Delapre Abbey
The Delapre Abbey is a country house and park which is located on London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW.
The place is a classical English mansion which is located 1 mile from Northampton town centre and next to the river Nene. It is home to one of the most beautiful gardens of Northampton located over 600 acres of parkland. The historic public gardens and grounds are available for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
The Delapre Abbey has an interesting history stemming from almost 900 years ago. It was built in 1145 by the son of the 2nd Earl of Northampton. The building was historically a nunnery and the gardens were also home to the Battle of Northampton in 1460. It is only within 1.3 miles from our family lawyer in Northampton.
Opening Times
The Delapre Abbey is open for visitors on specific days of the week which depend on the season. Over the summer it is usually opened from Wednesday to Sunday, however the park is opened daily for everyone to enjoy at no cost.
What are the facilities at Delapre Abbey?
There is an array of facilities being;
The Delapre Parklands
The Delapre park consists of woodland and open grassland. The park is also a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. The parkland also houses local businesses including an equestrian centre, angling club and golf course. Visitors can enjoy a range of sporting activities during their visit to the Delapre abbey.
The Delapre Lake
The Delapre lake was initially a gravel pit. The lake is suitable for wildlife as well as water activities such as water skiing and angling.
The Cafe
The Delapre Abbey houses a café known as the Orangery Café. The café is situated in a contemporary setting which is overlook the beauty and nature of the Delapre parkland. The café provides coffee as well as hot meals prepared using the finest local ingredients making this a wonderful place to meet with friends or relax with the family whilst visiting the Delapre Abbey. The Orangery café also caters with groups and bookings can be made using the online form.
The café is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch, so it is convenient to visitors on any day and time.
The Delapre Shop
The Delapre shop is situated in the visitor area. The shop consists of many items including:
- Books and cards
- Gifts and seasonal offers
- Homewares
- Souvenirs for children
- Arts and crafts
- Plants
- Garden and outdoor accessories
The shop is inspired by the history of the Delapre Abbey, gardens and parkland and is a wonderful way to capture the memories of your visit.
Tickets and pricing
Delapre Abbey provides free entry to the grounds, café and shop therefore no tickets are needed, however in order to access the Abbey buildings a ticket is required.
Tickets can be purchased at a price of £20.00 for an annual pass or £8.00 for an adult day ticket. Tickets are not needed to enter the grounds, café or shop but access to the Abbey is ticketed. Entry to the Delapre Abbey buildings is free for people under the age of 18. A ticket allows access into the Stable Block, including the Battlefield Zone, and the main Abbey building.
Purchase of a ticket allows entry to the Abbey’s interactive displays, use of any hands-on discovery materials, free ‘what’s on’ style activities, tours, and trails. Guided tours also take place at the Delapre Abbey daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Group Visits to the Delapre Abbey
The Delapre Abbey caters for group visits and allows for groups to experience the history of the this. A booking for a group visit includes discounted entry for groups of 12 or more people. You also have the option of obtaining a personal service for a tour guide. There is also designated coach parking for groups and pre-bookable catering options from tea or coffee to two course lunches.
Weddings at the Delapre Abbey
The historic buildings of the Delapre Abbey caters for weddings ranging from 5 guests to 500 guests. This is a perfect setting for a wedding in Victorian rooms which over the natural beauty of the gardens and the Delapre park. The abbey provides 8 licenced wedding rooms which can cater a wedding breakfast and an evening party.
The place provides for stunning wedding photographic opportunities. Photographs can be taken by the walled garden, the parkland, the grand staircase, Victorian tiled hallway and the courtyard.
Corporate and private events
The Delapre Abbey also caters for corporate and private family events. The unique setting and views include meeting spaces, beautifully restored rooms and extensive gardens & parkland which are suitable for business meetings, conferences and family events.
Accessibility at the Delapre Abbey
The Delapre Abbey aims to cater for all types of people and provides wheelchair accessible lifts and ramps, accessible toilets, and audio induction loops. Wheelchairs are also available at the Delapre Abbey for visitors to use on site and staff and volunteers can help pointing out any hazards. Wheelchairs can be booked in advance and are also available on a first come first served basis if no bookings for these have been made.
Parking is available for all visitors and Delapre Abbey also cates for people of all abilities and provides disabled parking. Designated coach parking is also available in the car park for group visitors.
The Downfalls of Delapre Abbey
The Delapre Abbey is a historical building and therefore accessibility maybe restricted in certain areas. The Walled Garden and external paths around the Abbey are accessible for everyone, however accessibility to the parkland may not be available for everyone given the uneven surfaces.
How to find Delapre Abbey
The Delapre Abbey is located on London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW. This is a 6 minute drive from junction 15 of the M1. This is also easily accessible for visitors travelling on bus or train. There is a bus stop at the entrance of the place which covers various routes. Northampton train station is at a 30 minute walk or 10 minute drive from the place.
A map for driving direction can be found below: