Barnwell Country Park
The smallest of the country parks, covering an area of 37 acres, it is flanked on one side by the River Nene, and on the other side by the former A605 Thrapston to Oundle road.
The park has picnic meadows, and waterside walks along a bank of the River Nene and the four lakes contained in the park. Day fishing permits are available for the river and some of the lakes, with free fishing for the disabled. Bird-watching facilities are provided at the Kingfisher Hide which overlooks the Middle Lake.
Other facilities include an Information Centre, a Ranger service, free car parking, and toilets with facilities for the disabled.
Brampton Valley Way
The Brampton Valley Way differs from the other country parks, being a linear park, stretching some 14 miles between the former Boughton crossing off the A50 north of Northampton and Market Harborough. It follows the route of the former railway line which closed in 1981.
Recreational access is provided for both walkers and cyclists, with horseriding available along certain sections.
Car parks can be found on the roads between :
Boughton - Church Brampton
Pitsford - Chapel Brampton
Brixworth - Spratton *
Maidwell - Draughton *
Kelmarsh - Arthingworth *
* indicates a Picnic Area
Brixworth Country Park
The park is located just off the A508 roundabout from Market Harborough, Brixworth and Northampton, and overlooks Pitsford Water.
The David Mackintosh Visitor Centre houses the Rangers Office, exhibition and information areas, toilets with facilities for the disabled, and a sales area.
Situated close to the Visitor Centre are the car park and a picnic meadow, while further afield walks may be taken around Pitsford Water, with its numerous species of wildfowl.
Daventry Country Park
The park can be found on the B4036 Daventry to Market Harborough road, north-east of Daventry.
Situated around the reservoir, the park offers a range of facilities, which include a children's adventure playground and picnic area, a variety of walks, and two bird hides.
The Information Centre provides a number of displays, including a freshwater tank featuring the local water life. Light refreshments are available during the busier times of the year. Car parking, and toilet facilities with access for the disabled , are available throughout the year.
East Carlton Country Park
This 100 acre park can be found signposted at the East Carlton turn off the A427, between Market Harborough and Corby
The park offers splendid views over the Welland Valley, and is a haven for wildlife, with its variety of habitats. The open parkland has a children's play area, a picnic area, a garden for the visually impaired, and an Alpine garden.
There are three nature trails around the park, which pass through woods and meadows, and by the water gardens and ponds. Britain's largest Boled Lime Tree can be found in the park.
Contained within a former coach house is the Heritage Centre, containing a permanent exhibition covering the history of steelmaking in Corby, craft workshops, and a cafe which provides hot and cold snacks throughout the year.
Extensive car parking is available, together with toilet facilities, which include those for disabled visitors.
Fermyn Woods Country Park
The park can be found on the A6116 Brigstock by-pass, to the east of Brigstock village. There are picnic meadows, walks and nature trails, and a circular walk through Fermyn Woods.
A Visitor Centre and Ranger Service are available, in addition to a children's playground, and car parking and toilets, with special facilities for the disabled.
Irchester Country Park
The park is situated in a former ironstone quarry, on the B570 Little Irchester to Irchester road, and off the A509 road, south-east of Wellingborough
The Nene Way passes through the 220 acre park, and there are a number of other trails, ranging from 1/4 mile to 2 miles in length. Orienteering is a popular pursuit, and with the aid of maps available from the Rangers' office, it is possible to steer a course using markers positioned around the park.
The park has a Visitor Centre, a Railway Centre, a children's play area, and a picnic meadow. Car parking is available, and toilet facilities, including those for the disabled, are open during the day.
Sywell Country Park
The park is reached from the A4500 (the old A45) from Earls Barton crossroads. Turning onto the Mears Ashby road continue for approximately half a mile, then take the left turn signposted to Sywell Country Park. The park will be found about half a mile down this road.
There are a number of picnic meadows, and an area where dogs are encouraged to roam free, in what appears to be a successful attempt to reduce fouling in other areas of the park. A hide provides opportunities to view bird life in the Thorn Bay Wildlife Refuge.
The walk of 2.5 miles around the perimeter of the reservoir will take the walker through a variety of wildlife habitats, including meadows, reed beds, and marshland.
The Ranger service provides a excellent range of educational, recreational, and conservation events throughout the year. A limited number of day tickets are available for coarse fishing, details of which can be provided from the Rangers office.
Car parking and toilet facilities are available, including those for the disabled.