From Bavarian cheer to spooky thrills: Delapré Abbey’s autumn programme
This September, Delapré Abbey is turning up the festive spirit with an autumn programme full of variety. From steins and bratwurst on the South Lawn to eerie torchlit trails through the Abbey’s haunted halls, the 900-year-old Abbey will be brimming with flavour, family fun, and spine-tingling surprises.
The season begins on Saturday 20th September with the return of Delapré NN Fest, a family-friendly day of live music, games, bouncy castles, face painting, and more. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of autumn together.
Soon after, the Abbey transforms into a buzzing Bavarian beer hall as Oktoberfest brings a taste of Munich to Northamptonshire. Brought to you by a new partner, this Oktoberfest will get guests enjoying live local bands, authentic German beers, bratwurst, and a lively atmosphere on the South Lawn. With steins raised high and lederhosen aplenty, it promises to be an unforgettable celebration.
As October unfolds, the focus shifts from Bavarian cheer to creepy creatures. From 25th October to 2nd November, The Orangery’s Creepy Creature Afternoon Tea will be served in the Abbey’s 17th-century Cellar, offering frightfully fun savoury bites and sweet treats. Families can also settle in for spooky cinema nights in the historic Dining Room, where family favourites play during the day and cult horror classics come alive after dark.
Murder Mystery Nights return on 26th September, 18th October, and 7th November, inviting guests to step into a candlelit whodunit. Halloween night itself unleashes the Abbey’s legendary Spooktacular, a torchlit trail through the Abbey filled with riddles, surprises, and mischievous creatures.
For something even eerier, Unusual Happenings in the Woods takes place on 26th October. This immersive evening walk through the Walled Garden, guided by the spectral Delapré Nun, is designed for guests aged 16 and over and comes complete with hot soup to keep out the chill.
Alongside the festivities, history lovers can continue to explore Delapré Abbey every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, discovering over 900 years of heritage on self-guided visits or volunteer-led tours.
For full details and tickets, visit delapreabbey.org.