Beneath the Grandeur: The Workers of Delapré Abbey

Step beyond the glittering façade… and into the Abbey as it was truly lived.

Behind the elegance and refinement of Delapré Abbey lies another story, one seldom told. A world hidden beyond polished doors and candlelit parlours, where generations of unseen hands shaped daily life in quiet devotion!

Guided tours throughout each day uncover the Everyday Histories of those who lived and laboured in the shadows. Follow in the footsteps of lay brothers from the Abbey’s earliest days, through to the Victorian and Edwardian servants who moved silently through its corridors. Here, mornings began before dawn, hierarchies governed every step, and skill, discipline, and duty kept the great house alive.

But for those willing to venture further… more secrets await.

A separate, exclusive attic tour *(booking required) invites you beyond even these hidden stories. In an intimate, small-group experience, ascend the Abbey’s original medieval spiral staircase and step into the unrenovated attics; untouched, atmospheric spaces rarely glimpsed by modern eyes. Then descend below stairs into the cellars, where the rhythm of labour once echoed through the stone.

And yet, above it all, the illusion of effortless grandeur remained. Return to the world of refinement, where every detail mattered and appearances were everything. Under expert guidance, try your hand at preparing a dining table worthy of the Abbey’s most distinguished guests… and discover just how much precision lies behind perfection!

Timings

Sunday 13 September:

House Open 1100-1600 (last entry 1500), 12.00, 13.30, 2.30 Attic Tour, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00, House Tour

Wednesday 16 September:

House Open 1100-1600 (last entry 1500), 12.00, 13.30, 2.30 Attic Tour, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00, House Tour

Thursday 17 September:

House Open 1100-1600 (last entry 1500), 12.00, 13.30, 2.30 Attic Tour, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00, House Tour

Sunday 20 September:

House Open 1100-1600 (last entry 1500), 12.00, 13.30, 2.30 Attic Tour, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00, House Tour

Location & directions

Delapre Abbey, Delapre Park, London Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 8AW

Contact on day:

Leanne Berry

Telephone number:

+441604760817

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking & Payment • All tickets must be booked in advance via our official website. Event Timing • Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be admitted once the tour has begun. Safety & Conduct • For your safety, please follow the guide’s instructions at all times Photography • Photography is allowed in most areas, but please respect any restrictions indicated by your guide

Booking contact name:

Leanne Berry

Booking telephone number:

+441604760817

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.ticketsource.com/delapre-abbey/heritage-open-days-attic-tour/p-gljja

Booking opens:

09 Jun 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please be aware that due to the attic tours being up a spiral staircase, there is no wheelchair access. All other areas of the site are fully accessible.

Additional information

Check out our online channels

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