The Chester House Estate

Historic house and gardens


The Chester House Estate is a nationally significant heritage site, being one of the few places in the country which can demonstrate over 10,000 years of human activity.

Northamptonshire County Council purchased the site in 2004 and secured grant funding through working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a sustainable visitor destination with access for the public to learn about the history and heritage, as well as becoming the location to house countywide archaeological finds. The Chester House Estate is overseen by North Northamptonshire Council.

The offer at Chester House will include a free to enter visitor attraction, an Archaeologial Resource Centre, wedding and corporate venue hire, restaurant and café, artisan shopping courtyard B&B and much more!


First Christmas at Chester House Estate


History in the Making Film

A short documentary film by One to One Development Trust about Chester House Estate, a unique heritage visitor attraction in the Nene Valley currently undergoing significant restoration and development ready for its public launch in October 2021.



The Opening Chapter Film

Filmed over a year at The Chester House Estate, near Irchester, this short film tells the story of an ambitious restoration project in North Northamptonshire. Launched in October 2021 Chester House is a stunning visitor destination, heritage and education resource. The film captures the story of this unique destination run by North Northants council with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. A One to One Development Trust production launched in October 2021.



Learning

Chester House Estate is a place to learn and explore for all people of all ages and backgrounds. The education centre, interpretation centre and The ARC will be offering opportunities for all levels of learning and education.

Learning

History

Chester House Estate is a nationally significant heritage site, being one of the few places in the country which can demonstrate over 10,000 years of human activity.

History

Archaeological Digs

These digs will be run by at the Chester House Estate in partnership with The University of Leicester giving our community a chance to gain knowledge about the history of The Chester House Estate that dates back to the Mesolithic era. On site there is a walled Roman town that is a Scheduled Monument, which is the highest level of heritage protection that can be designated.

Digs


Volunteering

The volunteering programme is due to start throughout Spring 2021 including opportunities within the gardening, conservation, museum, archive and fundraising departments. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the Education Centre and at different events throughout the year. 

Volunteering

Interactive Map

Find out more about Chester House Estate by exploring the map.

Mooring

A new mooring will allow for access and parking of canoes, kayaks, narrowboats with evening stay rental available.


Story Archive

During 2017 and 2018 volunteers researched and gathered different aspects of the history of Chester House Estate.


 As well as being the site of a Roman walled town, there is evidence from the Mesolithic, Iron Age and Medieval periods, together with a complex of traditional farm buildings dating back to the 17th century.  At present much of this heritage is buried; our challenge is to bring it to life. Enjoy these stories of the remarkable and on-going story of Chester House Estate.

Events

Enjoy an exciting programme of events for all the family to enjoy, from living re-enactments to outdoor theatre fun!


Events

Stay

You can now enjoy a luxury stay surrounded by 10,000 years of history whilst overlooking the River Nene. The Farmhouse Apartment is fully restored with two double bedrooms, a large bathroom, an en-suite and a W.C. The apartment also has a kitchen, living area, and dining room.


As an additional cost, you can also enjoy a delicious farmhouse breakfast, either cooked in the comfort of the apartment with our self-catering hampers or have a fresh cooked breakfast in our Farmhouse Café. Hampers can be reserved in advance or guests receive 10% off a cooked breakfast. Find out more about our breakfast offering for apartment guests here.


You can now reserve a date that you'd like to come and stay with us, the apartment is available from the 1st February 2022. Any booking queries or special requests please email georgia.wales@northnorthants.gov.uk. 

Stay