Museums

Race for Life Medal awarded to Victoria Davies for a 5 kilometre Charity Run in support of Cancer Research UK at Abington Park in 2013.

The Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events. Taking place across the UK, the events include 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre routes for participants to walk, jog or run. Race for Life started 26 years ago as a women-only event. The first event was held in Battersea, in 1994, where 750 participants raised £48,000. Since that point, Race for Life has grown into a series of hundreds of events across the country, raising nearly £900 million towards beating cancer over the last quarter of a century. In 2019, for the first time, the Race for Life opened its doors to men to participate too. It continues to give people the chance to come together with their family and friends and join the movement to beat cancer.

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.