For many of us, getting behind the wheel is the quickest way to see all of Northamptonshire’s beauty spots.
But once upon a time, the county was criss-crossed by railway lines – line extending from Stratford upon Avon to Olney, Northampton to Peterborough, and of course, the London and Northwestern (now the West Coast Mainline).
Here, we look at ten railway stations in and around Northampton which were once a lifeline for past generations getting about.
5. Piddington Railway Station
Piddington rail station opened in 1872 and was run by the Midland Railway which later became part of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923. The line closed to passengers in 1962. Photo: Lamberhurst
6. Blisworth Rail Station
Blisworth railway station was a junction station on the London and North Western Railway (now the West Coast Main Line). It opened in 1838 and was rebuilt 800 yards north in 1853. The station closed in 1960 and was soon demolished. The hotel facing the station, now named The Walnut Tree Inn, remains open for business. Photo: Ben Brooksbank
7. Castle Ashby & Earls Barton Railway Station
Castle Ashby railway station opened in 1845 on the Northampton and Peterborough line. It was renamed to include Earls Barton in 1869. The station closed in 1964 but its goods buildings remained open as a restaurant named Dunkleys for decades afterwards, finally being converted in residential accommodation in the 1990s. Photo: Ben Brooksbank
8. Billing Rail Station
Billing Road railway station opened in December 1845 serving the Northampton and Peterborough Railway Line via Wellingborough. It closed in 1952. Photo: Ben Brooksbank