The district was home to several of Northamptonshire's airfields including Spanhoe, King's Cliffe, Deenethorpe, Polebrook, Chelveston and Lyveden.

It is situated in the very south of the district and forms a single urban area with the neighbouring town of Higham Ferrers which has a population of 7,145.

The smallest town in the district was Thrapston where the HQ of the East Northamptonshire council was located.

Oundle is a historical market town with many ancient buildings, including St Peter's parish church with the tallest spire in the county and a large public school.

Irthlingborough was home to Rushden & Diamonds Football Club before its liquidation.