Top 5 things to do in Northampton if you’re coming for an open day

Date 4 August 2023

Kaiya shares the top five things visitors can do if they are in Northampton for an open day.

Kaiya Khatri, Fine Art student

Get familiar with Northampton

Explore the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Stop by Northampton’s local Museum and Art Gallery for a peek at the latest exhibitions, often showing work from our undergraduate and Master’s Fine Art students! It’s located opposite the Royal & Derngate Theatre, in the centre of town. This is right by St John’s Halls of Residence, so you can even pop in there for a viewing on your journey into town.

Entrance of the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, where three students are walking past. The building is brick and the entrance has glass doors. It is a sunny day.

Stretch your legs at Becket’s Park

Whether it’s freezing cold, or the sun is shining, students love to walk through Becket’s Park which is located adjacent to the University. With a beautiful canal running through and a tennis court, you’ll have plenty to do. You could even take your lunch down there and take in the scenery, or relax on your walk back to the University from town, where you’ll be amidst the nature.

Three students sitting on benches made of wood in Becket's Park, with University of Northampton buildings behind. One student is showing the other two their phone, and they are smiling.

Visit Delapre Abbey

A lovely place to visit, with a walking route straight from campus, is Delapré Abbey. A grade II* listed building, built in 1145. The Abbey is located next to our green campus and provides a beautiful walk and backdrop to explore whilst you’re here for the day. There are plenty of gardens to walk through in the summer, and the Christmas light shows are often displayed in winter – lots of fun for the whole family!

Book an open day

Visit a piece of history

Go and see the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate, another grade II* listed building. From a celebrated designer, this space contains light filled galleries, a boutique restaurant, and a stylish design shop. It’s a great place to visit, especially in the summer sun to see the stained glass works shine!

Grab a bite to eat

If you fancy a spot of lunch, or simply want to stop for coffee and view the town centre, St Giles’ Street is the perfect place to go. Filled with cute coffee shops and boutique retailers, this street is one of the best to visit when exploring the town centre.

Two students sitting at a pink table, on white chairs, with bright graffiti style designs at a restaurant in Northampton.


Our open days are a great way to explore the campus and view our student accommodation. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat to current students and staff, as well as student support teams, to give you a feel of what life could be like for you here at Northampton.

Book your place at one of our future open days.

Kaiya Khatri, Fine Art student
Kaiya Khatri, Fine Art student

Kaiya Khatri is a postgraduate student, studying MA Fine Art at the University of Northampton.