Premier Inn Kettering

Kettering is best known for its industrial past, particularly in the boot and shoe-making industry which once made it a key manufacturing town in the UK. That legacy can still be felt in the town’s architecture and history. Kettering is also home to Wicksteed Park, one of the UK’s oldest theme parks, founded in 1921, with rides, lake, playgrounds and green spaces. Kettering is also known for being part of the Northamptonshire countryside, with stately homes like Boughton House nearby. 

Yes, Kettering is relatively close to London and well connected. It's located in the East Midlands, around 80 miles north of central London. If you’re travelling by train, Kettering sits on the Midland Main Line, and direct trains from London St Pancras International take just under an hour, making it a great option for a day trip. By car, the journey to London usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Its central location also makes it a good stopover if you're travelling around the country. 

Definitely! Kettering is a market town with a great mix of things to do, whether you're travelling as a couple, family or solo explorer. Wicksteed Park is a standout attraction for families, offering rides, boating lakes and open green areas. History lovers will enjoy Boughton House and local museums like the Manor House Museum, which tells the story of the town and its people. The town centre has a growing food and coffee scene, with independent cafes and traditional pubs. If you enjoy being outdoors, there are parks, woodlands, and nature trails nearby for walks and bike rides. It’s also a great base to explore other parts of Northamptonshire and the surrounding countryside. 

Kettering is considered a market town, but it’s on the larger side. It’s large enough to have a variety of shops, leisure facilities and restaurants, but still small enough to retain a friendly feel. It offers the convenience of a town with the charm of the countryside close by. 

There’s loads to do just outside Kettering for a fun day out. Boughton House is just a short drive away – it’s one of Britain’s grandest stately homes, set in acres of landscaped gardens and parkland. Fermyn Woods Country Park is another nearby spot for nature lovers, with woodland trails, picnic areas and wildlife spotting. If you enjoy visiting quaint villages, head to Geddington to see its historic Eleanor Cross or Oundle, a riverside market town. Rockingham Castle, built on the orders of William the Conqueror, is also close and offers great views over the Welland Valley. 

Kettering is surrounded by lots of towns and cities. Northampton is the nearest city, located around 15 miles south – it’s great for shopping, nightlife and museums. Leicester, about 30 miles to the north, offers historic attractions like the King Richard III Visitor Centre, a large shopping district and great food options. Peterborough, around 35 miles away, has a cathedral, river walks and big retail parks. You’re also not too far from Milton Keynes, if you’re after entertainment complexes. 

Yes – whether you're in town for a short visit or a weekend break, Kettering has plenty to offer. Wicksteed Park is a must-see for families, or for a slower pace, Manor House Museum and Alfred East Art Gallery are great for discovering local heritage and creativity. You’ll also find local markets, a cinema and Newlands Shopping Centre in the town centre. If you’re into the outdoors, explore the Pocket Park, Northamptonshire walks or enjoy a bike ride around the countryside. The town also has a lively calendar of seasonal events, markets and festivals that celebrate food, music and local culture. 

Kettering offers a variety of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained: 

• Wicksteed Park: An amusement park with over 30 rides and attractions, including playgrounds, a boating lake and open green spaces perfect for picnics and running around.  

• Wicky’s Play Factory: Located within Wicksteed Park, this indoor play area offers slides, tunnels, and ball pits, making it a great option for rainy days. 

• Little Learners Messy Play: Offers sensory play sessions for young children, helping them develop fine motor skills through activities like painting and playdough. littlelearnersuk.com  

• Arena Sports & Leisure Centre: Has various sports facilities, including badminton and squash courts suitable for family activities.  

• Kettering Swimming Pool: A local facility with swimming pools suitable for all ages, including a children's splash area. 

Yes, Kettering is quite walkable, especially around the town centre. The main shopping areas, parks, cafes and attractions like Wicksteed Park are all within easy walking distance. The town has a good network of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot. For those who enjoy walking, there are also some lovely nearby countryside paths and trails just a short bus or car ride away, perfect for a more scenic stroll. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.