Half term family fun at Delapré Abbey

The historic house will be open daily during October half term with creative, Covid-safe activities for all ages to get involved in.

Visitors can step inside one of Northampton’s oldest buildings – an urban country house filled with 900 years of history and fascinating stories – every day from Thursday 22^nd October to Sunday 1^st November. Timed tickets from 11am to 3pm will take you on a socially distanced journey through the Abbey’s intriguing past as a Cluniac nunnery, heyday as a country house, right through to its time as the Record Office before the recent restoration. Little ones can also discover the Abbey’s history through indoor and outdoor trails.  

Tickets sold out in less than a week for this year’s Halloween event for under 12s – Delapré Spooktacular – however there are lots more creative and crafty activities on offer.

Ages 7-12 years can explore the great outdoors with award-winning Warts and All Theatre’s Adventure Club from 26^th-30^th October. Bring your raincoat, wellies and bags of energy for an action-packed week discovering the Abbey’s past through nature, arts and crafts, treasure hunts and more.

Hone those craft skills that you picked up during lockdown and learn something new that can help you to save or make money, with The Wild Tribe’s Make Club from 26^th October-1^st November. Using natural ingredients, children and adults can take part in workshops making your own potions, soap, and hand sanitiser. For those looking to pick up a new skill and make a quick craft item onsite or at home, there’s The Mini Make – a pack with everything you need to make a pumpkin and spider’s web from twigs, wool, and wooden spiders. 

Christine Key, who looks after the commercial activities at the Abbey, said “The past few months and the sell-out success of our family-friendly Halloween event have shown us that our visitors are keen to get out of the house and safely experience everything that the Abbey has to offer. As a result, we’re pleased to offer families a half term filled with Covid-safe creative activities.

“We’ve implemented a number of safety measures to ensure that everyone has a safe and relaxing experience. On arrival, your temperature will be taken, hand sanitiser will be in place, and when visiting the house you’ll be guided along a one-way route by one of our knowledgeable team members.”

Delapré Abbey is proud to be part of Visit Britain’s Good to Go scheme, which means that they adhere to government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, have a Risk Assessment in place, and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

In addition to the house, visitors can enjoy the extensive grounds and delicious food and drink from the Orangery Café and AA-rosette awarded restaurant, Hibiscus. The Orangery is currently open seven days a week and Hibiscus is open Thursday to Saturday.

The Abbey is also preparing for Christmas and has recently announced this year’s theme, ‘Stories of Christmas’, and its popular events programme which includes a Christmas Fair and Wreath Making workshops.

To book tickets and find out more visit delapreabbey.org or telephone 01604 760817. Children can explore the house for free.