Activities & days out
Rushden has some brilliant businesses and community groups that provide fantastic entertainment, activities and days out for children and families, plus there are so many great places to visit in and around Rushden, perfect for little adventures over the summer holidays.
We've compiled a list below, but if you have any other ideas, please feel free to email us so we can share with other families that may also be reading this post.
Just to note; Most establishments do require for you to book in advance and each have their own COVID health and safety policies to suit their business or group so we advise that you visit their websites for more information.
Rushden Town Council's Parks & Open Spaces: As well as being a vibrant and busy town, Rushden boasts acres of open space and green parks, including…
Hall Park: A 34 acre site with woodland walks, a nature trail, formal gardens and planting and a teenage and Infant play area.
Spencer Park: Multi-Sports area, Tennis Courts, Football pitches, a BMX track, and a Children's Play Area.
Jubilee Park: A Skateboard park, football and Rugby pitches and a Children's Play Area. parks-and-open-spaces…
The Greenway walking and Cycle Paths: The East Northamptonshire Greenway makes attractive and safer walking and cycling routes available in the heart of the Nene Valley. A green corridor linking Rushden with Rushden Lakes, a route linking the towns of Higham Ferrers and Rushden along the old railway line and further on you have links that lead to Irthingborough Lakes and Meadows and Stanwick Lakes.
"No traffic, no major climbs, obstacles or difficulties, just a relaxed walk or ride through nice countryside past woods, rivers and locks along a former railway track."
https://www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/…/walking_and_cycl…
The Greenway walking and Cycle Paths: The East Northamptonshire Greenway makes attractive and safer walking and cycling routes available in the heart of the Nene Valley. A green corridor linking Rushden with Rushden Lakes, a route linking the towns of Higham Ferrers and Rushden along the old railway line and further on you have links that lead to Irthingborough Lakes and Meadows and Stanwick Lakes.
"No traffic, no major climbs, obstacles or difficulties, just a relaxed walk or ride through nice countryside past woods, rivers and locks along a former railway track."
https://www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/…/walking_and_cycl…
Rushden Lakes The surrounding lakes walking trail: We have so many beautiful lakes in and around Rushden, some are even in walking distance. Perfect for exploring, picnicking and some even have children's play equipment along the route: https://www.rushdenlakes.com/…/up…/2019/03/walking-trail.jpg
Rushden Town Council Heritage trail: Why not get to know the history of your town a little bit better and follow our heritage trail… The history of Rushden dates back many thousands of years with indications of there being Bronze and Iron Age settlements, as well as Roman sites found in the area.
…/rushden-heritage.pdf
Higham Ferrers Town Council Heritage Trail: Just up the road from Rushden is another really interesting heritage trail… Did you Know? Higham Ferrers is the birthplace of Henry Chichele, the longest serving Archbishop of Canterbury. https://www.highamferrers-tc.gov.uk/…/highamferrers-heritag…
Irchester Country Park: Features a great children's play and activity area that includes varying climbing frames, slides and swings, designated picnic areas along the routes but if you need a coffee to keep you going the Quarryman's Rest cafe is apparently open daily. https://www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk/…/Pages/default.aspx. You can also find the Jungle Parc High Ropes Adventure Course https://jungleparc.co.uk/Book
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre countryside attraction and nature reserve located in the heart of Northamptonshire's Nene Valley. There are extensive and imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore at leisure, with a visitor centre, café and shop. https://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/
Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre @ Rushden Lakes: Pond dipping events & Education area. Explore and find out more about the creepy crawlies of the Nene Wetlands, both above and below the water! https://www.facebook.com/NeneWetlandsVisitorCentre/
Canoe2 @ Rushden Lakes: Offering river canoe hire trips, B&B Short Breaks, hire of craft on the lake for those that just fancy 30 or 60 minutes on the water, as well as paddling across the lake to the adjoining River Nene via the specially constructed portage point. https://www.canoe2.co.uk/
Splash Leisure Pool, Rushden: Swimming is a great activity for the whole family to participate in together. Have fun splashing around and practicing the life skill of swimming, a great way to cool down on hot days or to escape the rain during the traditional British weather.
https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/cent…/splash-leisure-pool/
Rushden FootGolf, Rushden: Foot golf is essentially a game of golf played with a football and is fantastic for families and groups of people who may have very mixed sporting abilities: https://rushdenfootgolf.co.uk/
Want To Escape Rushden - Escape Rooms: Participants will use their teamwork skills, intuition and intelligence to crack challenging codes, solve mind bending puzzles and unlock cryptic clues which will ultimately lead to their escape. Every room has a story and you must use the elements of the room to solve the ultimate puzzle and solve the mystery to escape in time. Age they recommend is 8+, wouldn't restrict anyone from having a go. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult at the venue, but not necessarily in the escape room. https://www.wanttoescape.co.uk/
Rock Up Rushden Lakes : Rock Up is the thrilling indoor climbing centre for all ages. Their climbing arenas have a vast array of multi-coloured climbing walls, a café serving great coffee and fresh food. https://www.rock-up.co.uk/rushden-lakes
Flip out Rushden lakes: The UK's most advanced Trampoline & Inflatable Park, providing the ultimate experience for all ages! https://www.flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-rushden-lakes
360 Play Rushden Lakes: Active, creative and imaginative play, whatever the weather! Indoor play centre and party venue. https://360play.co.uk/360-play-rushden-lakes/
Paradise Island Adventure Golf - Rushden Lakes: Forget Crazy Golf... this is Adventure Golf where it's not the taking part that counts - it's the winning.
https://www.paradiseislandgolf.com/Rushden-Lakes
Cineworld Rushden Lakes: Boasts 14 screens, IMAX, 4DX, Screen X, a free carpark and great public transport links
https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/rushden-lakes
RUSH 2The DEN: A variety of activities for a wide age range: Music, cooking, crafts, pamper evenings, graffiti boards, regular trips including canoeing & camping, sports, pool table, table tennis (coming soon) https://www.facebook.com/pg/RUSH2TheDEN/events/?ref=page_internal http://www.rush2theden.org.uk/
Rushden Sea Cadets: The Sea Cadets is a national charity, which offers opportunities to young people aged between 10 and 18 on and off the water, helping to boost their confidence and self-belief. https://www.facebook.com/SeaCadetsRushden/