| |  | | | |  | |  | | About Northampton | | | | |  Northampton is ideally located in central England mid way between London and Birmingham. Easily accessible by road and rail, and close to international airports, this dynamic university town has a population of some 200,000.
With an 800 year history, Northampton has a wealth of historic buildings and monuments. However the town is constantly expanding, with contemporary architecture positioned next to old, such as the prestigous Guildhall (shown right).
Northampton was once the premier boot and shoe-making centre of England, with many of the industry's buildings still standing today. The town's Central Museum and Art Gallery is home to the largest collection of footwear in the World. Nowadays the town's strategic position has attracted major companies such as Barclaycard, Nationwide, Carlsberg-Tetley and Coca-Cola Schweppes, illustrating a shift toward the service industries.
 Surrounded by miles of unspoilt countryside, Northampton boasts over 150 parks and gardens with many offering rugby, football, cricket and bowls. Cycle routes explore the town and the
River Nene Valley, whilst leisure centres provide indoor sports and swimming facilities.
Northampton offers plentiful shops in its pedestrianised town centre, from modern indoor precincts such as the Grosvenor Centre and  Peacock Place to its historic marketplace dating back some
750 years.
The town is also well served by a number of district shopping areas and is only a 30 minutes car ride from the Milton Keynes shopping complex.
Northampton is also well represented on the sports arena. The town's Rugby Club 'The Saints' were the Millennium European Cup Winners, with many of the team achieving international honours. Northampton Town Football Club, known locally as 'The Cobblers', is based at the Sixfields Community Stadium, a 7500 seater venue with first class facilities. The team currently lies in the Second Division but recently made the Wembley play-offs. At the redeveloped County Ground, the Northampton County Cricket Club plays in the First Division of the County Championship and with nearby Silverstone being the home of British Motor Racing, Northamptonshire can certainly boast a wealth of sporting success.
In addition to the numerous restaurants, bars and pubs, Northampton town centre has several night-clubs and two multi-screen cinemas.
The towns newest leisure complex , Sol Central, is centrally located and offers a cinema, bars, restaurant, hotel facilities and gym.
The Derngate and historic Royal Theatre attract popular entertainment, dance, drama and music.
 The town holds a number of annual events including the Northampton Balloon Festival where over 100 hot air balloons take off to fill the Northamptonshire skyline.
Northampton is also within an hours travelling from Oxford, Milton Keynes, Coventry, Luton and Cambridge.
The town features a mix of old and new housing at affordable prices.
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