Classic car show to return to Northampton abbey as it reopens to visitors

Delapre Abbey has now reopened entirely to visitors.

Classics on the Lawn will be taking place over two days to adhere to social distancing as the abbey throws open its doors again

The grade II listed historic house has reopened for the first time since March as part of Visit Britain's Good to Go COVID-safe scheme.

Visitors can now explore the twelfth century house, which reopened on August 7, and its 900 years of history every Thursday to Sunday between 11am and 4.30pm.

The venue is also getting set to host the two-day Classics on the Lawn event on 5th and 6th September with hundreds of classic cars displayed on the south lawn with cars spanning 100 years old from a 1926 Morris Oxford to a 2018 Maxda MX-5.

Hibiscus opened in the Billiard Room, which is currently used by The Orangery Caf during the day, in February. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

Faye Morrissey, visitor services manager, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, added: “The house is back open for you to safely experience again.

"We’re asking that all visitors book a time slot for entry to ensure social distancing.

“On arrival, your temperature will be taken, hand sanitiser will be in place, and you’ll be guided along a one-way route by one of our knowledgeable team members.”

Inside the house, visitors can learn about the abbey’s past as a nunnery, its heyday as a country house and its time as the record office before the recent restoration in 2018.

The Orangery Caf is transformed in the evening to become Hibiscus. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

Richard Clinton, chief executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said: “We’re excited to safely welcome back our visitors.

"Delapré Abbey is a unique space in the heart of Northampton - an urban country house filled with history and stories, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland.

“It offers a chance for our communities to learn and enjoy. We’ve implemented a number of safety measures to ensure that everyone has a safe and relaxing experience.”

Visitors can alsoenjoy the grounds and food and drink from the Orangery Café, which opened for seven days a week on August 1, and AA-rosette awarded restaurant, Hibiscus, which is now open on Friday and Saturday evenings.