Things To Do
in Raunds

Local markets (held periodically) feature stallholders selling seasonal produce, baked goods and local preserves — excellent for sampling cheeses, pies and chutneys.

Nearby Rushden Lakes hosts a mix of street-food pop-ups, cafés and restaurants if you want more variety or branded eateries on a day trip.

Be polite, wait your turn in queues and use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ — these small courtesies are valued in everyday interactions.

Follow the Countryside Code: close gates, leave no trace, keep dogs under control and stick to public footpaths to respect farmland and wildlife.

Residential areas are generally quiet in the evenings; keep noise to a minimum and respect neighbours’ privacy.

Pubs are community hubs — order at the bar where appropriate and be friendly with staff; some pubs still do not take cards at the bar, so small change can help.

Tipping is discretionary: leave 10–15% in sit-down restaurants if service is good (check whether a service charge is included). In pubs, tipping isn’t expected for bar service but appreciated for table service; round up taxi fares or add a small amount.

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash (GBP) is handy for small shops or charity donations. Mobile wallets are commonly supported; check opening hours of local banks and ATMs if you prefer cash.

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring excellent for walks, birdwatching and visiting Stanwick Lakes; some muddy paths early in the season, so wear stout shoes.

Warmest and busiest time — comfortable for outdoor activities, picnics and events, though occasional heatwaves and busy weekends at local attractions can occur.

Crisp air and colourful foliage create dramatic landscape photography opportunities; mornings can be foggy and some trails become wetter with fallen leaves.

Cold and occasionally frosty or snowy — town life is quieter, some outdoor facilities have reduced hours, and daylight is limited so plan activities earlier in the day.

A network of waymarked trails around lakes and wetlands with bird hides, family-friendly loops and longer circular routes.

Long-distance footpath following the River Nene that offers multi-day walking options and scenic riverside sections close to Raunds.

A variety of countryside walks offering reservoir views, open fields and country lanes for moderate hikes within a short drive.

Leisurely paths around the Rushden Lakes area suitable for families, with wildlife spotting and accessible routes.

Approximately 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and European flights and is convenient for rental cars and some bus links.

Around 40–60 minutes by car or an easy train connection via nearby stations; wide range of international and domestic flights.

About 60–75 minutes by car; serves many European and budget carriers with good road links from the area.

Roughly 1.5 hours by car; larger international hub with extensive connections, reachable via motorway links.

Many families live in Raunds, attracted by affordable housing relative to larger towns and local schools.

A portion of residents commute to nearby employment centres such as Kettering, Northampton or even to London on occasion.

Older residents appreciate the quieter pace, community clubs and access to local healthcare.

While predominantly White British, the area has a growing mix of Eastern European and other communities reflected in local shops and services.

Vegetarian options are commonly available in pubs and cafés (salads, vegetable mains, fish-free dishes). Inform staff and many places will adapt dishes; supermarkets also carry a wide vegetarian range.

Vegan choices have increased but can still be limited in smaller pubs — town cafés and nearby larger centres like Rushden Lakes are better bets for varied vegan menus.

Gluten-free options are offered by many cafés and restaurants on request; bakeries may have limited GF goods, so plan ahead for specialty items.

Halal-specific outlets are limited in Raunds itself, but nearby towns and larger retail centres provide options; supermarkets also stock many suitable products.