Cambridge, 40 miles to the east of Rushden is one of England's most famous academic cities, many historic colleges, punting on the River Cam is a popular pastime. About an hour by car.
Northampton about 13 miles west, county town
Milton Keynes about 18 miles south west, famous for a huge shopping centre and concrete cows
Bedford about 13 miles south, famous for its association with the writer John Bunyan