Best attractions and places to see around Charwelton, a village in West Northamptonshire, offers a blend of historical English village life and rural charm. The area is characterized by its natural features, including the River Cherwell, and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from ancient churches to remnants of medieval settlements, providing insights into the region's past. Charwelton landmarks and natural features make it a destination for those interested in history and the English countryside.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Great to walk around looks very impressive
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Nice church good for a wonder to grave yard was closed due to downed trees
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Beautiful place to walk around look out for the musket holes
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"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Memorial bench with inscription "In memory of the USA AF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944." The Norton B-17 On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany. It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England. Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine. On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum. On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry. The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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You cant go right up to the windmill, but the land owner installed a rest stop with a bench. He even planted the tree that can be found there.
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You cant get close to the windmill, due to private land, but there is a super cute little picnic area on the right to grab a snack and breather, before heading back off. The keeper of the livestock nearby, actually planted the tree that overhangs the bench amny years ago. It's still going strong today.
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Napton Windmill is a red brick tower mill that was built around 1835. It was designated a Grade II-listed building on 7th January 1952. The mill lay derelict until about 1972 when it was restored, converted into a house and fitted with four patent sails. In January 1976, two of the sails blew off in a gale and were later restored.
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Charwelton is rich in history. You can visit the Holy Trinity Church in Church Charwelton, a Grade I listed building with origins from around 1300. Don't miss the Packhorse Bridge at Upper Charwelton, believed to be from the 15th century. You can also explore the earthwork remains of the deserted medieval village of Church Charwelton, including a hollow way and medieval fish ponds. The site of the former Charwelton Railway Station also offers a glimpse into the village's economic past.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Daventry Country Park Reservoir is a popular park with a large reservoir, cafe, and adventure playground, offering trails around the lake. Another great option is Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a Tudor manor house with terraced gardens, Elizabethan wall paintings, and the remains of a medieval priory, providing an engaging historical experience for all ages.
A prominent landmark visible for miles around Charwelton is the Charwelton BT Tower, standing at 118 meters. You can also find the Napton Windmill, a red brick tower mill built around 1835, which is a Grade II-listed building and offers a viewpoint. Additionally, the parish contains three mounds marking the sites of former windmills, providing insight into the area's agricultural past.
Charwelton offers several interesting natural features. The River Cherwell, a significant tributary of the River Thames, originates near Charwelton and flows through the parish. You can also observe well-preserved ridge and furrow patterns throughout the parish, remnants of medieval open-field farming. West of Charwelton Manor House, the remains of medieval fish ponds, once fed by the River Cherwell, are still discernible.
Absolutely! The Jurassic Way, a long-distance footpath, traverses both Church Charwelton and Upper Charwelton, offering excellent opportunities for walking and experiencing the local landscape. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes like the Badby Woods loop or routes around Hellidon. Find more details and routes on the Easy hikes around Charwelton guide.
Yes, the area around Charwelton provides various cycling and mountain biking opportunities. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Quiet Back Lane to Culworth' loop. Mountain bikers can explore trails such as the 'View of Charwelton BT Tower loop' from Woodford cum Membris. Detailed routes and guides are available on the Cycling around Charwelton and MTB Trails around Charwelton pages.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from historical sites to natural beauty. Highlights like Daventry Country Park Reservoir are loved for their trails and family-friendly amenities, while Canons Ashby House and Priory Church is praised for its tranquil gardens and rich history. The community particularly enjoys the blend of historical English village life and rural charm that Charwelton offers.
Yes, you can visit the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, which commemorates the USAAF B-17 Bomber crew who lost their lives on December 15, 1944. Additionally, the Napton-on-the-Hill WWII Observer Post features a commemorative plaque detailing its role during the war and the broader defensive efforts in the region.
Charwelton showcases a range of historical English architecture. The Holy Trinity Church features origins dating back to about 1300, with stepped lancet windows, Decorated Gothic arcades, and a Perpendicular Gothic south porch. The Charwelton Manor House is an historic ironstone building with 16th-century paneling, an early 17th-century fireplace, and a late 17th-century staircase, with an early 18th-century façade.
Yes, the Napton Windmill, a Grade II-listed building, offers a viewpoint from its location. While you can't get too close due to private land, there's a picnic area nearby to enjoy the scenery. The Daventry Country Park Reservoir also provides scenic views around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll or run.
You can explore the earthwork remains of the deserted medieval village of Church Charwelton, located south and southeast of Holy Trinity Church. These include visible features like a hollow way, medieval fish ponds, and traces of former dwellings. Additionally, throughout the parish, particularly along the Cherwell valley, you can observe well-preserved ridge and furrow patterns, which are direct remnants of medieval open-field farming practices.


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