Explore the Stately Homes of South Lincolnshire
Embark on a voyage of historic discovery
Lincolnshire is blessed with a wealth of historic homes, each one totally unique and set in their own picture-perfect gardens. That’s what inspired us to create this tranquil and leisurely holiday which allows you to explore the very best estates this county has to offer.
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Distance: 236 km (146 miles)
- Total climbing: 1,987m
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Terrain: Quiet Roads
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Starting point: Belton
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Finish point: Stamford
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Difficulty Rating: *** (click here for more details)
Map Key
Highlights
Belton House
Sitting elegantly in formal gardens and enjoying spectacular views across its historic deer park, Belton House is the perfect example of an English country-house estate and houses a fine collection of porcelain, silver and a world-renowned library.
Belvoir Castle
This historic gem looks like an illustration from a romantic fairy-tale and dates back to the 11th century. It has been the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland for almost 1,000 years and its estate includes over 1,600 acres of beautiful woodland.
Grimsthorpe Castle
This majestic castle rises above sweeping parkland. It is the final masterpiece of legendary architect Sir John Vanbrugh and its walls contain a collection of priceless sculptures, paintings, tapestries and ceramics.
Woolsthorpe Manor
The home of Sir Isaac Newton and place where he discovered the foundations of science we still recognise today. See where he used a prism to split sunlight into colours of the rainbow and view the apple tree which inspired his theory of gravity whilst learning more in the interactive Science Centre.
Burghley House
One of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age, set in historic parkland laid out by Britain’s most famous landscape designer, Capability Brown. You may recognise it from films such as The Da Vinci Code and Pride & Prejudice, which were both filmed here.
Suggested Itinerary
Belton, home of the grand Belton House, is the base for this collection of daily looped rides. Day one takes you in a south westerly direction on a riverside parkland route following the River Witham through to Grantham, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views over Knipton before you reach the resplendent Belvoir Castle, which you can survey in all its glory, before taking the canal tow path back through Grantham.
You’ll travel south east on day two, along quiet country lanes to Grimsthorpe Castle, where you’ll have time to peruse this historic house and 3,000-acre estate at your leisure before heading home past the intriguing folly of Bellmount Tower. Day three sees you travelling south once again, but this time you’ll head to Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, where you can embark upon your own voyage of scientific discovery. On your return, you’ll also pass the lavish Stoke Rochford Hall.
Finally, day four takes you on winding country lanes to Stamford, one of the finest stone towns in England. Explore its narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards before visiting Burghley House, a breathtaking Elizabethan mansion which will round off this delightful and unforgettable trip in style.
*This itinerary is only a guide. Our travel partners have various itineraries available to suit your desired budget schedule, or you can tailor your own trips independently.
