Christmas with Northampton’s Delapre Abbey
People of the UK celebrate Christmas each year often without thought of its origins. Us Brits have celebrated this winter festival for centuries. Many traditions have developed through the ages, from the introduction of Christmas trees to carols and mince pies, wreath making, holly, chestnut and mistletoe collecting to name a few. Towns and cities across Britain celebrate in their own way and Northampton does in true traditional style. Rather than a wholesale German market, Northampton tends to have smaller individual events which take place in various locations each week in the lead up to Christmas day.
An easy train ride from Central MK... A great location for Christas shopping.We take a look at some of the highlights for those in Northampton who want to really get into the Christmas spirit.
Downton at Delapré at Night
November 28th 6pm – 7pm. £15.00
An atmospheric winter Downton at Delapré experience with mince pies and mulled wine.
Immerse yourself in the upstairs downstairs world of Delapré Abbey during the time of the wealthy Bouverie family. Delve into the real life stories of servants and those living on the estate.
Santa’s Grotto
November 30th – December 1st 10am – 5pm. £5
Treat your children to meeting Santa in the gorgeous surroundings of the Archivist Room. Santa will be on hand to meet the children, chat about their wish list and give them an early Christmas present, lovingly wrapped by his team of elves.
Christmas with Elsa
December 1st 11 am – 5 pm. £10
Sessions held on the hour between 11am and 4pm
Do you have a Disney mad child? Make their Christmas with a meet and greet session with ‘Frozen’ queen Elsa. In small groups of 15 children, the Disney fans will get to enjoy a 10 minute concert with Elsa singing a selection of Frozen classics and Christmas songs – singalongs are encouraged! After the concert, children will have 30 minutes to receive a gift, chat to Elsa and have a photograph taken with the princess. £10 per child to include a concert, a 30 minute meet and greet session with the other children, a present and an individual/family digital image with Elsa sent to your email after the event.
Carols by Candlelight
December 1st 7pm – 9pm. £15
Join the Queen Eleanor Choir in the opulent Dining Room within the Abbey’s Victorian Bouverie Suite. The classical choir will be singing by candlelight for a truly evocative experience of festivities within a 900 year old Abbey. Ticket options available to include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
Another Christmas Carol with Don’t Go Into the Cellar
December 7th 7pm – 9pm. £10
Enjoy an audience with Charles Dickens as he regales his audience with this hitherto-unknown festive tale. In the style of the public performances the great Victorian writer gave during the nineteenth century, this one-man stage show is the perfect seasonal treat to whet your appetite for the Yuletide celebrations! Expect chills, laughter and sentiment as Mr Dickens presents, for one night only, Another Christmas Carol! Acclaimed actor Jonathan Goodwin plays Charles Dickens, in an original show written by himself and co-directed by Goodwin and Gary Archer.
Downton at Delapré Christmas Experience
December 2 12pm – 4pm. £15.00
Tours at 12pm and 3pm. £15 per person including mince pies and mulled wine. Explore the sights and sounds of a bygone era on one of festive Downton at Delapré experiences. To coincide with the release of the new Downton Abbey film, exclusive upstairs/downstairs tours are available. Discover life at the Abbey in the time of the wealthy, aristocratic Bouverie family and delve into the stories of servants and those living on the estate. The tour takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Abbey.
Probably the most festive place you could be this winter is at Delapre Abbey, London Road.
This beautiful old mansion has seen many a Christmas and event organisers go the extra mile to offer something for everyone throughout November and December.
There’s so much to choose from, festive food, shopping, candlelit carols and a Christmas Fair.
