Visit to Delapré Abbey and Parkland

Delapré Abbey, on the outskirts of Northampton, was built in 1145 as a Cluniac nunnery – the Abbey of St Mary de la Pré. Today’s beautiful walled garden is thought to be the nuns’ burial ground. In 1538 Delapré Abbey surrendered to the crown as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, then changed hands sequentially becoming a family residence.

More recently, the Abbey saw World War II service, remaining a privately owned home until the death of the last direct descendant in 1943. Following decades of neglect and disrepair, Heritage Lottery Funding facilitated an ambitious £6.3 million restoration plan: today, Delapré Park offers access across 500 acres of formal gardens, a lake, extensive woodland walkways, and much more.

Booking for Members to join this Visit may be done via the booking form sent out with our Newsletter.