A Day Trip to Burghley House in Stamford, England
Burghley House is a stately home in the Lincolnshire countryside that is worth a day trip. Learn more about taking a day trip to Burghley House in this post.
An awe-inspiring country home in Stamford, Burghley House one of the most magnificent houses in England. A visit to Burghley House and Stamford is a perfect day trip from London as the town of Stamford is just about 1 hour from London by train.
I visited Burghley House on a day trip when I studied abroad. Check out my guide to see Burghley House photos, learn about the home’s stunning interior and its famous Heaven Room and Hell Staircase, read about the history of the home, and see the stunning gardens.
Day Trip to Burghley House and Gardens
The House
Burghley House was built for Sir William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer of Elizabeth I, in 1555 and the home is still lived in and maintained by the Cecil family today.
Luckily, they open up much of the house to visitors.
Jane Austen fans will recognize the House as the location of Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s home in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie. For others, the home is reminiscent of Downton Abbey; they do share similar features, such as a park designed by the famous Capability Brown. For me, the home looks like Harlaxton Manor, where I spent four months studying abroad.
The exterior of the House is largely Elizabethan, but the interior was remodeled around the 1800s. What you get on the inside are breathtaking staterooms and artwork that could make up a museum. Most notable are the Heaven Room and the Hell Staircase.
Both are works of Antonio Verrio, and the all-encompassing despair of the Hell Staircase sharply contrasts with the astounding detail in the Heaven Room.
The Gardens
The Burghley House Gardens are comprised of the Gardens of Surprises, the Sculpture Garden, and the South Gardens.
The Gardens of Surprise are a fun maze of water pumps and fountains to play in.
The Sculpture Garden puts contemporary sculpture in this historic setting.
The South Gardens are exactly what you would expect to find roaming the grounds of a stately manor house. The South Gardens are only open for a short period during the spring.
Visit Burghley House and Gardens
Address: Burghley House, Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY, United Kingdom
Admission: You can choose from adult, child, and family tickets for the House, Gardens, and Play combo; for the Gardens only; or for the Adventure Play only. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at a discount or on the day of online and at the ticket office. The Parkland and car park are open for free throughout the year.
Facilities: In addition to the home and gardens, also onsite are the Orangery Restaurant, Garden Cafe, The Muddy Mole snack shop, Courtyard Shop, Garden Shop, group accommodations, an Adventure Play area, and a Deer Park.
Accessibility: The home is accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and buggies.
Parking: Parking at Burghley House is free.
How to get to Burghley House
Burghley House makes for a great day trip from London, Cambridge, or almost anywhere in England. You have the option of getting to the house by train, coach, or car.
The closest train station is Stamford. From there, it is 1 mile to the entrance of the House, which is about a 30 minute walk. If you don’t want to walk it, you can always take a short taxi ride.
Burghley House FAQ
Where is Burghley House in the UK?
Burghley House is located in Peterborough, Stamford in Lincolnshire, England.
Who owns Burghley House?
The home is owned by the Burghley House Preservation Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to maintaining the house.
When was Burghley House built?
The house was built between 1555 and 1587.
How many rooms are there in Burghley House?
The home has more than 115 rooms: 35 major rooms and more than 80 smaller rooms.
Who lives in Burghley House now?
Lady Victoria, Mr. Simon Leatham, and their family, including granddaughter Mrs. Miranda Rock, live at the house now.
Where to Stay Near Burghley House
- Top Hotel: The William Cecil Hotel
- Great Value: Greetham Valley Hotel
- Unique Stay: The George Hotel of Stamford
More England Resources
- One Day in Lincoln, England: 24 Hours in Lincoln Itinerary
- 7 Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Sites
- One Day in York, England: 24 Hours in York Itinerary
- 18 Best Things to Do in Grantham, England
- 13 Top Things to Do in Cambridge
Ready to visit Burghley House? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels near Burghley House using Booking.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you taken a day trip to Burghley House, Stamford, England? Let me know how you enjoyed it below!
Great itinerary for two days in London. I need to make a trip back, it’s been awhile and I missed most of the sites as it was a business trip.
Business always gets in the way of a good vacation! Lol