Stamford is an ideal centre for a day's outing or a short stay holiday. In addition to a magical evening with the renowned Stamford Shakespeare Company at Rutland Open Air Theatre, in the beautiful grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall there is so much more to see and enjoy during the day.

Stamford is at the heart of the Welland Vale tourist area in the green heart of England, comprising South Lincolnshire, Rutland, East Northamptonshire and East Leicestershire., noted for their charming stone cottages, reminiscent of the Cotswolds, and so many places of varied interest.

Historic Stamford

River Welland from Stamford Town Bridge

Above photographs of Stamford courtesy of Spiegl Printers, Stamford

It is an area readily accessible from London and York, both about two hours drive via the A1 and one and a half hours from Birmingham and the West Midlands via the M6, A14 and A1. The low volume of local traffic makes it so easy to drive through the attractive countryside to visit many places of interest.

You will be spoilt for choice when you visit the Georgian town of Stamford, the first conservation town with so much to see. On the outskirts is Burghley House, the largest and most romantic Elizabethan mansion with 18 state rooms and many smaller rooms.

Burghley House

There are many excellent pubs and restaurants in Stamford and nearby towns and villages as well as numerous hotels and B&B's, all in attractive locations and offering good value for money. There are also caravan parks and camping sites.

Within 30 minutes of Stamford in all directions you will find something of interest including historic country houses and gardens - some of which have been the locations for TV dramas and films, gardens, four castles, farm parks, a seven mile steam railway, a railway museum, a falconry and owl centre. And, just 15 minutes drive on the A606 Oakham road is the vast expanse of Rutland Water where you can enjoy a pleasure boat ride, watch the sailing boats and anglers, visit bird watching hides or have fun and exercise cycling round the reservoir on hired bikes. On the way you can visit Geoffrey Hamilton's TV garden featured for many years on Gardener's World.

Rutland Water