Best attractions and places to see around Maidwell include historic landmarks and natural beauty. This village in West Northamptonshire, England, is set within rolling countryside featuring fields, meadows, and woodlands. The area offers a mix of cultural sites, such as Grade II listed buildings and archaeological sites, alongside natural features like the Brampton Valley Way. It provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring historical locations.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Decent front light a must to ride through. Surface is not too bad but best to go slowly if you can't see well.
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You will need a decent light to go through riding! There is a ventilation shaft halfway through which provides some relief from the gloom.
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Another tunnel with another cool blast of air on these hot summer days.
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The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers. The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed. The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!
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Maidwell is nestled in rolling countryside, offering picturesque settings for walks and hikes through fields, meadows, and woodlands. A prominent natural feature is Pitsford Water, a large lake with open grassed areas for picnics, a children's play area, and a main walking/cycle path around the water. The area also features excellently preserved fishponds to the west of the main road.
Yes, Maidwell is rich in history. You can visit the Church of St Mary the Virgin, a Grade II* listed building. Maidwell Hall, a Grade II listed building, also has a long history dating back to 1637. Other Grade II listed buildings in the parish include the Old Bakehouse, the Old House, and the Old Rectory on Draughton Road.
The area offers several trails, including the National Cycle Route 6: Northampton to Market Harborough, which follows a former railway line and is suitable for both cycling and walking. This route includes the unique Kelmarsh Tunnels. For more specific routes, you can explore easy hikes around Maidwell or cycling routes around Maidwell.
Absolutely. Pitsford Water is a great option, offering open grassed areas for picnics and a children's play area. Many of the local churches, such as St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington and St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, are also considered family-friendly historical sites.
The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels, part of the Brampton Valley Way. The former 'up' line tunnel is open and unlit, extending 480 meters (1,570 ft). Visitors exploring it will need lights for passage, making it an adventurous and unique experience.
Yes, Pitsford Water is noted for its accessibility, featuring an accessible garden with raised beds and a main walking/cycle path suitable for various users.
Maidwell parish has evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman settlements, including an early Iron Age site and the location of a Roman Villa. Aerial photography has also revealed two rectangular enclosures typical of the early Christian era. Additionally, medieval earthworks of a watermill, millrace, leat, and dam exist in the Dales area.
While Maidwell itself is a small village, nearby areas offer options. Pitsford Water has a cafe. In Arthingworth, just north of the Brampton Valley Way, The Bull's Head is a traditional drovers' inn that serves food.
Visitors appreciate the mix of historic landmarks and natural beauty. The komoot community has given the attractions around Maidwell over 80 upvotes and shared more than 30 photos, highlighting the scenic countryside, the unique experience of the Kelmarsh Tunnels, and the facilities at Pitsford Water.
Beyond the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Maidwell, you can visit St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington, known for its unique bisected nave. Also, St Andrew's Church, Arthingworth, is a Grade II*-listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century.
The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile trail that follows the course of the former Market Harborough to Northampton railway line. It passes near Maidwell and offers excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. You can access it from various points, including near Kelmarsh, where the Kelmarsh Tunnels are located.
The rolling countryside around Maidwell is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, when the weather is most favorable for walking, cycling, and exploring the natural features. While some trails are accessible year-round, specific seasonal events are not highlighted.


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