Out and about

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

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 Out and about 35

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

Photography: https://www.flickr.com/people/duncanh1/

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

nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe-manor

WOOLSTHORPE MANOR

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.

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 Andrew Butler

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.

nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house