What you can do at the park

• Wander through the Woods - enjoy a stroll through mixed woodland along one of the many surfaced paths.
• Listen out for wildlife - the "laugh" of the Green Woodpecker or the deep "caw" of the rook...
• Enjoy lunch in one of our picnic areas or bring your own BBQ for use in our special designated BBQ area.
• Look out for wildlife - hunt for the signs of the park's inhabitants from Muntjac Deer to Hedgehogs, Stoats and squirrels.
• Make time for an adventure in the children's playground - the safe, enclosed area has equipment suitable for children up to 12 years old.
• High ropes adventure trail.  Visit the Jungle Parc website to book a place or for information
• Dig deep - look for the clues to Irchester's quarrying past from the hills and dales or open gullet and quarry face to the quarry supervisor's office - now the Visitor Centre.
• Steam along to the free Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum (only open on Sundays) Call (01234) 750469 or (01604) 675368 for more details.
• Have a kick about - our open meadows, especially Royal Meadow, are ideal for ball games. 
• Navigate your way around the park - Orienteering Packs available.
• Events at Irchester Country Park

Get involved

We manage Irchester Country Park for the benefit of both its wildlife and its human visitors. The Countryside Rangers and our many volunteers are constantly striving to develop and enhance facilities at the park.

We need your help to continue this work – why not join our team of volunteers? Call (01933) 276866 for more details.

Schools or other community groups can take part in Environmental Activity Sessions run by the Countryside Rangers. Contact our Education Rangers on 01604 833774 for more information or to book an activity session.

Ironstone narrow gauge Railway museum

Located within the park, there is a small museum of working steam and diesel locomotives run by the Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Trust. Open Sundays 10:00am – 5:00pm (summer) or 10:00am – 4:00pm (winter). For more information call (01234) 750469 or (01604) 675368.

• Free entry
• 4 working steam locomotives, 4 diesel
• over 40 items of rolling stock
• 250 metre long demonstration line
• Working locomotive demonstrations held on the last Sunday of every month during the summer.

Royal meadow

This dog-free area is perfect for family picnics, relaxing or playing games. During the summer, the one-hectare Royal Meadow can be hired by groups and organisations as a venue for medium sized events. Off-road parking for up to 500 cars is available.

Working woodland

Between 1930 and 1960 over 250,000 trees were planted at Irchester – a mixture of conifers and hardwoods such as alder and poplar. These tree plantations are managed for wildlife, timber and recreational use.

There is an on-going programme of selective felling and thinning – with replacement planting of native broadleaf trees such as oak and ash to improve the wildlife habitats.

The timber produced is converted in the on-site workshop into signs and benches and is used in all our Country Parks. Firewood, rustic poles and sawn timber are on sale at the park – ask at the Visitor Centre for more details.

Cafe opening Summer 2009

Located in the heart of the park, the original quarry supervisor's building has been converted into a cafe called "The Quarryman's Rest".

• Park & Countryside Information
• Light refreshments

Sorry

• Due to the presence of electricity pylons and power lines we regret that there must be NO kite-flying in the park.
• There are no litter bins within Northamptonshire's Country Parks – please take your rubbish home.
• In order to help everyone enjoy their visit and to protect the park's wildlife dog-owners are asked to keep their animals under control at all times, respect the dog-free area of Royal Meadow and to be aware that 'Poop Scoop' laws apply to the whole site.

For information about any of the facilities, please telephone 01933 276866 or e mail irchester@northamptonshire.gov.uk