Category: Northampton

Delapre Abbey is a lovely place to visit if you are ever in Northampton. With a history spanning over 900 years, the abbey itself sure has an interesting story or two to tell. If you want to read more about this, go to Delapre Abbey‘s official website.

The surrounding park is a popular place for walkers and it’s great for photographers any time of the year. You’ll find yourself walking through woods, around a lake and across grasslands as you make your way around the abbey.

Let’s start exploring!

Walk through the woods leading towards the lake.

There are seats around the lake to take in the views.

Follow the path to the left of the lake. It doesn’t matter which way you go around the lake, but I always go left.

This fellow wanted to have his photograph taken and I couldn’t say no!

Glimpses of the lake through the trees never fail to make me feel excited about seeing more.

The overhanging trees make for some lovely reflections in the shimmering water.

The trees stand majestically in the woodland.

The lake is beautiful – very still, the water gently lapping onto the shore. It’s very peaceful.

Unless the water is disturbed by people enjoying themselves on speed boats.

These geese were on a family outing.

While this mother swan and her cygnets were doing some exploring of their own. I stood still and watched while they came ever closer.

Walking through the grasslands, you might see horses grazing – and geese doing the same!

There are more woods to wander through as you walk towards the abbey again. This tree looks like it’s taking part in a strange praying ritual!

And into the gardens for a final couple of photographs.

I hope you enjoyed the walk around Delapre Park in the Summer. Next time, we’ll visit in the winter.

I have taken so many photographs during 2020 at different times of the year, but this selection show all the colours of autumn beautifully.

For more autumn photographs:

An Autumnal Walk Around Abington Park

One rainy Saturday in January 2021, I took to the streets of Northampton and captured some images of the town centre.

Up to the time I went travelling and then left to go and live in Thailand, I never took much notice of what the town of Northampton looked like. I was blase to the interesting features, some old, some new, I now see with ease.

Walking towards the town centre is Cafe Marseille, straddling Sheep Street and Broad Street, previously a nightclub, now a cafe/bar that I have yet to visit. For now, I’ll admire the lovely building from the outside.

You can see the spire of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from there too.

Continue along Broad Street and you will come across the building of the former Friendly Societies Medical Institute. The sign at the top says it was erected in 1883.

Keep walking and cross over Lady’s Lane.

See if you can find the street art on the underpass at the bottom of Greyfriars.

Keep walking straight and turn left into Gold Street.

As you walk up the road, look above the shops to see how lovely the old buildings are.

There is also an old clock above the shop – sadly no longer working.

At the top of Gold Street, you will be treated to the sight of the beautiful All Saints Church.

To the right of the church, you will see Sessions House – which used to be the old courthouse.

Wood Hill is to the left of that.

Walk into St Giles Place.

Where you will see the stunning Guildhall.

And some signs in case you are lost.

Passed the Guildhall is St Giles Square.

To the right is Northampton’s very own “Cultural Quarter” where the theatre and museum is located.

From St Giles Square, you can go down Derngate if you fancy stopping for a refreshing drink at the Mail Coach.

Or, you can walk along St Giles Street and have a quick pit stop in the Optimist.

Turn left onto Fish Street, back towards the centre.

At the top of Fish Street, you can turn left or right into Abington Street. I turned right…

…and found the Francis Crick Statue. Crick co-discovered the DNA molecule (Source: West Northamptonshire Council.

Take a left up Wellington Street. At the top, on the right, you’ll see a little pocket park.

Across the road, you’ll see the (not so) new Crown & County Courts.

Wherever you are, it’s really up to you where you wander, just remember to keep your eyes open for the things you’ve probably bypassed many times before.

I only walked about a mile, but I saw loads and was very happy that’d I’d gone out with my camera! Peace and love 🙂

I have lived in Northampton most of my life, but it took me to live away for the best part of 10 years to realise just how green it is. And, whatever time of year, the walking paths close to town are actually very pretty. Join me for a mid-summer and mid-winter walk to see how the area changes with the seasons. (Click on the images to get the full view)

Mid-Summer

Mid-Winter

I love a good bridge – even if it’s the same one! Peace and Love 🙂