Local Activities

The Benefield Wheatsheaf provides a central location for a wide range of sporting and leisure activities.

Sites of historical interest

(all within 10 miles of The Benefield Wheatsheaf)

Rockingham Castle – build on the instruction of William the Conqueror
Deene Park – occupied and developed by the Brudenell family since 1514
Lyveden Newbield – Intriguing Elizabethan lodge and moated garden
Kirby Hall – one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses
Boughton House – Northamptonshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch

Shopping

The historic market town of Oundle is just 4 miles away.
Surrounded on three sides by the River Nene and dating back to Saxon times, the town features fine stone buildings, narrow streets, intimate alleyways and a famous public school. Its 13th century church has a remarkable 200ft spire and is a local landmark. It has a variety of specialist and antique shops and hosts a Farmer’s Market on the second Saturday of each month.

The town of Stamford still retains its medieval street pattern making an attractive mix of narrow passageways and cobbled streets opening into more spacious squares. Five medieval churches, a twelfth century priory and a fifteenth century hospital jostle with other fine medieval and Georgian

buildings in the town. Stamford has many specialist shops, restaurants and the famous coaching inn, The George of Stamford.

Wildlife

Ornithologists can enjoy a rich variety of wildlife including red kites at Top Lodge Visitor Centre in Fineshade Woods, which is managed by the Forestry Commission.

Stanwick Lakes is one of the key sites in the Nene Valley for wetland birds and is classified as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Fishing

Renowned fishing at Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland Water (12 miles) and Stanwick Lakes Fisheries.

Golf

Oundle Golf Club (2 miles) – a delightful par 72, 18 hole parkland course established in 1893.
Priors Hall Golf Club (5 miles) – opened in 1967 by Tony Jacklin and designed by Fred Hawtree, one of Britain’s finest golfcourse architects.

Shooting

During the winter, shooting parties are welcome. The Benefield Wheatsheaf has contacts with 11 local estates where days can be arranged, subject to availability. These include Bulwick Estate, Deene Estate, Drayton Estate and Boughton Estate.

Major events regularly take place at local venues.

Burghley Horse Trials – 2-5 September 2010
Rockingham Motor Speedway – BRSCC Racing 28-30 August 2010
East of England Showground - Equifest 19-22 August 2010
Huntingdon Racecourse – Bank Holiday Fun Day 30 August 2010