Stamford, Lincolnshire: Georgian Stone Town, Burghley House & Things to Do

Stamford stands on the River Welland in the far south of Lincolnshire, where it meets Rutland, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. It is a town of pale limestone, with 17th- and 18th-century houses, older timber-framed buildings and five medieval parish churches whose spires rise over the rooftops.

Why Stamford Is Special

Stamford is one of the most beautiful stone towns in England. Its streets of honey-coloured houses, coaching inns and churches are so well preserved that it became the first conservation area in England and Wales.

It is also a lovely town for browsing, with independent shops, antiques and old inns, and on its doorstep lies one of the grandest Elizabethan houses in the country.

The History of Stamford

Stamford was the first conservation area designated in England and Wales, under the Civic Amenities Act of 1967. That protection has kept its streets of stone and timber, its five medieval churches and its old coaching inns, such as the George, the Bull and Swan and the London Inn, from the changes that swept through so many other towns.

Just outside the town stands Burghley House, built between 1555 and 1587 for Sir William Cecil, later Lord Burghley, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. It is a great example of the Elizabethan "prodigy house", still lived in by the Cecil family, and its park was laid out by Capability Brown.

Stamford is a frequent film location. Its streets became the town of Middlemarch in the BBC's 1994 adaptation of George Eliot's novel, and Burghley House played Rosings Park in Pride & Prejudice (2005).

Things to Do in Stamford

Wander from Red Lion Square through the old streets to St Mary's church and down to the river meadows, stopping at the George, one of England's great coaching inns. Look out for the elegant Georgian houses of Barn Hill and St George's Square.

Then walk or drive out to Burghley House (check opening times) for its state rooms, its gardens and the deer park, where the Burghley Horse Trials are held each September.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Stamford

Antiques lovers should start at St Martins Antiques Centre in the town, and the huge Hemswell Antique Centres are further north. Sarah Harding Interiors is in nearby Uppingham.

For gardens, Easton Walled Gardens near Grantham is famous for its sweet peas and snowdrops, and Rutland Water is a short drive west.

Stamford Through the Seasons

Spring brings daffodils to the river meadows and Burghley's park. Summer is the season for the Stamford Shakespeare Festival and riverside picnics. September brings the Burghley Horse Trials, and at Christmas the stone streets glow with lights.

Getting to Stamford

Stamford has a railway station on the line between Peterborough and Leicester, a short walk from the town centre. It lies just off the A1.

Stamford: Questions & Answers

Why is Stamford famous?

It is one of the finest stone towns in England and was the first conservation area in England and Wales, designated in 1967. Burghley House stands on its edge.

Which films were made in Stamford?

Stamford played the town of Middlemarch in the BBC's 1994 adaptation, and Burghley House was Rosings Park in Pride & Prejudice (2005).

Our Advice

Our advice: Spend the morning in the town's streets and churches, have lunch at an old inn, and save the afternoon for Burghley House and its park.