Discover
Delapré Abbey

Northampton’s heritage treasure located just a mile or so from the town centre is alive with the possibilities of the present and surrounded by the echoes of the past.

Threatened with destruction many times during its 900 year history, Delapré Abbey has managed to survive and has recently been part restored with support from Northampton Borough Council, devoted volunteers and a £3.65 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

As a visitor to Northampton’s newest visitor attraction, you’ll experience tales of the Abbey told across five storytelling zones, you’ll investigate unexpected views, strange doorways and eccentric architecture and make your own memories in a building brimming with history.

There’s something for everyone in and around this fascinating building from guided tours, education visits, events, theatre productions, exhibitions and special displays.

The Abbey has been designed to be engaging for visitors of all ages and we welcome families with our hands-on, interactive displays. You’ll learn about the history of the building, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the gardens and recharge your batteries in the Orangery café, which is open all year round.

Delapré Abbey’s 900 year history is told in 5 different display “zones” across the Stable Block and the main house. Visitors are welcome to explore the building itself in whatever order they please.

The 18th century Stable Block

The Stable Block houses the first two of our storytelling zones:

The Stable Rooms – an introduction to Delapré Abbey’s 900 year history of survival and revival.

The Battlefield Rooms – where you experience the downfall of a King during the pivotal moment in the Wars of the Roses, when the Battle of Northampton was fought on the doorstep of the Abbey.

Don’t forget to pop into our shop which features a lively selection of souvenirs inspired by the history of the Abbey and its grounds.

Abbey

Entering through the front door, you can go onto investigate 3 more storytelling zones. Relax in the peaceful inner Courtyard and explore the Abbey’s many rooms and intriguing spaces at your leisure.

Each zone has a different atmosphere from the quieter Medieval Rooms, where you can contemplate the largely forgotten lives of the women who lived in the Abbey for nearly 400 years. Through to the Bouverie Rooms where you can take part in the gossip and drama of a Victorian family saga.

Don’t forget the Nine Rooms zone on the first floor where 9 largely unrestored rooms have been left as time capsules. You’ll walk through and uncover 9 objects which put the spotlight on different moments in the buildings 900 year history.