Attractions and Places To See around Maidford - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Maidford include a variety of historical buildings and natural features within this compact conservation village in West Northamptonshire. Maidford serves as a base for exploring notable landmarks and cultural sites. The area is characterized by its tranquil rural setting, with traditional ironstone buildings and a shallow upland valley.
Best attractions and places to see around Maidford
- The most popular attractions is Arch Gate, Badby Woods, a historical site that marks the entrance to Badby Woods. It is a Grade II listed structure, originally a lodge gateway.
- Another must-see spot is Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, a castle and historical site. This Elizabethan manor house and gardens are a National Trust property, offering historical and cultural insights into the Dryden family's legacy.
- Visitors also love Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man-made monument. It commemorates the crew of a B-17 bomber that crashed in 1944, serving as a historical remembrance.
- Maidford is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from ancient churches to significant historical memorials.
- The attractions around Maidford are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 40 photos shared.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
Canons Ashby House and Priory Church
Highlight • Castle
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. nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
Tip by
Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
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.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby
Highlight • Religious Site
History
The Priory was founded by Stephen la Leye on a site to the south of the present church between 1147 and 1151 in the reign of Henry II.
In 1253 the Augustinians were granted a licence to dig the Norwell, which still exists north of the present church, to supply water to the priory.
In 1537 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Crown granted the priory and its estates to Sir Francis Bryan,[1] a close ally of Henry VIII. Bryan held the estate for only about a year before selling it in 1538 to Sir John Cope,[1] a wealthy Banbury lawyer. Sir John's daughter Elizabeth inherited what is thought to have been the priory farmhouse [wrong – Wilkyns farm was part of John Dryden's inheritance. Copes Ashbie – across the road – was inherited by Elizabeth's brother, who died early leaving his sons as Wards of the Dryden family]. In 1551 she married John Dryden, who extended the building to form the earliest parts of Canons Ashby House.
Part of the building survives: the Church of England parish church of St Mary dates from about 1250 and this, together with Canons Ashby House, is now owned by the National Trust. Its power and size can be judged by its outlying buildings which cover a large area of the surrounding countryside. The remains of the priory's hospitalium survive as the monastic building centred on the parish church of Maidford, about 5 miles (8 km) away.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canons_Ashby_Priory
Tip by
Leisure Lakes Bikes E-Bike Showroom
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
Battle of Edgcote
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Maidford.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Great to walk around looks very impressive
0
0
Nice church good for a wonder to grave yard was closed due to downed trees
0
0
Beautiful place to walk around look out for the musket holes
0
0
"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
2
0
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.
0
0
Stop in mid ride for a look at the latest bikes, clothing, equipment and accessories or pick up a bargain from the baskets near the door. You never know when you're going to need a spare inner tube or replacement whatsit for your thingamijig. And best of all you can grab a coffee and cake (or something healthier) at the in store cafe.
0
0
The Battle of Edgecote Moor took place 6 miles (9.7 km) north east of Banbury, Oxfordshire, in what is now the civil parish of Chipping Warden and Edgcote, England on 26 July 1469 during the Wars of the Roses. The site of the battle was actually Danes Moor in Northamptonshire, at a crossing of a tributary of the River Cherwell. The battle saw supporters of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, defeat the forces of King Edward IV, leading to the king's capitulation soon afterwards.
1
0
Cafe with bike racks inside the store. Huge selection of bikes, clothes, spares and accessories for all disciplines. Plus workshop for repairs. Very friendly and helpful staff.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Maidford?
Maidford and its surroundings offer a rich array of historical sites. Within the village, you can find the 13th-century St Peter & St Paul Church, the 19th-century Wesleyan Chapel, and even visible medieval fish ponds near the Old Rectory. Nearby, you can visit the stunning Canons Ashby House and Priory Church, an Elizabethan manor house, or the Arch Gate, Badby Woods, a Grade II listed historical site. Further afield, Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, and the National Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne are also within a short drive.
Are there any natural features or scenic views near Maidford?
Maidford is nestled in a shallow upland valley, offering peaceful, scenic views. The village entrance is characterized by mature trees and hedges, giving it an almost wooded feel. For broader natural beauty, the nearby Stowe Landscape Gardens are a masterpiece of 18th-century design, and the area around Battle of Edgcote offers expansive views.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available around Maidford?
The area around Maidford is excellent for outdoor activities. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like the 'Salcey Forest – Old Railway Bridge loop from Towcester' or the 'Kings Arms Pub – View from Everdon Hill loop from Byfield'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Forge Coffee – St Mary's Church, Culworth loop from Canons Ashby' or the 'Sulgrave Castle Hill – Rural Bicycle Stop loop from Moreton Pinkney'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails around Maidford and Cycling around Maidford guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Maidford area?
Yes, several attractions near Maidford are suitable for families. Canons Ashby House and Priory Church offers historical exploration in its manor house and gardens. The Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench provides a poignant historical remembrance. Additionally, the National Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne offers engaging exhibits for all ages, and the Bygones Museum provides a nostalgic journey through history.
Where can I find unique historical buildings within Maidford village itself?
Maidford village is a conservation area known for its traditional ironstone buildings with steeply pitched roofs. You can see examples like Brown Walls, Cotswold Cottage, Maidford House Farmhouse, Manor Farmhouse, and the Rectory Farmhouse, many of which are listed buildings. The village also features a charming Grade II listed K6 Telephone Kiosk.
What are some lesser-known or unique points of interest near Maidford?
Beyond the main attractions, you might discover unique sites like the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, which commemorates a significant historical event. For a deeper dive into ancient history, the Rollright Stones, a complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments, are about 23 miles away and steeped in folklore. The unique Rushton Triangular Lodge, an Elizabethan building with symbolic design, is also within reach.
Is Maidford a good base for exploring other significant historical landmarks in the region?
Absolutely. Maidford's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring a wealth of historical landmarks. Within a short drive, you can reach Sulgrave Manor, Stowe Landscape Gardens, Farnborough Hall, Holdenby House, Deddington Castle, and Kenilworth Castle, each offering distinct historical and cultural experiences.
Are there options for running trails around Maidford?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find routes like the 'Running loop from Woodend' (5.8 km, moderate) or longer, more challenging options such as the 'Newnham Hill loop from Ramsden Corner' (43.7 km, difficult). For more running routes, consult the Running Trails around Maidford guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Maidford for outdoor activities?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Maidford. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. The weather is typically milder than in summer, making it more comfortable for hiking, cycling, and exploring the historical sites.
Are there any places to eat or drink in Maidford village?
Maidford is primarily a compact conservation village. While it serves as a tranquil base, it does not have extensive internal amenities like numerous cafes or pubs directly within the village. However, nearby villages and towns will offer dining options.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options near Maidford?
Many of the walking routes and natural areas around Maidford are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the rural landscape with your pet. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock, and check specific attraction rules if planning to visit historical sites with your dog.
What kind of historical buildings characterize Maidford village?
Maidford is characterized by its traditional ironstone buildings, many of which are listed for their architectural and historical significance. These structures, often with steeply pitched roofs, contribute to the village's conservation area status. The 13th-century St Peter & St Paul Church and the 19th-century Wesleyan Chapel are prominent examples.
What is the significance of Maidford's conservation area status?
Maidford's conservation area status highlights its special architectural and historic interest. This designation helps protect the village's unique character, including its traditional ironstone buildings, historic street patterns, and natural features like mature trees and hedges. You can find more details about the conservation area at heritagecheck.co.uk.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
