Victorian scandals, cocktails and fine dining: Northampton's Delapré Abbey to reopen NEXT WEEK

Indulge in centuries-old gossip and delectable food and drink when Northampton's Delapré Abbey reopens its doors to visitors next week.

Tickets are now available to book to visit the 12th century Abbey where visitors can enjoy tales of naughty nuns, royal visitors and Victorian family scandals from Thursday, May 20.

The site of the War of the Roses Battle of Northampton has an intriguing past for you to explore – from its origins as a Cluniac nunnery, heyday as a country house, and its time as the Record Office before the recent restoration.

Chief executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, Richard Clinton - speaking about the reopening - said: “I can already see that the site will be a buzz of activity when we safely reopen the doors to the Abbey.

"That weekend will see us welcoming audiences coming to have a tour of the House, sing-a-long to the Greatest Showman with Drive-In at Delapré, and enjoy an Afternoon Tea.

"There is something special about the diverse range of uses and audiences we have at the Abbey, and seeing all of those people come and spend their time within this marvellous heritage setting is something to truly behold.”

The Trust, during the pandemic, created an all new Visitor Welcome and Shop and has used the free time for further restoriation of the Abbey's sumptuous rooms in addition to the development of an archive and research space.

Delapré Abbey has worked with partners all across Northampton to develop new educational and wellbeing programmes to engage the community as well as Covid-safe interactive elements all around the attraction to entertain all ages.

Reservations are also open for the Abbey’s fine-dining restaurant, Hibiscus, which received two Gold awards at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2020/21. Hibiscus was awarded Gold status in the ‘Booker Dining Venue of the Year’ category, while head chef Samuel Squires, was named ‘Chef of the Year’.

Hibiscus is part of T.H.E Hospitality, which runs several pubs, restaurants, and cafés across Northamptonshire, including The Orangery café and new deli ‘Common Ground’, both of which are based at Delapré Abbey.

Throughout lockdown, the team at The Orangery have been redecorating the café and adding a new bar with a cocktail menu – ready to be enjoyed when the venue reopens on Monday 17th May.

The Abbey, earlier this year, announced that they will be gifting an annual pass to over 7.500 local families, which will enable them to explore inside the historic house for free. This is set to launch at the end of this month.

Delapré Abbey. is a part of Visit Britain's Good to Go scheme, which means that visitors can be assured that the attraction adheres to government and industry Covid-19 guidelines.

To book tickets to explore the house, or make a reservation for Hibiscus or The Orangery, visit delapreabbey.org.

The Abbey is open for chaperoned tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between 11am and 5pm. Under 18s can explore the house for free.