Museums

Since its creation Abington Park has been home to a wide range of sports facilities including bowls, football, cricket, tennis, and petanque as well as open space for individuals and groups to run, exercise and use the trim trail.

Bowls like this would have been used in the park. Individuals would have their own bowls, often embossed with their initials. In 1922 Abington Bowling Club was established on land previously acquired by Alfred Cockerill, a local market gardener. He also provided land for the cricket club.

Abington is a place to enjoy

In this section of the exhibition discover one of the great delights of Abington, the abundance of leisure pursuits. Wellingborough Road is a hive of activity with shops, restaurants and bars and the area abounds with sports clubs including the county cricket ground, bowling and tennis groups. However, the central focus remains the park with its landscaped parklands, lakes and museum.

When it opened in 1897 Abington Park provided a welcome refuge from the industrial air of the bustling Victorian town. There were places to promenade, socialise and enjoy the sporting facilities, pageants and performances.

Today it remains Northampton’s oldest and well-loved park. Visitors can still enjoy the beautiful grounds, meet friends and spend time with family and take part in the numerous activities – all for us to enjoy.