WELCOME KNEAD Pubs are delighted to welcome you to Stamford and to our flagship hotel, The Crown. The Crown lies at the very heart of Stamford, a historic town built on money from the wool trade and heavily influenced by William Cecil, who was the most powerful non-royal in England in the sixteenth century and chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth I for most of her reign. Formerly a 17th century coaching inn, the wonderful building housing The Crown has been completely refurbished to offer each and every one of our guests a truly 21st century experience. Whether you’re here on a flying visit or planning a longer stay in our beautiful town, we are on hand to make every aspect of your time at The Crown enjoyable and memorable. From our luxurious, individually designed rooms to a delicious restaurant menu and a well-stocked bar, we’ve thought of everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. This handy in-room guide tells you everything you need to know about the hotel itself, as well as historic Stamford and surrounding areas. Stamford is one of the prettiest and best-loved towns in the country (it has even been named the Best Place to Live in Britain!) and with plenty to see and do, you’ll never be left wondering what to do next. Thank you for choosing The Crown of Stamford – enjoy your stay!
Whilst you’re here, why not pay a visit to some other members of the KNEAD family? Pop across the road to Paten & Co, head up the high street to the Tobie Norris, or venture further afield to Smith’s of Bourne. More information on the whole family can be found on page 10.
CONTENTS History of The Crown Hotel ..................... Page 06 Your stay ................................................ Page 08 About KNEAD ......................................... Page 10 KNEAD Farm .......................................... Page 12 Stamford and its history ......................... Page 14 KNEAD Pubs ........................................... Page 16 Out and about ......................................... Page 34 Keep in touch .......................................... Page 38 Guest information ................................... See insert Map of the area ....................................... See insert
06 History of The Crown Hotel
Did you know? ‘The Crown’ has been a popular name for pubs and inns for several centuries and was a way of showing loyalty to the English monarchy. For this reason, it’s likely that the name all but disappeared during the English Commonwealth (to avoid the wrath of Oliver Cromwell!) and was only restored along with the monarchy after 1660 – hence why there are no recorded references to the Crown of Stamford before this time!
HISTORY OF THE CROWN HOTEL
was brought under single ownership when William Cecil, 5th Marquess of Exeter, sold his holdings in The Crown in 1898. The deeds were subsequently acquired by Walter Stevenson Harr – a moment in The Crown’s history that some regard as something of a disaster!
The Crown has a fascinating heritage which dates back several centuries. The earliest recorded reference to the building as an inn is after restoration in 1675 (although it’s almost certain that the original building dated back to the Middle Ages).
The coaching trade had all but disappeared thanks to the rise of railways and the motorcar, but the inn itself had managed to survive by reinventing itself as an important local centre for meetings, auctions and local business. However, Stevenson Harr wished to open his business up more fully to the ever-growing automobile trade which now dominated traffic along the Great North Road. He therefore decided to demolish the ancient property in 1909 and rebuild a new, more accessible hotel in its place. The building he created is The Crown that we know and love today. Luckily, Stevenson Harr remained reasonably faithful to the original building in his new design, with the façade of the new property echoing its predecessor thanks to the large bay windows and attractive Wittering stone.
Thanks to its prime position just a stone’s throw from the Great North Road, The Crown was one of Stamford’s most important coaching inns and provided lodgings for many travellers making the long journey between London and York. This trade made The Crown extremely prosperous - an inventory of the inn from 1710 places the total value of the contents at £328.19.6. That’s somewhere in the region of £70,000 in today’s money! For several centuries, The Crown was divided into sections – areas such as the main inn and the stables were all individually owned. However, in the 18th century the building caught the attention of the wealthy Cecil family of Burghley House. Sections of The Crown were acquired by the family over the course of several decades until finally, in 1794, the south section and the stables were all owned by Henry Cecil, the 10th Earl of Exeter. Cecil’s architect, William Legg, created an ambitious refurbishment plan for the building which included features such as stabling for 39 horses, 4 parlours, a Brewhouse and a piggery! This plan can still be seen in The Crown today. It was not until the 19th century that the property
Fast forward to the late 20th century when in 1999 the hotel was acquired by Michael Thurlby, a local farmer who oversees life at The Crown to this day. The building was once again extensively renovated and refurbished, with additions such as the snug two-storey lounge next to the main bar and the beautiful garden space creating the comfortable, welcoming hotel which you find yourself in today. The hotel is now the jewel in the crown (pardon the pun!) of the KNEAD family and one of the best-loved venues in Stamford and surrounding areas. It is an ideal base to explore everything that this beautiful part of the world has to offer, as well as continuing to be the perfect meeting point between North and South, as it has been for centuries!
Did you know? If you stand at the front of the building there is a round bay window and a square bay window, as per the original hotel, presumably to represent a King’s crown and a Queen’s crown. To the right-hand side of the The Crown, you will see a cellar entrance. This dates back to the 17th century and survived the demolition in 1909. It is still in use to this day!
08 Your stay
Your stay 09
ABOUT YOUR STAY The Crown Hotel is in a prime location in Lincolnshire, in the heart of historic Stamford and with easy access to many of the regions outstanding visitor attractions. The hotel oozes charm throughout, from the accommodation through to the restaurants and bar where you will find a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy delicious food, expertly selected ales and superior wines. So, whether you’re visiting on business, having a romantic break away or enjoying a family holiday, The Crown has something for you. All of our rooms have the amenities you need including free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, ironing board and free secure parking. You’ll find an insert at the back of this book with useful guest information for your stay and for eating here at The Crown.
10 About KNEAD
ABOUT KNEAD We have six pubs and one hotel scattered across Lincolnshire, Rutland and Newark. Each and every one of the buildings have been carefully restored to bring you the unique KNEAD charm. Full to the brim with character, with stunning attention to detail, our customers love the quirky features that can be found throughout these buildings, some dating back to the 13th century, with their history intact but with an added modern twist. The KNEAD group has been born out of a love for a really good pub offering exciting real ales, great wines and delicious food using our own produce wherever possible and supporting local businesses whenever we can. The menus offer an array of scrumptious dishes, with a fine choice of expertly selected drinks to enjoy in a genuinely great atmosphere. We are so passionate about our food that we even have our own farm, just up the road from Stamford in Tallington, Lincolnshire.
THE CROWN HOTEL A striking hotel with vibrant restaurants and a charming bar in the heart of historic Stamford, offering a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying delicious food, exceptional real ale and select wines to compliment the menu.
THE TOBIE NORRIS Housed in one of Stamford's oldest, most interesting buildings dating back to the 13th century, this lovingly restored pub has a quirky yet traditional feel and is certainly one not to be missed.
PATEN & CO A fantastic bar situated right next to The Crown Hotel in a redesigned 18th Century building reflective of its merchant history but with a modern twist, offering a flavoursome seasonal menu, craft beers, fine wine and specialist cocktails - unlike anything else in Stamford.
About KNEAD 11
JUBILEE GARAGE For many years, the Jubilee was a working garage in the heart of Bourne and on its transformation from a garage to a fantastic themed bar, it kept its roots and showcases an array of vintage and retro car memorabilia - a great reflection of its personality and a truly unique place to eat.
SMITH’S OF BOURNE Home of Smith’s the grocers for over 150 years, now lovingly restored and converted into a fantastic pub packed full of traditional features reflecting its unique personality and beautiful market town surroundings.
THE PRINCE RUPERT Tucked away between Newark Castle and the market square, this enchanting timber framed pub is packed full of history, boasting a menu of fantastic dishes and a perfect line up of real ales and fine wines.
THE LORD NELSON With charming dining areas throughout, The Lord Nelson in the market square of Oakham is bursting with character and provides a relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy the perfect pint and mouth-watering meal.
You can find out more about each of our pubs further on in this book or via our website kneadpubs.co.uk
12 KNEAD Farm
KNEAD FARM Tallington | 5 Miles from Stamford 01778 395 851 | @Kneadfarmtallington
Our KNEAD Farm is a 250 acre farm based just 5 miles east of Stamford in the village of Tallington.
The family of KNEAD Pubs Proprietor Michael Thurlby, have farmed here for over 5 generations. At present the Farm is home to a herd of approximately 50 rare breed Lincoln Red cattle and a commercial flock of over 500 breeding ewes. Occasionally, when we have space, we like to keep some Berkshire pigs - look out for them on our specials menus. All of the Lincoln Red beef and lamb produced on the Farm goes into our kitchens for great roasts and glorious pies amongst many other mouth-watering dishes. Here at KNEAD Farm we are proud to achieve Farm to Fork. Provenance is important to us, and when not using produce from our own Farm, we source locally and responsibly wherever we can.
KNEAD Farm 13
Sam Thurlby (Michael’s Grandfather) milking a Lincoln Red cow in 1910.
14 Stamford and its history
STAMFORD Stamford is a town and civil parish in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, on the River Welland, just 92 miles north of London on the A1. The town has an array of 17th and 18th-century stone buildings, older timber-framed buildings and medieval parish churches. Rated ‘the best place to live’ in a survey by The Sunday Times in 2013, the area is packed with history and
culture, with the town centre being home to many independents and drawing people from a wide area for the pleasure of shopping, often in traffic-free streets. There is so much to see and do in the town and its surrounding areas, so as well as visiting the 3 KNEAD venues located here, use our out and about guide on page 34 to explore what’s on offer.
Stamford and its history 15
Stamford prospered under the Normans with an economy based mainly on wool; it was particularly famous for its woven cloth called haberget. The town’s excellent communication routes via the Great North Road and the River Welland to the North Sea ensured the success of its trade. By the 13th century, Stamford was one of the 10 largest towns in England. It had a castle, 14 churches, 2 monastic institutions, and 4 friaries. Many buildings survive from this period. The removal of the main wool trade to East Anglia in the 15th century forced the town into decline, and the trade that remained was concentrated in the hands of rich merchants like the Browne family. These merchants helped rebuild many of the churches in the mid-late 15th century. William Browne also founded an almshouse which remains one of the best surviving medieval almshouses in England, complete with exemplary stained glass.
While the overall decline continued into the 16th century, Stamford was linked to national affairs by local man William Cecil, who became secretary of state to Queen Elizabeth I. Burghley House, the palatial mansion he built for his mother, survives as one of the crowning glories of the Tudor age. After the Restoration of 1660, the town recovered as improvements to the Great North Road encouraged road trade and the river was made navigable again by a canal. However, the arrival of the railway in the 1830s signalled a death blow to the coaching trade and so to Stamford’s fortunes. The main line to the north bypassed the town and stunted industrial development. The lack of industrialisation together with the traditional, almost feudal relationship between town and house (the Cecil’s of Burghley were Stamford’s landlords) preserved and pickled the town so that today the historic urban fabric survives almost unscathed. Stamford is a unique treasure trove of English architecture built in the finest stone that this country has to offer.
Adapted from Martin Smith’s History of Stamford – stamford.co.uk/tourism/history.shtml
Stamford first came to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries as one of the 5 controlling boroughs of Danelaw. It was one of the first towns to produce glazed wheel-thrown pottery after the departure of the Romans.
16 KNEAD Pubs
12 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE tobie@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01780 753 800 One of the best-loved pubs in the KNEAD family, the heritage of the Tobie Norris is truly something special even by Stamford’s impressive standards. The building itself dates back to 1280, whilst the pub takes its name from local man Tobias Norris who purchased the building back in 1617. Tobias set up a bell foundry (look out for the nod to this business on the sign!) and created bells for churches throughout the region. His customers incorporated several of Stamford’s very own churches including St George’s and St Mary’s, where the bell is dated 1626. Norris was buried at St George’s on his death in 1626 and is commemorated by a plaque which can be found at the end of the north aisle of the church. The building itself still boasts a plethora of striking original features. Step into the wood panelled room on the ground floor and you will be standing in the original heart of the building which has been standing since the 13th century whilst if you venture up to the top floor and look up, you will see beautifully preserved original beams which still bear smoke marks made by the building’s original inhabitants over 700 years ago! Back in the present day, the Tobie Norris was home to the Royal Air Force Association Club until it was acquired by Michael Thurlby of KNEAD Pubs in 2006.
We have lovingly refurbished this ancient building and its maze of rooms are now a gorgeous venue for drinking and dining. There are plenty of nooks and crannies spread across three floors for you to settle in and while away an hour or two with a glass of wine, or an attractive outdoor courtyard if you feel like dining alfresco. As well as the enchanting surroundings, we are very proud of our menu which showcases the highest-quality local produce that Stamford and the surrounding area has to offer (some ingredients are even supplied from KNEAD’s very own farm), not to mention the best build-your-own pizzas in Stamford, even if we do say so ourselves! Behind the bar, you can find an extensive wine list alongside an ever-changing selection of delicious ales and other regional favourites including Two Birds Gin.
Stamford 17
18 KNEAD Pubs
7 All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG paten@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01780 408 647
Stamford 19
Paten & Co is the newest member of the group and incorporates a unique blend of history and contemporary design to provide the perfect spot for a drink and a bite to eat in the heart of Stamford, just a stone’s throw from The Crown. The building itself is just as full of history as The Crown and the Tobie Norris and has a particularly rich heritage when it comes to conviviality. Built between 1791 and 1798, the building was taken over in October 1837 by a gentleman named William Smith, who used it as a base for his merchant business dealing in wines and spirits. It is recorded that Smith paid the grand total of £315 for the three-storey building which featured fashionable Regency features on the frontage looking out over Red Lion Square; these remain intact to this day. Smith ran a successful business here until 1909, when the premises were taken over by Peterborough-based brewer and wine and spirits merchants Paten & Co. The new owners updated the building and added the eye-catching tiles and stained-glass windows which also remain an integral part of the building. Paten sold their own range of beers here alongside their day-to-day activity – keep an eye out for the carved Paten & Co logo which still survives above the entrance from Red Lion Street! The building became a public house by the name of the Marsh Harrier in the 1970s and underwent various changes until it was bought by Michael at KNEAD in 1996 and extensively refurbished several times, operating under the name the Periwig – a title which brings back fond memories for many who’ve enjoyed a good night out in Stamford! It was reimagined and modernised again in 2017, re-opening in November of that year, going back to its roots with its original name, but with a striking new outlook. The building was redesigned to both pay tribute to its merchant heritage and create a unique venue quite unlike anything else in Stamford. You will even be able to notice some of the original Paten & Co signage adorning the walls on the ground floor! The result? A chic, comfortable bar and restaurant with an industrial twist which offers an unrivalled cocktail menu, specially selected wines, craft beers and a mouth-watering menu designed to create a truly social experience. Choose any number of small plates to share with friends and family or customise larger dishes with an impressive array of sides until your dinner is exactly as you’d like it! The Paten & Co experience is truly a special one and our team look forward to welcoming you through the door.
20 KNEAD Pubs
Bourne 21
BOURNE The popular market town of Bourne lies just 10 miles from Stamford. Located on an ancient Roman road, the original settlement dates back to at least 960 when it appears in a document referring to it as Brunna, an ancient Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘stream’. Bourne is also referenced in the Domesday Book as Brune. The main landmark in the town is Bourne Abbey, founded in 1138 by the rather brilliantly named Baldwin Fitzgilbert de Clare. The building is beautifully well-preserved and remains in use to this day. De Clare also built Bourne Castle, a motte and bailey structure which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1645; the land on which the castle was built is now a public park known as the Well Head. Bourne is also the birthplace of William Cecil, the immensely powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth I who went on to build Burghley House in Stamford. In the present day, Bourne is a pretty, bustling town renowned for its beautiful parks and open spaces as well as an ever-growing choice of shops, bars and restaurants – which feature amongst them two of the best venues that KNEAD Pubs has to offer!
22 KNEAD Pubs
25 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AE smiths@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01778 426 819
Bourne 23
Smith’s occupies the former site of John Smith of Bourne, a greengrocer who first opened his shop on North Street in 1857. His family ran this popular business in this spot for almost 150 years, supplying premium goods to the gentry with their characteristic welcoming courtesy, until finally closing in 1998. The building was converted into a pub by KNEAD, winning a CAMRA/English Heritage award for their successful and imaginative work which preserved many original features. To this day, Smith’s continues to be one of the most popular venues in Bourne – although with a somewhat different clientele in recent years! The pub is spread across a number of beautifully designed rooms and features a spacious yet intimate garden perfect for sunny days. The menu here has it all, whether you’re looking for a casual pizza or something more substantial, and the bar has a constantly changing selection of real ales – so good in fact, that in 2013 it was presented an award by CAMRA for ten years of continuous entries in the Good Beer Guide! Smith’s is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening of good food and great drinks, making sure you’re spoilt for choice every step of the way in the pub’s welcoming, traditional surroundings.
24 KNEAD Pubs
Bourne 25
30 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AB jubilee@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01778 392 700 Just the shortest of hops across the road from Smith’s will bring you to the second Bourne-based KNEAD property, the Jubilee Garage. This property was a working garage in the heart of the town for many years – and in true KNEAD style, the original building has been carefully and creatively refurbished to give visitors a themed venue that’s brimming with personality and character. As usual, we’ve stayed true to the heritage of the building and so the Jubilee Garage showcases a fabulous array of vintage vehicle memorabilia which honours its history. Expect Castrol signs, a 1950s petrol pump and in pride of place, a 1972 VW campervan which serves as our upstairs bar! As well as a menu featuring classic pub favourites with a Stateside twist (think focaccia pizzas, hot dogs, mac n cheese and a choice of over ten different types of burger!) the Jubilee Garage is kitted out with 10 HD televisions showing all live football, rugby and other sport, which helps to create the exciting, buzzing atmosphere that this venue is famous for.
26 KNEAD Pubs
OAKHAM The town of Oakham is one of only two towns in Rutland, the smallest county in the UK, and occupies an enviable position on the edge of breath-taking Rutland Water. This attractive traditional market town is full of fascinating heritage, including Oakham Castle, the finest example of Norman architecture in the UK, and the stunning sixteenth century buildings which make up the campus for the prestigious Oakham School. Oakham is a busy, bustling town, well worth a visit particularly on market days, which fall on a Wednesday and Saturday. Pick up a fabulous selection of local and artisan produce, from local cheese to delicious fresh bread, before taking in the sights and maybe even strolling out to Rutland Water.
Oakham 27
28 KNEAD Pubs
Did you know? Traditionally, members of royalty and peers of the realm who visited or passed through Oakham had to pay a forfeit in the form of a horseshoe.
Oakham 29
When you’ve finished taking in the sights of Oakham and Rutland, there’s nowhere better to enjoy an afternoon or evening than at our very own Lord Nelson. In true KNEAD style, this ancient building dates back to the 1500s and has been completely restored by Michael and the team to give it a whole new lease of life as a traditional and utterly charming country pub. There are plenty of cosy corners to nestle into in the winter months (a spot next to the fire is always particularly sought after!) whilst our peaceful pub garden is perfect for a pint or two in the sun. Speaking of pints, we’re passionate about serving up the perfect
11 Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DT nelson@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01572 868 340 pour, and with a wide selection of ales, lagers, wines and spirits on offer we can guarantee that there’s something for everyone. Combine this with our lovingly created menu that’s famous for stonebaked pizzas and a creative selection of delectable main courses, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Well, we think so anyway!
30 KNEAD Pubs
Newark 31
NEWARKONTRENT
Newark-on-Trent lies approximately 45 minutes north of Stamford and is a fascinating market town awash with history. It’s likely that the town’s origins are Roman, as it lies directly on the Fosse Way, an important Roman road which linked Exeter in the South-West to the city of Lincoln. The town as we know it today grew up around Newark Castle, founded in the 12th century and originally built in timber before being reconstructed in stone towards the end of the century whilst the settlement around it thrived thanks to profits from the wool and cloth trades. The town also played a significant role in the English Civil War. It was a stronghold for the Royalists as a result of Charles I raising his standard in neighbouring Nottingham, and was besieged by Parlimentarian forces on several occasions. A particularly notable siege took place in 1644, when the town remained under attack for several months until it was relieved by Royalist forces led by Prince Rupert in a battle known as the Relief of Newark. The town has remained prosperous into the 21st century and has served as everything from a base for several RAF units during the Second World War, to an important base for agriculture and sugar-beet processing in particular which continues into the present day.
32 KNEAD Pubs
The Prince Rupert is the perfect place to end a day taking in the history of Newark and is in fact an important part of that history in its own right. The building that houses this pub is a historical gem, a fabulous example of a Wealden hall house which was built in 1452. A sympathetic renovation by KNEAD has created a magnificent venue which remains true to the fantastic heritage of the building whilst providing somewhere truly special for 21st century visitors. It’s still possible to look up and see the original beamed and vaulted ceiling of the house above you as you settle in! The pub is a hive of activity, with regular live music events and beer festivals which create a fantastically vibrant community atmosphere. On a normal day, you can expect to find an inspiring selection of real ales and ciders alongside a menu which showcases the best that the KNEAD chefs have to offer with pub classics and produce from the KNEAD Farm taking centre stage. It’s a great place to stop for a brief respite as you journey up the Great North Road!
Did you know? The Prince Rupert is the oldest and most northern example of a Wealdon House in the country albeit only 2/3 are remaining with the third missing, probably damaged in the Civil War.
Newark 33 33 KNEAD Pubs
46 Stodman Street, Newark, NG24 1AW rupert@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01636 918 121
34 Out and about
BURGHLEY HOUSE Burghley is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. Built and mostly designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, the main part of the House has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. There are more than 80 lesser rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas. The lead roof extends to three quarters of an acre, restoration and rebuilding of which began in 1983 and took nearly ten years to complete. Visitor facilities include the Orangery restaurant, gift shop, gardens and beautiful walks around the historic parkland laid out by Capability Brown and still occupied by a herd of fallow deer. History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take the dog for a walk in the park, take the children to paddle, see the teddy bear’s picnic in the gardens of surprise or take time over lunch in the Orangery. Some spectacular events take place at Burghley throughout the year, including the world-renowned Burghley Horse Trials, celebratory Battle Proms, the challenging Rat Race and various festivals, rallies, tours and trails. burghley.co.uk
Out and about 35
STAMFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY AT TOLETHORPE HALL The amateur Stamford Shakespeare Company was founded in 1968 by Jean Harley, with a performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in the Monastery Garden of the town’s historic George Hotel. It was under the auspices of the Stamford Arts Centre Committee in aid of the proposed new Arts Centre and restoration of the Georgian Theatre in St Mary’s Street. In 1971, with the Arts Centre programme well under way, the theatre group became independent and was named for the first time, the Stamford Shakespeare Company. Open air Shakespeare plays continued at The George for nine years until the last performance in 1976 when the summer open air theatre could no longer be accommodated. By chance, Tolethorpe Hall came on the market in a near derelict state early in 1977 and it was acquired by the Stamford Shakespeare Company. The main interest was a natural amphitheatre in the grounds which was quickly converted into a concrete stepped, raked auditorium covered by a temporary canvas canopy. It is here at Tolethorpe Hall you can still enjoy theatre alfresco style. stamfordshakespeare.co.uk
GRIMSTHORPE CASTLE The castle, gardens and park are open to visitors five days a week from June to September and twice a week in April and May. Each section of Grimsthorpe Castle has a different appearance, reflecting the various architectural styles that have been employed here since building began in the 13th century. Once inside you can see the collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and objects d’art that fill the state rooms. The gardens surround the castle - formal lawns with topiary squares, ornamental pools, semi-wild woodland areas filled with spring bulbs and spectacular views of the lake. grimsthorpe.co.uk
36 Out and about
RUTLAND WATER There is nowhere better than Rutland Water Park to enjoy time in the great outdoors. Whether you are looking for some adrenalin-fuelled fun or a relaxing break from the daily hustle and bustle, this place has something for everyone. Set around beautiful Rutland Water and covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, the park offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing, watersports and climbing. There is also a fantastic nature reserve, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and home to the Rutland Osprey Project. Expert or novice, everything you need to make the most of your visit is right here, including cycle hire and expert tuition on boat handling. And of course, you will also find a choice of places to enjoy a cuppa or a bite to eat. anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water
WOOLSTHORPE MANOR
Photography: https://www.flickr.com/people/duncanh1/
Without Isaac Newton this small manor would be just another Lincolnshire farmhouse - but in 1665 the plague sent him back from university to this place where he was born. Woolsthorpe Manor tells the story of Newton's time at Woolsthorpe, from his birth and childhood to the discoveries of his Year of Wonders. In the 17th century manor house you can stand in the room where he used a prism to split sunlight into the colours of the rainbow, exploring the nature of light. From the window you can see the apple tree in the orchard which inspired his theory of gravity.
nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor
Coming back to the present day, you can discover Newton's science for yourself in the hands-on Science Centre and walk to the village church where he was baptised. For more than 300 years people have come to Woolsthorpe, drawn by his story to find their own inspiration in this place of genius.
Out and about 37
Photograph by John Wright
BELTON HOUSE Sitting elegantly in formal gardens with views across pleasure grounds and an ancient deer-park, Belton is often cited as being the perfect example of an English country-house estate. Although built on a modest scale, it has a fine collection of porcelain and silver, a world-renowned library and architectural finesse that reflects the continued wealth and cultured tastes of its former owners, the Brownlow family. In more recent times, Belton has become a popular destination for families in search of outdoor fun, with seasonal trails and the National Trust's largest outdoor adventure playground. Photograph by Andrew Butler
nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house
38 Keep in touch
KEEP IN TOUCH Thank you for staying at The Crown Hotel, we would love to see you again soon. Below are our contact details so you can easily find us again to book a room or book a table, or visit our website to find out even more about KNEAD Pubs and check out our other locations. The Crown Hotel 6 All Saints’ Place, Stamford PE9 2AG reservations@thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk or crown@kneadpubs.co.uk 01780 763 136
