Top 15 Attractions to Explore in Stamford, Lincolnshire

A town fashioned from light limestone, Stamford became the first designated conservation area in all of England and Wales in 1967. Stamford does not feature a singular dominant monument that must be prioritized, but rather, it boasts an entire streetscape of stone-built townhouses, churches, almshouses, cottages, and imposing municipal structures to appreciate.

Until the 19th century, Stamford was a stop on the coaching route known as the Great North Road, with many houses and pubs converted from coaching inns from that era.

In Stamford, one can encounter historical figures such as William Cecil, the chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Burghley House, his magnificent residence, is situated just outside the town, while his splendid tomb can be found at St Martin’s Church.

Let us delve into the best attractions in Stamford:

1. Historic Town Centre

The town is home to 600 listed buildings, predominantly from the 17th and 18th centuries, constructed with Stamford’s characteristic limestone.

A noteworthy landmark is the 14th-century Brasenose Gate, established when students and tutors from Oxford’s Brasenose and Merton Colleges formed a breakaway college before being ordered to return by Edward III. On West Street, one can find the last remnants of Stamford’s town walls, represented by the Grade I-listed St Peter’s Bastion.

Consider taking a stroll up the picturesque Barn Hill, where a residence with fluted columns on its porch was home in the 18th century to William Stukeley, a polymath who conducted the first archaeological investigations of Stonehenge.

While picnicking at the scenic Town Meadows, one can gaze across at Lord Burghley’s Hospital, an almshouse originating from the 1170s and formally endowed by William Cecil in 1597.

2. Burghley House

Commissioned by William Cecil, this fascinating Elizabethan Prodigy House has been the residence of the Cecil family since its construction.

The exterior’s magnificent stonework, designed to impress the queen, has altered little since the 16th century, while the majority of the interior was last renovated at the close of the 18th century.

The residence is open from Sunday to Thursday from March to the end of October, during which time visitors will be captivated by the opulence of 18 state apartments, enhanced by 17th-century paintings.

The Hell Staircase is a highlight, featuring Baroque ceiling paintings by Antonio Verrio from 1697, while the chapel showcases an impressive altarpiece by Veronese and his workshop.

Additionally, contemporary portraits of members of the Cecil family, alongside figures such as Oliver Cromwell, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I, can be appreciated.

3. Burghley Park

The current features of Burghley Park, such as the grand avenues, the lake, and the Lion Bridge, are the achievements of the renowned Capability Brown.

The 26-acre lake was designed to resemble a winding river after Brown discovered a layer of watertight blue clay on the estate.

One of the many delights of the estate is the view over Stamford’s limestone-built townscape to the northwest. Additionally, open-air classical concerts are hosted in the most picturesque areas of the estate during the summer months.

The whimsical Garden of Surprises is a revival of Burghley House’s original 16th-century garden, featuring a mirrored maze and water jet basins for children in the warmer months.

Lastly, in the formal South Gardens, one should locate the mature oak and lime trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, respectively, in 1844.

4. Browne’s Hospital

This almshouse located in the heart of Stamford was established in 1485 by the affluent local wool merchant, William Browne.

As customary for the time, the ten poor men and two poor women provided shelter at the hospital were required to attend the chapel twice daily to pray for the founder’s soul.

Browne’s Hospital currently functions as an almshouse, though visits can be arranged on weekends to view the enchanting cloister garden, enclosed by Perpendicular Gothic arches, pinnacles, and battlements.

A leaflet detailing the history of the almshouse is available for 50p. However, to maintain the tranquility for residents, access to the oldest areas of Browne’s Hospital, including the chapel, requires prior arrangement via telephone.

Visitors can view the Common Room and chantry chapel adorned with exquisite stained glass, as well as the Audit Room (also featuring fine stained glass), the Confrater’s Room, and a small exhibition area that highlights the hospital’s history.

5. All Saints’ Church

The Browne family also made notable contributions to the church located just down the hill.

William Browne was instrumental in constructing the steeple at the close of the 15th century, following an expansion initiated by his father, John.

Inside All Saints’, one can find numerous monuments dedicated to three generations of the Browne family, including fine 15th-century brasses for William, his father John the Younger, and his grandfather John the Elder, along with their wives Margaret (2) and Margery.

Examine the intricate carpentry of the “angel roofs” in the chancel and south chapel, as well as the 13th-century nave arcades, including the piscina in the east wall of the south chapel from the same era.

6. Stamford Arts Centre

The premier venue for live entertainment in Stamford is also a notable historical site.

Situated on St George’s Square, this hall, featuring rusticated stone walls, was completed in 1768 as Stamford’s Assembly Rooms.

The 166-seat theatre within had fallen into disrepair for a century but reopened in 1978, now serving as a multi-disciplinary arts venue.

One can enjoy plays produced by the resident Shoestring Theatre Company, as well as a variety of films ranging from blockbusters to international arthouse cinema.

The ballroom hosts a classical music season from October to May, alongside dance performances and a diverse selection of workshops.

Temporary exhibitions at the arts centre are regularly held, each lasting no longer than three weeks.

7. St Leonard’s Priory

Walking along Priory Road, heading east from the town centre, you will soon encounter an extraordinary Norman ruin.

The history of St Leonard’s Priory dates back to the 7th century, although the original monastery was destroyed during the Danish Invasion.

In 1082, the Bishop of Durham selected this site for a priory, serving as a subsidiary of Durham Cathedral.

Similar to all priories, St Leonard’s was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII in the 16th century, resulting in partial demolition.

The remains include an enigmatic fragment, characterized by the transitional west front and the nave’s north arcade.

The facade boasts three sealed portals adorned with Romanesque round-headed arches featuring zigzag moulding, alongside seven additional round-headed arches above.

The gable at the top showcases a distinctive vesica piscis, an almond-shaped opening.

8. Stamford Town Hall

Among Stamford’s wealth of Georgian monuments, the town hall was constructed for its intended purpose in 1779, with financial contributions from the Cecil family.

Gazing up from the street on St Mary’s Hill, one can appreciate the cartouche displaying Stamford’s coat of arms.

Notably, the northern elevation of the building, visible on St Mary’s Place, closely resembles the western elevation seen on St Mary’s Hill.

Guided tours are available on Fridays and are worthwhile for those with time to spare.

The tour includes a visit to the Council Chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour, which houses the civic plate, town charters, and regalia dating back to the 1400s.

The Court Room served as a former magistrate’s court, while the Phillips Room hosts the town’s library. Additionally, the Malcom Sargent Room contains artifacts related to the eponymous composer who was a long-standing resident of Stamford.

9. St Martin’s Church

Located south of the River Welland, St Martin’s Church is situated in a section of Stamford that belonged to the county of Northamptonshire until the late 19th century.

This church represents a solemn Perpendicular Gothic structure that was entirely reconstructed in the 15th century.

It is imperative to visit to observe the Renaissance family tombs of the Cecil family, located in the north “Cecil Chapel.” William Cecil’s (d. 1598) tomb is as resplendent as one would expect for such a prominent figure in Elizabethan society.

His effigy reclines beneath a twin-arched canopy supported by marble columns.

Facing each other in prayer beneath a decorative marble cornice are Cecil’s mother and father, Richard (d. 1552) and Jane (d. 1578).

Both tombs were designed by Cornelius Cure, who also created the monument for Mary, Queen of Scots, at Westminster Abbey.

10. Stamford Library Heritage Display

With the closure of the town museum in 2010, the library serves as a valuable source of information on Stamford’s history.

This exhibition, inaugurated in 2012, incorporates a blend of interpretative boards and interactive displays illuminating various facets of the town’s past.

Visitors can explore Stamford’s wool trade and its historical connections to the Great North Road, the primary route between London and Scotland prior to the advent of railways.

A six-meter tapestry woven in 2000 honors Stamford’s woolen legacy, illustrating significant landmarks from the town’s history.

Maps for five distinct themed trails around Stamford are also available.

11. Tolethorpe Hall

Located in the nearby village of Little Casterton, Tolethorpe Hall is a country house and garden associated with the Stamford Shakespeare Company.

During the summer season, visitors flock to the open-air theatre for performances of two of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as works by another significant playwright.

The 2019 season features “Julius Caesar,” “Twelfth Night,” and Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.”

The property has been a country house since the Norman Conquest.

The merchant Browne family resided at Tolethorpe Hall from the early 16th century until 1839. Before attending a performance, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the lawns and explore the formal gardens, which have remained unchanged since their redesign in a Jacobean Revival style in the 19th century.

12. Barnack Hills & Holes National Nature Reserve

Beyond Burghley Park lies a unique pitted landscape covering 57 acres, protected as a National Nature Reserve.

These mounds are remnants of limestone rubble from a quarry first exploited by the Romans over 1,500 years ago.

The limestone sourced from this location was utilized for the construction of Ely and Peterborough Cathedrals.

The grassland that has since enveloped the quarry is ecologically significant, representing half of all the limestone grassland found in Cambridgeshire.

In the summertime, the grass is adorned with wildflowers, featuring several rare orchid varieties such as the bee orchid, pyramid orchid, frog orchid, man orchid, and early-purple orchid.

13. Aqua Park Rutland

For a refreshing change of pace, the UK’s largest floating waterpark is located under 15 minutes by car at Rutland Water Reservoir.

Accommodating participants aged eight and older, Aqua Park Rutland features an inflatable course with climbing walls, balance bars, blast bags, rollers, trampolines, and the country’s tallest slides.

Patrons are required to wear buoyancy vests throughout the activity and undergo a 10-minute safety briefing at the beginning of their hour-long session.

It can be quite exhausting to traverse the 100 x 80 meter course; however, competitive spirits can challenge friends to races.

Special children’s sessions are available for kids aged six and seven.

14. Stamford Market

Outdoor markets complement the historic charm of Stamford’s streets.

The principal weekly market occurs on Fridays along Broad Street and Ironmonger Street, featuring over 90 traders.

The stalls typically set up by 08:30 and operate until approximately 16:00. The market offers a diverse array of goods, including fresh meat, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, jams, beauty products, rugs, jewelry, clothing, household items, antiques, garden accessories, and crockery.

15. St Martin’s Antiques Centre

While exploring across the river to St Martin’s Church, visitors might consider a detour to this antiques centre, an exceptional collection of fine items ranging from the Georgian period to the 20th century.

Boasting the largest inventory of antiques in the region, the centre features over 70 dealers offering furniture, lighting, rugs, weapons, jewelry, toys, dolls, clothing, ceramics, glassware, and silverware.

Products vary in price from £5 to £5,000, making it an attractive destination for both serious collectors and casual shoppers, who can easily spend hours browsing the impressive selection.