Delapre Abbey Park, Northampton
Northamptonshire
Five hundred acres of parkland, woodland, and Nene flood meadow on the southern edge of Northampton, with a former medieval monastery at the centre that now houses a café and visitor facilities. The 8 km circuit follows the Nene Way down to the river washlands before returning via the lakeside path and abbey grounds, taking in mature parkland trees, riverside meadow, and a section along the edge of the Nene flood plain. The formal Italian Gardens are passed on the route, though dogs should be kept on leads within that walled enclosure.
Dogs are welcome off-lead across the parkland and woodland sections throughout the rest of the walk. The woodland near the Nene carries the warm, slightly sweet smell of floodplain willows and sedge; the parkland in summer smells of cut grass and old oak. Flood risk is occasional on the low-lying Nene sections — check conditions after heavy rain. The café at the abbey welcomes dogs on leads.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Café at the abbey, toilets
- Parking
- Free car park at Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delapre Abbey Park, Northampton dog friendly?
Yes, Delapre Abbey Park is a great choice for dogs. The 500-acre site welcomes dogs throughout the parkland, woodland, and river meadow sections, and the café at the abbey is happy to accommodate dogs on leads too.
Can dogs be off lead at Delapre Abbey Park, Northampton?
Dogs can be off lead across the parkland and woodland sections for much of the 8 km circuit. The one exception is the Italian Gardens , dogs need to be kept on leads within that walled enclosure when the route passes through it.
What should I know before visiting Delapre Abbey Park, Northampton with my dog?
The low-lying sections along the Nene floodplain can be affected by flooding after heavy rain, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out. There's free parking at the abbey on London Road (NN4 8AW), and the on-site café is a handy spot to finish up , just keep your dog on a lead while you're there.
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