Visit the Central Library in Abington Street or the Museum & Art Gallery in Guildhall Road to collect a Northampton architectural heritage trail map of the Market Square and take a self-guided walk around the heart of the town, taking in some of Northampton’s important heritage buildings.
Come celebrate the patronal festival, Holy Cross Day, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Discover how the unique medieval round church was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Learn why it was built this way and uncover some of the fascinating stories etched into its walls. Enjoy refreshments, explore the church at your leisure, and take part in activities for all ages. The Holy Sepulchre has been welcoming visitors since 1100 AD. It’s one of only four medieval round churches left in the UK, a rare treasure with a rich history. From royal visits and historic battles to stained glass windows and the peaceful Soldier’s Chapel, there’s so much to see and celebrate.
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS. The Humfrey Rooms will be open for members of the public to explore displays and demonstrations from various sections and to explore our many historic collections. All are welcome.
Nine creatives from the very popular, ever-expanding Open Studios are displaying their diverse range of work and techniques across the galleries, shop and gardens until Sunday October 5th. Including glassware, paintings, photography, jewellery, woodwork and ceramics, there is something for everyone to appreciate. Free entry and all products for sale. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4.30pm
Architecture students from Northampton College have been reimagining Northampton, taking an existing heritage asset and suggesting how it could be transformed with heart and, of course, imagination! The students’ work will be on display in the café at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery for the duration of the festival, linking to exhibitions featuring the county town elsewhere in the museum. Friday 12th Sept – Sat 20th Sept: 10am-5pm. Sunday 21st Sept: 12pm-5pm.
The Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 destroyed much of the town centre – a walking trail will take participants around the centre of the town to see some of the affected buildings and how the town was rebuilt, while learning more about this year’s 350th anniversary commemoration. Trail leaflets will be available from Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Northampton Central Library, and the Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Hub at Rushden Lakes.
Men’s Wellness Walk w/ @litcounselling @nn_mens_wellness_walks @_simeonjames (Just turn up!)
For Heritage Open Days, Delapré Abbey will be open for free entry on Sunday 14th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st September, from 11am, last entries at 3pm. The house closes at 4pm. Learn about how the house started as a nunnery and later became home to two families with interesting stories. This event is free but pre-booking is advised.
Celebrate the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Northampton Museum! Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 16 August - Sunday 2 November 2025 Join us at Northampton Museum as we proudly mark Northampton’s role as a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Explore a dynamic exhibition that delves into the rich history of women’s rugby and its growing popularity across Northamptonshire. Discover powerful images from local photographers, capturing the energy and dedication of players, coaches, and club staff, both on and off the pitch. From grassroots heroes to elite teams like Loughborough Lightning and the Red Roses, this exhibition showcases the heart and passion behind the game. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of sport, community, and women’s rugby in action!
Explore the deep hidden history of the building. Step back in time to hear the story and discover how heritage helped to create Northampton’s beautiful Culture Quarter through public exhibitions and immersive multimedia utilising VR technology. The Performing Room have worked on a multimedia heritage project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to uncover and share the hidden history of the historical building, first built as Franklin’s Hotel and Restaurant in 1872 by John Campbell Franklin to capitalise on railway passengers traveling to the new St John’s Street Railway Station from the new rail route built between Bedford and Northampton. For decades, it served as the meeting point for merchants, traders and other travellers coming to Northampton. An impressive list of artefacts dating back to when the building was first built characterises the relationship between Franklin’s hotel and the people who used to work there and visit it. A quick tour of the picture galleries, display stands, glass cabinets and slideshows include authentic old newspapers, vintage bottles, champagne corks, war memorabilia, decorative ceramic floor tiles, an original train ticket used to transport people to St John’s and more. Other projects consist of a documentary, cartoon animations, children board games,...