kilsby, West Haddon, Ringstead, Daventry, Syresham, Weedon Bec, Roade and Blisworth.

For the higher-level travel overview: Northamptonshire.