South Lincolnshire – home to historic castles and grand houses

​When it comes to exploring England’s historic castles, you needn’t look much further than South Kesteven in Lincolnshire. Offering the perfect combination of history, gardens and art, South Kesteven’s castles and stately homes are the ideal places for a day out, whether you are walking the dog or taking the kids. If you’re looking for things to do in Stamford or wondering what to do near Grantham or Bourne, take your pick from the stunning castles and houses of Belvoir, Belton, Burghley and Grimsthorpe.

There’s a whole lot of history

South Kesteven’s castles and stately homes hold a special place in British history. Head to Grimsthorpe Castle in Bourne to experience King Henry VIII’s playground and catch a glimpse of the deer descended from the very same ones he hunted. Grimsthorpe’s historic connection to the monarchy has resulted in one of the finest and most insightful collections of royal furniture, paintings and tapestries.

Art collections to impress any enthusiast

Over time, the families that own these castles have filled their houses with treasures; which they now share with the public. Whether you’re an art history enthusiast or a fan of curiosities, the castles of Belvoir and Grimsthorpe, and the houses of Burghley and Belton have some of the most valuable collections in private hands, and you won’t regret paying a visit.

From Belvoir Castle’s collection of Old Masters, such as Albrecht Durer and Rubens, to Burghley’s Italian Renaissance masterpieces and fascinating collection of Chinese snuff bottles – these houses hold a significant slice of art history.

Tranquil gardens and natural habitats to explore

Set within historic parkland of great national importance, South Kesteven’s castles and stately homes are a rich habitat and a great safe-haven to watch nature. Belton Park offers spectacular summer gardens within its 1300 acres of rich natural habitat, and you can find beautiful walks around the grounds at Burghley that were originally laid out by Capability Brown.

The grounds of these castles and stately homes offer the perfect combination of tranquillity and history, whether you’re spotting Henry VIII’s deer at Grimsthorpe or wandering through Belvoir’s gardens where each Duchess of Rutland has made her mark.

September 5-8th will see the annual Burghley Horse Trials, a must-see for any horse or country-sport enthusiast. Attended by over 160,000 people across the four days, Burghley Horse Trials is one of the world’s greatest 5* equestrian events, supported by numerous shopping avenues and pavilions, and every type of food stall imaginable. https://burghley-horse.co.uk/