Northampton Washlands is situated on the south side of the A45 a few miles east of Northampton town centre inside the Nene Valley. The large open area of land facilitates a protected refuge for wetland birds. As some of the land is a working farm, grazing sheep are evident. A path exists on the top of the embankment that overlooks the Washlands basin. Dog walking is permitted along the path.
The River Nene is a 105 mile long river that runs through Northamptonshire with numerous locks in its villages. Near to the Washlands, along the A428 Bedford Road, hosts the Northampton Canoe & Kayak Club and the Waterside Café.