the east by the A605 Barnwell Road. It consists of a series of willow-fringed lakes, short mown grass, coarser vegetation, conservation grassland and small wooded areas. The lakes, picnic meadows, river and the resident water birds make the park very attractive to visitors and in particular young families. The irregular shapes of the lakes provide different views around each corner and give a sense of "progressive revelation" to visitors. The park is flat and very accessible with a network of stone paths suitable for prams and wheelchairs. There is a Ranger Service, on hand to answer visitors' queries and to provide general assistance. In 2007 to 2008, 191,874 visits were made to the park (electronic car counter, assuming 3.5 people per car). From the 2007 visitor surveys, picnicking, dog walking, leisurely strolls, feeding the water birds, fishing and watching the wildlife are the main reason for visits. There is a hard-standing car park for 50 cars and the recreational meadows are used for overflow parking. The park, totalling , was owned by Northamptonshire County Council. The Ordnance Survey grid reference is TL 036874. Barnwell Castle Barnwell Castle is in the northern part of the village and believed to have been built around 1266. It is described as 'the first example in Britain of the most monumental type of castle architecture. The site is private property but can be seen from the road. Barnwell Manor Barnwell Manor is the historic former home of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and is part of the Barnwell Castle Estate. The manor was granted to the Montagu family in 1540 by King Henry VIII. In 1938 Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, bought the house and estate and the family still retain it but now live in an apartment in Kensington Palace, London. References External links Villages in Northamptonshire Tourist attractions in Northamptonshire North Northamptonshire Civil parishes in Northamptonshire