The team are very excited to welcome visitors and there’s lots to see and do as you explore this very special attraction that’s been described as Northamptonshire’s jewel in the crown.
The opening comes after many years of restoration work on a historical riverside site which can trace its occupation back an amazing 10,000 years. The Chester House Estate is built on an 84-acre scheduled monument, the site of ancient Roman town where numerous archaeological digs and discoveries have taken place.
For more than a decade Chester House Estate stood in ruin but thanks to the support of North Northamptonshire Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the site has been restored and enhanced for local people and visitors from further afield to enjoy.
It really is a must-visit destination for families for a fun and informative day out. Entrance is free – so why not?! Take a look around the interactive museum where you’ll be able learn more about story of the site and all the numerous fascinating discoveries made here.
Chester House Estate is hugely important to the heritage of the area since the finds unearthed by archaeologists on site, along with historical treasures from throughout our county, are now stored here in the recently completed Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) where work is underway to catalogue all of the hundreds of items for current and future generations to understand.
The original farmhouse, now beautifully restored, houses a café and restaurant serving a range of hot and cold food, including children’s meals. Expect breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas with dishes which are, as much as possible, prepared using fresh local ingredients.
A highlight of any visit will be a browse of the shops in the artisan courtyard, including the Creating Tomorrow Farm Shop which showcases produce sourced in Northamptonshire. You’ll find Eden Wild, a new local florist, Saxby’s Cider shop, Canine Cottage, a boutique for dogs run by Trinkety Paws, and My Little Vintage, an impressive antiques emporium. And don’t miss the Chester House Estate shop with its exciting range of souvenirs and gifts.
Planning a wedding? Take a look at Chester House Estate’s events and wedding space as well as the bed and breakfast accommodation in the farmhouse which has bedrooms that overlook either the picturesque River Nene or the historic site itself.
The site has been designed to be accessible to all – a gravel path leads you from the car park to the main site and there’s step-free access throughout, with lift access to all publicly available floors.
The main visitor car park is on Claudius Way and can be accessed through the Prologis Park in Wellingborough. (Use the postcode NN8 2DH to find the entrance.) Although there is no charge for entry or parking, prebooking a car parking space is essential and can be done via the website www.chesterhouseestate.org where you can read up more about this fascinating site before you visit.
Why not follow Chester House Estate on Facebook and other social media channels to keep up to date with the events and activities taking place here.