Another significant part of our town is our wonderful arts, culture and heritage offering, the envy of many cities.
The distinctiveness and diversity of our architecture makes us feel different to other towns and cities.
Visitors are always struck by the gothic glory of the Guildhall, the baroque style of All Saints Church, the Art Deco splendour of 78 Derngate and the dramatic Brutalism of the iconic Carlsberg Brewery.
We have some great assets including the redeveloped Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, the prestigious Royal and Derngate theatre complex, Northampton Filmhouse and an internationally recognised art space, NN Contemporary.
The vibrant Cultural Quarter is a crucible of creativity
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery reopened in 2021 after undergoing a multi-million pound makeover. This includes a stunning new atrium and two contemporary gallery spaces. Curated exhibitions showcase the town’s fascinating history and heritage. There is also a new permanent Shoe Gallery that celebrates the wonderful world of footwear.
Next door, the new NN Contemporary project is creating a public gallery and a series of artists’ workshops. This venue will also offer new spaces for cultural businesses and organisations including digital media and performing arts.
Across the way, The Royal & Derngate Theatre complex has built a strong reputation as one of the major producing venues in the country. The R&D offers a vibrant and eclectic programme ranging from classical concerts, comedy, and dance to West End touring productions.
Connected to the R&D complex is the Northampton Filmhouse which provides an innovative programme of independent and mainstream films and live screenings across its two screens.
We're blessed with green and open spaces
Abington Park is Northampton’s oldest and most popular park, located close to the town centre. Vsitors can enjoy over 100 acres of green space. It’s a very popular spot for walkers, families and office workers on their lunch break.
Delapré Abbey is one of only two Cluniac nunneries in England, dating back to 1125, surviving until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th Century. Beyond the historic Abbey buildings, walled and semi-formal gardens lie over 500 glorious acres of parkland. It offers a tranquil green oasis of woodland and open grass land
The Grand Union Canal is the UK’s longest canal, running from London to Birmingham. The Northamptonshire stretch opened in 1815 and at the Gayton junction, it joins the River Nene. The Canal is very well maintained by the Canal & River Trust and provides great walks along its towpath and the added excitement of Blisworth Tunnel.
The area is also blessed with many of Britain’s best stately homes.
These include Althorp (home to the Spencer Family,) Burghley House, Rockingham Castle, Canons Ashby, Holdenby House, Boughton House, 78 Derngate, Kirby Hall, Lamport Hall, Sulgrave Manor and more.
UK TOWN OF CULTURE BID - PARTNERS
UK Town of Culture Bid
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton have submitted a joint Expression of Interest for Northampton to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028.
Partners explore bid for UK Town of Culture status for Northampton
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are exploring entering an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) for UK Town of Culture status – a new national competition delivered by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.
The competition invites places of all sizes to articulate their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the ultimate winner receiving £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two category finalists awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted places will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids.
WNC, together with key cultural partners from across Northampton’s arts, heritage and community sectors, including Northampton Town Council, is in the early stages of considering a formal EOI submission. This initial EOI phase is a formal yet exploratory step in the process, allowing local partners to outline their vision and readiness to deliver a creative cultural programme in 2028.
The EOI deadline was on 31 March 2026, submissions will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel against criteria including the town’s unique story, cultural accessibility, partnership strength and delivery capacity. Shortlisted places will be announced by the end of JULY 2026, with full application guidance then published and further development support awarded.
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