Abington Park, Northampton Review For Families

If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor adventure that will charm young children and provide something for everyone, Abington Park in Northampton might just be the perfect place. With a rich history, beautiful gardens, and plenty of activities, it’s easy to see why it’s an incredibly popular spot for families living in Northampton to visit. 

During our October half-term break, we took a trip to Northamptonshire to visit family who lived in the area, this included a visit to Abington Park. It was a nostalgic experience for my wife Beth, who spent many childhood days there. It was the day of the clock change so we arrived early (why do children wake up ridiculously early on this day despite the difference being just one hour?) and headed straight for the play park.

Want to know if Abington Park is right for your family? Keep reading for our extensive review of the park.

Where is Abington Park Located?

Abington Park is located in the heart of Northampton, in the East Midlands of England. It’s easy to reach by car or public transport, and the park is set within a residential area, offering a peaceful retreat while still being well-connected. The main entrance can be found on Wellingborough Road, and there’s a generous amount of parking available nearby, although it can get busy on weekends and during holidays.

Our visit coincided with a family visit to Oxford, followed by an overnight stay in Towcester and finally Wellingborough. This park worked well for us in terms of geography on our trip.

The History Of Abington Park

Abington Park has a rich and fascinating history that adds depth to any family outing. The park stands on the grounds of the old Abington Abbey, which was originally a medieval manor house. Over time, it transformed into a grand estate and eventually became a public park for everyone to enjoy.

The Abbey, now known as Abington Park Museum, offers a glimpse into the past with artefacts that tell stories of the house’s evolution and Northampton’s local history.

While we didn’t venture inside the museum this time, we’ve heard wonderful things about it — and it’s certainly on our list for our next visit. We tend to be in the area a couple of times a year so it’s on the list to explore more extensively next time.

What is There to Do at Abington Park?

Abington Park truly caters to families and is packed with activities that our two children enjoyed. Here’s what you can expect when you spend a day here:

Play Park

The play park was an instant hit with Matilda and Barney. It’s well-designed with a wide range of play equipment suitable for children of all ages. Matilda loved the climbing frames and zip lines, while Barney enjoyed all aspects of the park. It was a beautiful autumn day on our visit and because we were early we were able to enjoy the park to ourselves.

Beautiful Gardens:

The gardens in Abington Park are perfect for a relaxed wander or a family picnic. There are vibrant flowerbeds and carefully maintained green spaces that bring a splash of colour even in the cooler months. We enjoyed strolling along the pathways while the kids ran ahead, 

If you want a place where the little ones can explore nature while you soak in the peaceful surroundings, the gardens are perfect. These are all away from roads so you can relax as a parent and let them wander.

The Bird Aviary:

The bird aviary is one of the park’s unique features and one that Barney particularly enjoyed. He was fascinated by the wide variety of birds, ranging from budgies to cockatiels. It’s a small but engaging area, especially for younger children who are curious about animals. It’s also a great chance to teach them about different bird species.

The walk through the Bird Aviary is also on the way to the cafe which is a nice touch and holds attention while searching for Ice Cream.

Outdoor Fitness Activities:

As a family that loves being active, we were thrilled to see outdoor fitness equipment dotted around the park. Matilda and Barney were both very enthusiastic about trying out the outdoor gym, especially the balance beams and cross trainers. 

I personally think these are a good addition to parks. Not just for adults but for the kids too. My children really enjoy messing around on these and to be honest so do I too!

Abington Park Museum:

Although we didn’t visit the museum this time, it’s well-known for showcasing local history and artefacts in a family-friendly way. The museum is housed in the old manor house and offers a step back in time, with exhibitions that vary from military history to local culture.

We’ve heard from friends that it’s worth a visit, particularly for slightly older children who are beginning to enjoy history and storytelling. We plan to visit the museum next time we are in the area as we were only on a quick stop this time.

Two Lakes:

The lakes in Abington Park add a wonderful, scenic element to the visit. The two lakes are home to ducks, swans, and geese, which Matilda and Barney loved watching. There’s something quite serene about sitting by the lake, feeding the ducks (remember to bring bird-friendly snacks and not feed them bread), and enjoying a quiet moment.

This seemed to be a popular spot within the park. 

Facilities at Abington Park

Abington Park has all the essential facilities you’d need for a comfortable day out with kids. There are public toilets located conveniently around the park, and we found them to be in relatively good condition — clean enough to be perfectly usable, which is a plus when you’ve got young children in tow! There are also plenty of benches and picnic spots, so bringing along a packed lunch is a great idea. The park also has a cafe, which we were excited to visit as a treat. We were on the road travelling so this wasn’t something we usually do. We tend to just buy Ice Cream when out and about as we prefer eating on the go while the kids are playing and picnics work well for this.

Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed by the food. The setting of the cafe is lovely, with nice outdoor seating overlooking part of the park, but the food didn’t match up. We ordered a couple of sausage and bacon sandwiches, but the sausages were of low quality and the bacon was undercooked. It’s a shame, as a cafe can add to the experience of a day out.

If you plan on visiting, we’d recommend bringing your own picnic or perhaps only stopping by the cafe for a drink or ice cream rather than a full meal. They also had many pastries on offer which looked quite good but we weren’t a huge fan of the food. Perhaps just a bad day in the kitchen? Maybe try yourself but this is just the honest feedback we have based on our own visit.

Areas for improvement

Our only real criticism of Abington Park is the cafe. While the setting and the atmosphere were both lovely, the quality of the food left much to be desired. This was a bit of a letdown for us as we don’t normally eat out and was a half-term treat.

Hopefully, they will improve the quality of their ingredients, as this would make the overall experience even better.

Would you recommend it?

Overall, yes, we would recommend Abington Park to other families. It’s a beautiful, spacious park with plenty of activities for young children, from play areas to lakes and even an aviary. The variety of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, and the space allows children to roam freely and explore. Despite our negative experience with the cafe, it didn’t change the fact that the park is beautiful and a place you should visit if you are in the area or live close by.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking available at Abington Park?

Yes, there is parking available near the park, though it can get quite busy during weekends and school holidays.

Are dogs allowed at Abington Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed at the park, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near the play areas and lakes.

Is the play park suitable for toddlers?

Yes, the play park has equipment suitable for children of all ages, including toddlers.

Are there picnic facilities?

Absolutely, there are lots of picnic spots and benches throughout the park where families can sit and enjoy their meals.

Is there an entry fee for Abington Park Museum?

No, the museum is free to enter, making it a great addition to your day out.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Ryan