Better than socks! 10 Father’s Day experiences
Can't bear to buy the man in your life yet another aftershave? Pick up one of these days out in Northants instead - you'll get mega brownie points (and hopefully an invite...).
Learn the art of blacksmithing at Stanwick Lakes
Bloke in your life fancy learning a traditional skill? Keeping artisan crafts alive, Stanwick Lakes offer a range of small group courses including blacksmithing, stained glass, spoon making, wood carving, furniture making and more.
£150
Pasta making course with Carmela Sereno Hayes
The way to girl’s heart is definitely through her stomach, so we reckon booking the dad in your life onto a pasta making course with Queen of the Italian kitchen Carmela Sereno Hayes, is a win win situation. Learn the art of simple pasta making for beginners or go advanced for the cookery pro.
From £95
Splash about on the Nene
Canoe2 at Rushden Lakes is perfect for a paddle on the river in a canoe, kayak or SUP. Leaving behind the busy shoppers, he’ll soon find himself splashing about in glorious countryside and immersed in nature. The ideal adventure for the wild at heart.
From £29
Go kid free at The Music Barn Festival
The temperature is set to soar for The Music Barn Festival this Friday and Saturday and we’ve heard there might be a few tickets remaining if you’re quick. Why not let the dad in your life have a weekend of child-free hedonism and blissed out tunes in the sun? Better still, send the kids to Auntie Doreen’s and go with him.
From £38.75
Wine and cheese tasting at Stonyfield Wine
Wine buffs of the shire will love a tour and tasting session at Stonyfield Wine in Blisworth, which take place on the second Sunday of each month. The next session on 10 July is co-hosted by local cheesemonger Cheese On Towcest, with seated service, including fizz and cheese platter, available to book in advance.
£15
Foraging days at Lamport Hall
Bring out his inner wild man with a morning spent learning how to connect with the environment and forage in a small group workshop led by foraging pros Lizzy and Steve. He’ll get to taste food picked on the day as well as some more specialised foods previously foraged at Lamport and further afield. The next foraging day is on 11 July.
£60
Llama trekking at Catanger Llamas
This has got to be one of the loveliest and most relaxing ways to pass an afternoon, wandering around the Northamptonshire countryside with a llama by your side. It’s a great thing to do as a family too.
From £40
Boozy afternoon tea at The Three Conies
What dad doesn’t want a free pass to go to the pub? The generously portioned Afternoon Tea at this fabulously quirky pub in Thorpe Mandeville is filled with sizeable savoury goodies, sarnies, scones, cakes and, of course booze.
£27.50
Gin making workshop at Silverstone Distillery
What’s even better than being given a bottle of gin? Learning to make your own gin of course! Any dad worth his salt will love Silverstone Distillery’s fabulous gin school, where he’ll spend the day as a master distiller and bring home a bottle of his own creation.
From £85
Get revved up at Silverstone Circuit
If you really need to butter the old man up then a track day at Silverstone might just be the ultimate luxury. Take your pick from racing car experiences and supercar driving days for a gift your aspiring adrenaline junkie old dude will never forget.
From £129
