🇬🇧 Northampton, United Kingdom
The Quays
📍 Crow Lane, Little Billing, NN3 9DA
Your stay — The Quays
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Northampton.
The Property — The Quays
The Quays hotel is a no-frills, 3-star gem in the heart of Northampton, exuding a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its modern design blends seamlessly with the town's rich history, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a functional and comfortable stay. The hotel's USP lies in its proximity to the River Nene and the adjacent Derngate area, which offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and cultural vibrancy. As you step into the lobby, you'll be greeted by a spacious reception area with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, perfect for business travellers and families alike. The hotel's friendly staff and effortless check-in process add to its charm, making it an ideal base for exploring Northampton's hidden corners.
Chronicles of Northampton
Northampton, founded in 899 AD by the Danes, has a rich history dating back to the Viking era. The city's medieval past is reflected in its stunning architecture, with the St. Peter's Church and the Guildhall dating back to the 15th century. Northampton's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its textile heritage, with the city being a major centre for the production of knitwear, especially hosiery and footwear. The city's modern-day landscape is a blend of industrial and Victorian-era architecture, with the iconic Market Square and the Royal & Derngate theatre being major attractions. Today, Northampton is a thriving cultural hub, with a mix of independent shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Best Time to Visit
Full Northampton guide →Best months
June and July are ideal months to visit Northampton for pleasant weather and manageable crowds, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Peak / festival surge
August is Northampton's peak month, with the annual Northampton International Kite Festival drawing thousands of visitors. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds, especially during the festival weekend. The town's roads and car parks can get congested, making public transport a more attractive option.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are excellent shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with milder weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy discounts on hotel rates, and the city's parks and gardens are still in bloom, offering a picturesque backdrop for your stay.
Weather & packing
Northampton's weather can be quite unpredictable, so be sure to pack layers for your visit. Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Northampton
- The new Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has reopened after a major refurbishment, featuring a stunning new exhibition space and interactive displays.
- The town's new tram service, the Corby to Northampton tram, is now operational, providing a convenient link to the nearby town of Corby.
- The annual Northampton Beer Festival is taking place on July 15th, featuring over 100 local and national beers, perfect for craft beer enthusiasts.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Quays, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential noise from the nearby road, Crow Lane. The hotel's lift is located near the front entrance, so rooms on the higher floors will have less disturbance from the lift traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the front of the hotel, particularly those facing Crow Lane, as they may be noisier due to the road traffic. Also, rooms on the ground floor near the service entrance might be affected by staff and delivery activity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not suggest any notable views, as it is situated on a relatively quiet side street in a residential area.
Quietest floors
2nd and 3rd floors are likely to be quieter, as they are away from the lift and road noise.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on Crow Lane means that rooms may be occasionally disturbed by passing traffic, especially during rush hour or construction.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the A45 and A45(M) motorways by requesting a room with a car park view, which can be a bonus in terms of natural light and a sense of calm. Consider booking a room with a longer stay to get a better rate, as this 3-star hotel may not offer the most competitive short-stay prices.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Quays
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via app
15:00, no early bag-drop, late check-out until 13:00, £20 fee after
available at reception, £5 per item per day
step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, £10 per night; nearest public car park (Nene Valley Car Park) £4 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £20 advance deposit, £100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Ebenezer Gospel Centre (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: All Saints (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Great Billing Methodist Chapel (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Church: Brethrens Meeting Room (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Little Billing Pocket Park — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 130 m · ~2 min walk
Brook Pharmacy — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Premier Billing Convenience Store — 117 m · ~1 min walk
Pig and Whistle PH — 2.9 km · ~36 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
Use high-street banks or Post Office for better rates; avoid airport or tourist bureau exchanges — they add poor margins.
Contactless cards widely accepted; Apple/Google Pay common in shops, pubs, and supermarkets; small stalls or market traders often cash-only.
Restaurants: 10-12% if service not included (check bill); taxis: round up or add £1-2; hotel staff: £1-2 per bag for porters, £2-5 for housekeeping per stay.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Caffè Nero or Greggs espresso — around £2.20-2.80.
Greggs sausage roll or supermarket meal deal (sandwich+snack+drink) — £3-4.
Fish and chips from a local chippy or a curry house main — £8-12.
Northampton Market (weekdays and Saturdays) has stalls with burgers, jerk chicken, and pies; Grovelands industrial estate van for baps at lunch.
Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Aldi — all with branches near Wellingborough Road or Weston Favell.
Northampton town centre: Primark and M&S on Abington Street; market stalls for basics.
Stagecoach bus day pass (£4-5) — cheapest way around. From London airports: National Express coach to Northampton bus station (£15-20 one way).
Buy a weekly bus pass if staying more than three days. Use Tesco Clubcard or Nectar app for grocery discounts. Visit free attractions like Delapré Abbey grounds or the canal towpath.
Good to know — Northampton
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
NorthamptonFor all emergencies in the UK, dial 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101. For non-urgent medical advice, call 111. Northampton General Hospital's A&E is at Cliftonville, NN1 5BD.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Northampton, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Quays
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 130 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Brook Pharmacy — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →London Euston → Northampton Station
💡 Avoid peak hours (07:00-09:30 and 16:30-19:00) as carriages can be standing-room only. Buy advance tickets on LNR website for best price.
Northampton Bus Interchange → Abington Avenue Guest House (stop: Abington Avenue)
💡 The X4 runs direct up Wellingborough Road—get off at St Edmund's Street stop, then it's a 2-minute walk. Cash only on board; buy a day rider (£5.50) if doing multiple trips.
Northampton Station → Abington Avenue Guest House
💡 For airport runs (Luton or Birmingham), book 24 hours ahead—costs £35-£45 fixed. Avoid rank taxis at station; call direct for better rates.
Stansted Airport → Abington Avenue Guest House
💡 Cheaper than train if 2+ travelling together. Use 'Airport Cars Northampton'—reliable, meet you at arrivals with name board. Book return journey on same booking for 10% discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Quays?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential noise from the nearby road, Crow Lane. The hotel's lift is located near the front entrance, so rooms on the higher floors will have less disturbance from the lift traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Quays?
Avoid rooms near the front of the hotel, particularly those facing Crow Lane, as they may be noisier due to the road traffic. Also, rooms on the ground floor near the service entrance might be affected by staff and delivery activity.
Is The Quays noisy?
The hotel's location on Crow Lane means that rooms may be occasionally disturbed by passing traffic, especially during rush hour or construction.
Which rooms have the best views at The Quays?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not suggest any notable views, as it is situated on a relatively quiet side street in a residential area.
What are insider tips for staying at The Quays?
Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the A45 and A45(M) motorways by requesting a room with a car park view, which can be a bonus in terms of natural light and a sense of calm. Consider booking a room with a longer stay to get a better rate, as this 3-star hotel may not offer the most competitive short-stay prices.
What time is check-in at The Quays?
Check-in at The Quays is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Quays have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Quays?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Quays?
Greggs sausage roll or supermarket meal deal (sandwich+snack+drink) — £3-4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Quays?
Stagecoach bus day pass (£4-5) — cheapest way around. From London airports: National Express coach to Northampton bus station (£15-20 one way).
When is the best time to visit Northampton?
June and July are ideal months to visit Northampton for pleasant weather and manageable crowds, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Top Attractions in Northampton
💡 The shoe collection includes items from Queen Victoria onwards. Check the gallery's events schedule for temporary exhibitions which are often free.
💡 Best visited on a weekday afternoon when it's quiet. The round nave is the oldest part – look for the Norman arches and corbels. Entry is free, but donations welcome.
💡 There's a free public car park just off London Road (walkable to town). The park gets lively on sunny weekends – bring a blanket and watch the riverboats go past.
💡 The park cafe does a decent cheap cuppa, and the museum building (Abington Park Museum) is free to enter on certain days – check ahead for opening times.
💡 The tour costs around £10-12 per person and includes a pint or two. Book online in advance to save a few quid and guarantee a spot – weekends fill fast.