Northampton is an attractive market town in the heart of England. The town is well known for its shoe industry and the famous shoemakers, including Clarks, that started their businesses here. The town centre has a lively market with a good variety of stalls, and there are plenty of interesting shops and restaurants in the narrow streets around the market square. The Abington Museum is well worth a visit, and the nearby Althorp House is one of the most famous stately homes in England. Northampton is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, including the beautiful countryside of the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire countryside and the historic city of Oxford.