
Beckets Park Footbridge
A tranquil green oasis in Northampton, perfect for peaceful walks, wildlife encounters, and community events by the River Nene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Parkrun and lively atmosphere

Beckets Park Footbridge
Best Time
Parkrun and lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil green oasis in Northampton, perfect for peaceful walks, wildlife encounters, and community events by the River Nene.
"It's beautiful, quiet, and serene. I love the park and the pond beside it."

Bring a picnic blanket
Seating is sparse, so a blanket is perfect for enjoying the vast green spaces. :blanket:
Feed the wildlife
Squirrels and waterfowl are friendly and often eager for a snack. Bring some appropriate food! :squirrel:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Nene Banks
Along the River Nene
Enjoy serene walks along the River Nene, spotting ducks and swans. A peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
Friendly Squirrels
Throughout the park
These surprisingly forward squirrels are happy to pose for photos and even eat from your hand!
The Casual Cafe
Central park location
A great spot for a coffee and a bite, especially after a parkrun or a leisurely walk. Try the bacon rolls!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Park Events & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a picnic blanket
Seating is sparse, so a blanket is perfect for enjoying the vast green spaces.
:blanket:Feed the wildlife
Squirrels and waterfowl are friendly and often eager for a snack. Bring some appropriate food!
:squirrel:Book tennis courts online
If you fancy a game, remember to book the tennis courts in advance online. :tennis:
Check for events
The park hosts festivals and runs, so check local listings before you visit. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a picnic blanket
Seating is sparse, so a blanket is perfect for enjoying the vast green spaces.
:blanket:Feed the wildlife
Squirrels and waterfowl are friendly and often eager for a snack. Bring some appropriate food!
:squirrel:Book tennis courts online
If you fancy a game, remember to book the tennis courts in advance online. :tennis:
Check for events
The park hosts festivals and runs, so check local listings before you visit. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Beckets Park for its beautiful, quiet, and serene atmosphere, calling it an oasis of calm in Northampton. The friendly squirrels and riverside walks are particular highlights, though some note the scarcity of seating. It's a lovely spot for gentle walks, picnics, and community events like parkruns.
"It’s beautiful, quiet, and serene. I love the park and the pond beside it. You can feed swans and walk around"
Osagioduwa Agbonifo
"A lovely park with a fab cafe in the middle - we did the university of Northampton parkrun - which was a fab 5k run starting at the university campus and 3 laps of the park - nice to wander along the canal and up to the lock as well definitely worth a visit - great bacon roll at the cafe too 🏃🏻☕️🍰😊😊"
Tony Streams
"I like Beckets Park. It's vast expanse of greenery in the middle of Northampton that is like an oasis of calm and tranquility. There are tennis courts available, but you have to book these on line.
With all the trees and greenery, there are surprisingly few benches to sit on - quiet disappointing given the size of the park.
The squirrels are surprising friendly and forward. One posed for a picture! The River Nene skirts the edge of the park, and ducks and swans can also be seen.
If there was more provision for seating, this park would get a 5 star rating."
Lee Woodhouse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beckets Park is centrally located in Northampton, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transport. Many bus routes stop within walking distance of the park.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near Beckets Park. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability beforehand, especially during peak times or event days.
Cycling is a great way to reach Beckets Park, with paths along the canal offering a pleasant route. There are often cycle racks available within or near the park.
Absolutely! Northampton has a good bus network, and many routes will take you close to Beckets Park. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient options.
For the University of Northampton parkrun, arriving early is recommended. Public transport or cycling are good options to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Beckets Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. You can enjoy its green spaces and amenities without any cost.
Entry to the park itself is free. However, specific events hosted within the park, such as festivals or ticketed runs, may require separate admission fees. Check event details for pricing.
Beckets Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, offering ample time to enjoy its beauty. Specific hours might vary slightly, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours.
Yes, you can book the tennis courts at Beckets Park. It's recommended to book them online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions for general park entry. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of park rules, especially regarding noise levels and respecting wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Beckets Park is perfect for leisurely walks, picnicking, feeding ducks and squirrels, and enjoying the open green spaces. There are also tennis courts and a children's play area.
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets directly within Beckets Park. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly or use facilities at nearby cafes or establishments.
Yes, Beckets Park is a great place to walk dogs. The open green spaces and riverside paths provide plenty of room for them to explore. Remember to keep them under control and clean up after them.
You can spot various wildlife, including ducks and swans along the River Nene, and famously friendly squirrels throughout the park.
Yes, Beckets Park features an enclosed children's play area with a variety of apparatus to keep young ones entertained.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a casual cafe located in the center of Beckets Park that serves refreshments, including popular bacon rolls.
Absolutely! Beckets Park is ideal for picnics. The vast green areas are perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying your own food.
Besides the park cafe, the surrounding area of Northampton offers various dining options, from cafes to restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
While feeding the squirrels and waterfowl is a popular activity, it's best to use appropriate food and feed them in moderation. Avoid feeding them processed human foods.
Information on specific dietary options at the park cafe can vary. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly for their current menu offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene river views, the charming footbridge, friendly wildlife like squirrels and swans, and the vibrant green landscapes. The park offers many picturesque spots.
Yes, with its river, trees, and diverse birdlife, Beckets Park is a lovely spot for nature photography, especially during different seasons.
Definitely! The squirrels are known for being quite friendly and often pose for pictures. Just be patient and respectful of their space.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permissions.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric glow. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Beckets Park Footbridge
Its design contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the park, providing a focal point for many visitors. The bridge is a testament to the park's role as a community space, facilitating movement and offering scenic vantage points. It's a simple yet significant element that adds to the park's serene atmosphere.
Wildlife and Nature
A unique aspect of Beckets Park is its population of remarkably friendly squirrels. Many visitors share anecdotes of squirrels approaching them, posing for photos, and even eating from their hands. This interaction adds a special, memorable element to a visit, especially for children. Remember to bring appropriate, wildlife-friendly snacks if you wish to engage with them, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Community and Events
Beyond regular runs, the park is also known to host festivals and other community gatherings. These events can range from local celebrations to larger organized activities, drawing crowds and adding a lively atmosphere to the park. Checking local event listings before your visit is recommended to see if any special activities are taking place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit