| Bordered by the counties of Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire is a pleasant mix of busy towns, churches and outstanding buildings. |
| Indeed the area is nicknamed the county of 'squires and spires', because of the large amount of churches and historic houses. |
| Despite growth of the main towns like Northampton and Daventry, this is still very much an agricultural area. |
| The area is changing, as core industries like shoe making and steel working are replaced by hi-technology. |
| The main county town is Northampton, which hosts a colourful balloon festival every year. |
| Just north is Althorp, home of the Earl of Spencer and now a major tourist attraction, following the tragic death of his sister Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash in 1997. |
| Open for just a few months during the year, the family home houses a tribute to the 'People's Princess', including family photographs and memorabilia, with money raised going to charities. |
| Elsewhere around the county, between main towns like Daventry, Towcester, Corby and Wellingborough are attractions well worth spending time at, such as the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum and Sulgrave Manor. |
| For thrill seekers the Silverstone motor racing track is not far away and you don't need to go just on a race day to get behind the wheel. |
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