About The Chester House Estate
The Chester House Estate is a nationally significant heritage site, being one of the few places in the country which can demonstrate over 10,000 years of human activity.
North Northamptonshire Council, who oversee the estate, wishes to make it somewhere that people want to come; a place that through education, learning and enjoyment adds value to their lives, and helps them to appreciate Northamptonshire’s outstanding heritage.
What Chester House has to offer:
- Free to Enter Heritage Visitor Attraction
- Interpretation
- Archaeological Resource Centre
- Volunteer and Community Engagement
- Wedding and Corporate
- Venue Hire
- Restaurant and Café
- Events Catering
- Artisan Shopping Courtyard
- Bed and Breakfast Offering
- Community Farm Shop
- Corporate Partnerships
- Year-Round Events Programme
- Outdoor Play Area
Map of the Estate:
Canoe2 and The Chester House Estate Partnership
Come and paddle to visit the lovely and historically important archaeological site. Great for all-adult groups or adults with children aged 5 upwards, and perfect choice for first-time paddlers.
Canoe2 is thrilled to be working in conjunction with our new friends at The Chester House Estate to give our customers the opportunity to explore and discover the rich historical heritage that the River Nene has to offer so close to our base at Rushden Lakes. We are confident this new and exciting destination for canoeing and kayaking will become very popular with our paddlers.
Meet at our base here in Rushden Lakes, and following a friendly safety briefing & paddle demo, you’ll set off on your paddle, firstly across the lake, and then head West on our beautiful River Nene.
After paddling for a short while, you will reach Ditchford lock as your first port of call, portage around the lock, then put back into the water. Following the River Nene, after going under the picturesque railway bridge, you’ll see Chester House perched up on the hill.
When you arrive at Chester House, moor up at Chester’s Pontoon, and enjoy exploring for a couple of hours before paddling back to Rushden Lakes. You’re likely to find that your time at The Chester House Estate is perfect for a lunch stop at the Farmhouse Cafe, or simply explore the shops, or simply wander around this lovely site, before paddling back to Rushden Lakes.
Everybody is different of course, and conditions on the day vary, but typically you can expect to be paddling around 1.5 hours each way, giving you a couple of hours at the Estate.
The Pontoon
Working with The Nenescape Landscape Partnership Scheme the Environment Agency have installed a new mooring platform, which enables people to access the site via the river Nene.
This is one of many Nenescape initiatives to promote the heritage of the Nene Valley. Nenescape are working alongside Natural England, Historic England and the team at Chester House, to protect and manage the elements that make the site such an asset to the Nene Valley.
Chester House & Back by Canoe
Why travel by car when you could go by Canoe (kayaks are also available). Here at Canoe2 we offer that exclusive option!
Take a look at the trip here: https://www.canoe2.co.uk/discover-chester-house-estate-by-canoe/
If you have any questions or need recommendations and advice then feel free to get in touch with us here at Canoe2 by emailing [email protected] or connecting with us on social media.
