Stamford

Stamford has a unique blend of history, niche shopping and stunning Georgian architecture – and won the supreme compliment from the Sunday Times newspaper as ‘Britain’s top place to live’ in 2013. Proclaimed by Sir Walter Scott as “the finest stone town in England”, it was declared a conservation area in 1967 and has over 600 listed buildings of mellow limestone including five medieval churches.

Stamford is a bustling, prosperous market town and has a wide range of shops, hostelries and attractions. There is a thriving high street with coffee shops, restaurants and a vast range of retailers to tempt you. Our main street market is on a Friday with a smaller Saturday market and once a fortnight there is a Farmers’ Market.

You must not miss the Arts Centre; built in 1768 it is one of the oldest provincial theatres in England, which holds many events throughout the year. The Steam Brewery, Browne’s Hospital’s and the 12th century ruins of St Leonard’s Priory are all worth a look. You may well find an event going on in the town or on the riverside Meadows, in this ‘town of festivals’.

The popular Town Trail takes you through Stamford exploring quaint passageways, main thoroughfares and market squares. Guided walks are also available with official guides. So whether the tranquil river walks, fine Georgian buildings or the more modern attractions captivate you, Stamford has something to charm everyone.

On the outskirts of Stamford is one of the most impressive Elizabethan houses in England, Burghley House – with eighteen treasure-filled state rooms boasting a world-renowned collection of tapestries, porcelain and paintings. The stunning Garden of Surprises and sculpture garden complete the picture.

Rutland Water to the west of South Kesteven, is one of Europe’s largest reservoirs and now a haven for fishing, cycling, sailing and wildlife, and rolling countryside with picturesque villages all round.