There is a wealth of things to see and do in the area…
Spend a relaxing day exploring stunning Stamford….
Stamford is praised for several different qualities, from its unique blend of history and Georgian architecture to its unique and quality shopping. Stamford won the supreme compliment from the Sunday Times newspaper as ‘Britain’s top place to live’ in 2013 and was 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.
Visit beautiful Burghley House and Gardens….
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. Parking and access to the grounds is free.
It is, of course, also home to many events throughout the year, including the acclaimed Battle Proms concerts and the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials in September.
Offering boat and canoe hire on the River Nene, Oundle is close by. Surrounded on three sides by the river, it is a beautiful stone built market town, which has served the surrounding valleys since Saxon times. there are lovely coffee shops, bistros and the historic Talbot Hotel to tempt you to stay and linger a while. Oundle Wharf, just over the town bridge, is home to the Nene Valley Brewery and it’s waterside restaurant, the Tap & Kitchen. Local bakers, Hambleton Bakery also has a lovely shop there. Oundle market runs every Thursday and Farmers markets are also held on a regular basis.
A stark silhouette against the gently rolling hills of Northamptonshire, National Trust property Lyveden New Bield has all the romance of a stately ruin, but was never completed. From 1605 to the present day, Lyveden and it's gardens remain virtually as it was left four centuries ago. Surrounded in folklore and mystery, Lyveden has escaped the influence of time, fashion and conflict.
For those looking for peaceful walks and unspoilt scenery, Rutland Water is just a 20-minute drive away. Surrounded by a 25-mile circular track for cycling - a bike ride around the reservoir will take about 90 minutes. Cycle hire is available if you don't want to bring your own. Getting out and enjoying the water couldn't be easier at the Watersports Centre and Sailing Clubs - even a novice can get out on the water. Rutland Water Park also offers world-class trout fishing and bird watching. The Nature Reserve is home to the first breeding Ospreys in England for 150 years.
Peterborough, with its beautiful Norman Cathedral is just 20 minutes away, and offers great shopping and eateries.
Every summer more than 34,000 people from throughout the UK and from overseas attend the Stamford Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed summer season of plays in June, July and August at the Rutland Open Air Theatre, Tolethorpe Hall. Take a picnic and eat in the grounds before the performance.
A little further afield is the university city of Cambridge where you can be inspired by the many beautiful museums and art galleries. To make your trip easier, there’s a great park and ride system available too.
Sacrewell Farm Park is a five minute rive away and is fantastic for both children and adults, it has year round activities and attractions including its majestic Shire horses. Hamerton Zoo Park is also only half an hour away south on the A1. For those seeking faster thrills, Silverstone is also within easy reach, and Rockingham Speedway not far away. Duxford Air Museum, Bletchley Park, the home of the World War II code breakers, and the Space Museum, Leicester are all fabulous days out for the whole family.
