In the early middle ages, Northampton with its Castle was a centre of royal government and as such attracted significant buildings, one of these was Delapré Abbey, founded by Simon de Senlis around 1125. One of only two Cluniac nunneries in England, it survived as such until the dissolution of the monasteries.
Parts of the building date back to that time, and subsequent owners enriched its architectural form in every subsequent century.
The principle rooms were redecorated in Raphaelesque style in the 1860s and are open for weddings, events, and for visitors to explore. The Abbey is set in extensive gardens and grounds and its café, restaurant, deli and bookshop are also open for you to visit most days.
The team at Delapré Abbey is committed to giving back to the local community and have widened access to heritage and culture through partnerships with organisations such as the University of Northampton.
Nearby is one of the few Queen Eleanor Crosses as her body rested here on its route to London in 1290.
Combine a weekend visit to Delapre with dinner at AA rosette-awarded Hibiscus; located in the Abbey’s Billiard Room and recently crowned restaurant of the year at the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
