Gotta Catch 'em All! A Pokémon Go Guide to St. James End

By Jessica McLoughlin

Could you be the next Ash Ketchum and become a Pokémon master? Start your adventure in St. James End today!

Mr. Mime and Smeargle hanging out in Victoria Park

With over 800 monsters available to catch in Pokemon Go, there has never been a better time to get started in building your perfect team of loveable little creatures.

But did you know that St. James End is a hotbed for useful Pokestops and challenging Gyms? Put a Pokémon twist on your walk around the historic section of Northampton and follow this guide to gain a new appreciation for the area's landmarks, iconic sights, and useful businesses, all while catching some rare Pokémon along the way!

If you're new to the area, or want to find out more about what St. James End has to offer, this Pokémon Go guide plots out everything must-see, Pokémon style.

PokeStops

But what the heck is a PokeStop??

For Pokémon Go newcomers (or Mime Jrs, as I call them), PokeStops are your go-to destination for items like PokeBalls to catch new Pokémon, Potions to heal your team, and Pokémon Eggs to hatch your brand new digital best friend.

But that's not all. Using a Lure Module available in the in-game shop, you can attract more Pokémon to a PokeStop, allowing you to catch rarer creatures with ease.

St James End is filled to the brim with PokeStops, so you should never be without all of the items you'll need to maximise your Pokémon journey!

PokeStops in St. James End

Thomas A Becket Pub

Treat your Pokémon to a Potion and yourself to a drink at this traditional St. James pub!

Doddridge Centre

The Doddridge Centre is a community hub that provides all sorts of services to St. James End. Could it provide your next party member too?

St. James Church

This holy building is the centrepiece of St. James End, so it's only fitting that there's a PokeStop here too!

St. James End Post Office

Don't waste any time: Pick up a parcel and a Pokémon at the post office!

St. James Working Men's Club

Take a break and enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the Working Men's Club. If you put down a Lure Module, all of the other Pokémon Go players in the pub will thank you for it!

Northampton Saints Rugby Tackle Statue

Rugby is a part of St. James End's identity, so it's only fitting that Northampton Saints have their very own PokeStop right outside of Franklin's Gardens!

King George Memorial Post Box

There's no better tribute to the great King George V than catching the powerful Pokémon available at his very own PokeStop!

Victoria Park Main Entrance

Pokémon fans rejoice! Victoria Park is absolutely full of Pokémon goodness, and where better to start than at the entrance, which just so happens to be a PokeStop?

Victoria Park West Entrance

If the main entrance isn't getting you what you're after, why not check out Victoria Park's west entrance? After that, you're ready to go into St. James End's very own 'Safari Zone'!

Victoria Park's Dairy Labyrinth

This beautiful rock in Victoria Park displays a recreation of Northampton's iconic Dairy Labyrinth! You don't need to get lost to earn your PokeStop items, though!

Victoria Park Fitness Equipment

Fitted with weights to lift, there may be no better location in all of Northampton to catch Machamp, Hitmonlee, and Throh!

Victoria Park Play Area

Keep an eye out for Pichu and Togepi while you're at Victoria Park's play area!

Pokémon Gyms

Once you've loaded up on items at St James End's many PokeStops, you'll be ready to take on the area's numerous Pokémon Gyms!

But what on Earth is a Pokémon Gym???

In the world of Pokémon Go, a Gym is where you'll be using your newfound team to battle!

Once you reach Level 5, you'll be asked to join one of three teams: Team Instinct, Team Valor, or Team Mystic. Once you've chosen your side, you can start visiting Gyms!

If a Gym is occupied by your team, you can offer your items to heal the Pokémon guarding it, or even contribute a Pokémon to protect it yourself. If you come across a Gym that's been taken over by another team, you'll have to battle them to earn it for your side!

Pokémon Gyms in St. James End

St. James Bus Depot

The home of trams and buses in Northampton for nearly 100 years, St. James Bus Depot has just been bought by West Northamptonshire Council. However, the Gym still stands, so battle on!

St James Community Centre

A hub for countless events over the years in St. James, the Community Centre can now boast a Pokémon Gym among is attractions!

The Sevens Pub

Have a drink after a battle with your friends at The Sevens!

St. James Information Board

If finding out everything that's going on in St. James End isn't already good enough, you can battle powerful Pokémon to take over a Gym at St. James' Information Board!

Spencer Bridge's Gospel Hall

It may not seem like the most likely place for battles, but Gospel Hall houses its own Pokémon Gym!

Victoria Park's Pillars of Recreation

With a name straight out of a Pokémon game, there may be no more atmospheric Pokémon Gym in all of Northampton than Victoria Park's Pillars of Recreation!

Congratulations! With your newfound knowledge of both St. James End and Pokémon Go, you're now ready to be the greatest Pokémon trainer Northampton has ever seen!