Stamford & Burghley House

Stamford is a real hidden jewel of England, midway between London and York and yet relatively off the map of tourists. It has unique mix of history and fabulous Georgian architecture along with some terrific old shopping streets. Maybe that is why Sir Walter Scott declared Stamford to be “the finest stone town in England”.

With over 600 listed buildings of gorgeous limestone including five of the most spectacular medieval churches anyway it is perhaps not a surprise that it is often voted amongst the best places to live and also home to best high street in Britain. The only thing that is surprising about Stamford is why so many never get to visit. For those who know its secret, it’s a hidden gem.

Next it is just a very short drive indeed to Burghley House, known around the world for its Horsetrials and depicted in all sorts of big TV and cinema shows.

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century and amongst the very finest examples of the great Elizabethan houses. It was conceived by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I and built between 1555 and 1587. When you visit you can only imagine the power and ambition of the most powerful courtier of the Elizabethan era.

We will explore all over the house, see the Downstairs where those in Service worked as you may have seen in Downton Abbey. Then upstairs for all the magnificent rooms and corridors all richly decorated with fabulous works of art.

At the end of the tour I will make sure you get back to your hotel or railway station.

Meeting Time: 9-11am AM or PM

Location: Stamford (and Burghley House)
Duration of Tour: 3 hours or so at Stamford and 2 hours approximately at Burghley

Meeting Point: Stamford Railway Station for those arriving from London (about 40 minutes to Peterborough then 12 to Stamford) or elsewhere. Otherwise we can meet you at your hotel in Stamford, Oakham or mutually convenient location.