Kettering Area Guide

Our Kettering estate agents have worked closely with the local community for over 30 years, expertly providing property advice and selection services. Our aim is to make your move easier through dedicated support. 

We have created an area guide to Kettering to answer initial questions about moving to Kettering. As either a home buyer, property investor or tenant, discover what it's like to live in Kettering, things to do and see, and local property. 

The location

Kettering is a beautiful, lively market town in North Northamptonshire (NN14, NN15 and NN16). It’s located 104 miles north of Central London and 55 miles east of Birmingham. 

Kettering was named one of the UK’s best towns to live in, in YOPA’s Love Where You Live Guide. 

Surrounded by beautiful countryside in the centre of England, Kettering has rich history. Streets display remarkable architecture - the most prominent of which is the towering 171ft high spire of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Kettering is believed to have Anglo-Saxon roots. It was originally called "Cateringe," as mentioned in the Domesday Book Archive in 1080-86. 

In the 17th century, families moving to Kettering worked in the flourishing manufacturing industry. The area had the largest shoemaking industry of its time. To this day, Kettering holds its tradition as an industrial market town. 

Fun facts 

  • Kettering is home to the UK’s oldest amusement park - Wicksteed Park, founded in 1921. 

  • Actor and comedian, Hugh Dennis, is originally from Kettering. He starred in Not Going Out and Outnumbered.  

  • Burnley FC’s current manager, Sean Dyche, grew up in Kettering. 

  • Famous author, J.L. Carr, known for novels such as How Steeple Sinderby Wanderers Won the FA Cup, lived in Kettering from 1952. He was also Head of local Highfields Primary School.

Things to do 

From fun days out with the family to country pubs and relaxing parks, Kettering is full of places to explore and unwind. 

Wicksteed Park

Grade II listed Wicksteed Park has become a major local attraction with a beautiful park and gardens, a popular narrow gauge railway, a soft play centre and a wide selection of rides.

Westlodge Rural Centre

Head 20 minutes north, and you will be immersed in farm life. Say hello to farm animals, take a stroll in nature, explore play areas or ride a pony or tractor.

Places to see

Boughton House

Adore medieval architecture at Boughton House, part of a 11,000 acre estate. It’s one of Britain's best preserved stately homes and offers guided tours of its grand hallways and art every Easter and August.

Eleanor Cross

Kettering's Eleanor Cross, one of only three surviving Eleanor Crosses, dates back to 1294 and stands proudly at 12.8 meters high with rich decoration. 

Shopping and places to eat 

Although Kettering is a market town at its core, it has evolved with independent shops and boutiques mixed with well-known brands for a comprehensive shopping and dining experience.

The Yards

To get a true sense of local crafts and creations, head to The Yards in the town centre. Its unique vibe and delicious food will delight everyone in the family.

Newlands Shopping Centre

Kettering's main shopping destination, expect big brands for all your retail needs. From H&M to Boots, Greggs to Clarks Shoes. 

Kino Lounge

Offering Tapas Tuesday, burgers and brunch, there’s no such thing as a fussy eater at Kino Lounge, which is open from 9 am till late. 

Miller & Carter

Sometimes only a steak will satisfy. Fortunately, Miller & Cater Steakhouse is a master of 30 days mature British and Irish beef steaks cooked to your preference.

Sedir

An authentic Turkish BBQ Meze restaurant serving high-quality meat and vegetables bursting with flavour, cooked by highly experienced chefs, to satisfy your cravings for Mediterranean cuisine.

Schools

When moving to Kettering, choose from more than a handful of Ofstead good and outstanding schools.

For little kiddos:

 

  • Greenfields Primary School & Nursery - A highly reviewed nursery where inclusion and individual achievement are paramount through a caring and rewarding learning experience. 

  • Brambleside Primary School - Children build their identities and educational interest in the nurturing environment of Brambleside Primary School with motivational and inspiring teaching.

  • St Peter's School - A family-oriented independent school with a warm and committed teaching approach that enables children to flourish. 

Secondary students:

  • Bishop Stopford School - Faith, responsibility, and compassion are at the heart of Bishop Stopford School. Every student is supported to thrive through high-quality education.

  • Kettering Buccleuch Academy - A school built on the ethos of moral integrity and dedicated learning so students can reach their highest potential in life.

How to get around 

You can travel an hour or two by car on A1 and M1 motorways to London, Birmingham and Cambridge for the convenience of work, trips and adventures.

Regular bus routes also connect the town to other parts of the country, such as Peterborough, Milton Keynes, Bedford and beyond.

Hop on a train to reach central London within an hour. Other direct rail links include Luton, Leicester, Sheffield and Leeds. 

Moving to Kettering - the property

Kettering is popular with property buyers. It’s an excellent spot for commuters and open, green spaces. 

There’s a wide range of properties on offer. Like most villages and towns in the area, Kettering has many period properties, from thatched cottages to country homes. In addition, updated properties and newly built homes.

The average sales price in Kettering is £285,103. Given the desirability of the area’s fantastic connectivity and expansive natural areas, Kettering saw the second highest property price rise in the East Midlands in 2021. 

Average rental property prices range from around £500pcm for a one-bedroom to £900pcm for a three-bedroom, depending on the spec. 

Explore available properties for sale in Kettering or properties for rent in Kettering today. 

Talk to one of our Kettering estate agents about your property plans - 

Call: 01536 517 951

Email: info.kettering@primechoiceproperties.co.uk 

Office: 75 Montagu Street, Kettering, NN16 8XQ

Open Monday - Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 4pm.

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