Belvoir Castle - Grantham

Canny V.

16 April. Given a wonderful tour by the guides. Allowed to go back and see the rooms again afterwards which was a first as other places don’t always allow it. It was fantastic to be able to take our time to read the information, to take in the spectacular furnishings and to know that the family still live in the rooms. There is a lot to see and time spent was worth it. The gardens were beautiful and although on a slope we were able to get around. The views from the castle were spectacular, although in some places the trees did screen them a bit. Have fond childhood memories of the castle 1970’s to 1980’s so am a bit bias. Today those memories were not destroyed. Many Thanks to all.

Victoria A.

My boyfriend and I visited Belvoir Castle for a day out, and it was a lovely experience. Parking was affordable at just £2 for the entire day. The entry fee was £10 per adult, which we found reasonable for the stunning scenery and historical atmosphere.

As we explored the castle grounds, we took plenty of photos—some capturing the grandeur of the castle itself and others showcasing the beautifully maintained gardens. The views from the castle were breathtaking, offering a perfect backdrop for pictures. The surrounding landscape added to the charm, making it a peaceful and picturesque visit.

Overall, it was a great day, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, beautiful architecture, and scenic walks.

Claire D.

We went to the Animal Park at Belvoir castle retail village today. It's at the back of the retail village and a great place for young children to see and pet animals. They've got pigs, rabbits, ponies, etc,. The staff looked after their animals really well. They also provided a small bag of food for the animals upon entry. And a nice countryside view from there! Highly recommend!

susan M.

Beautiful castle, very lived in. Gardens are extensive and lovely. Lots of places to roam. The tea room is well worth a visit. Run in a highly professional way, table service, tables beautifully laid out with good quality cutlery and china. We were very well looked after, food was delicious, good range of drinks. A real treat and a lovely day out.
A great place too for anyone taking children.

A J. B.

Belvoir Castle, located on Woolsthorpe Road near Grantham in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, is a striking example of a historic stately home with a rich and layered history dating back to the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The castle stands prominently on a high ridge, offering commanding views over the Vale of Belvoir and the surrounding counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. Its name, derived from Norman French, means "beautiful view," which is fitting given its elevated and scenic position.

The current structure is a grand Gothic Revival building constructed in the early 19th century, designed by architect James Wyatt and later completed by Sir James Thornton after a devastating fire in 1816. Although it resembles a medieval fortress, it is essentially a mock castle built as a stately home for the Manners family, who have owned the estate since the early 16th century. The castle's architecture features romantic medieval elements, including a central tower reminiscent of Windsor Castle, blending historical grandeur with Regency elegance.

Belvoir Castle is set within an extensive estate of about 15,000 acres, known for its beautiful landscaped gardens originally designed by Elizabeth Howard, Duchess of Rutland.

The gardens include unique features such as a natural amphitheatre formed by glacial moraines and a historic summer house, with fresh water springs that support year-round blooms. The estate is also famous for its association with fox hunting, being the headquarters of the Belvoir Hunt since 1750.

Visitors to Belvoir Castle can explore lavish state rooms filled with fine art and period furnishings, including the Elizabeth Saloon and the Roman-inspired State Dining Room. The castle also offers a Regency-style tea room where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, a tradition popularized by the Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century. Beyond the castle itself, the estate includes a retail village and options for glamping and luxury accommodation, making it a versatile destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

However, the castle has drawn criticism for its steep entry fees, which some visitors feel are not justified by the experience. Complaints often highlight the challenging uphill walk to the castle, though a shuttle service is available for those with mobility issues.

Belvoir Castle remains a private residence of the Duke of Rutland but is open to the public for tours and events, allowing visitors to experience its historical significance, architectural beauty, and stunning natural surroundings. Its blend of history, art, and landscape makes it a remarkable landmark in the heart of England.

AMAN D.

As the name says ‘Belvoir’ - Beautiful Indeed. Very Peaceful and Picturesque.
Enjoyed the walk in The Gardens. Great variety of flowers, most of them were yet to bloom but still adding on to the beauty of this place.
I think it’s a bit underrated at the moment.

Bobbie M.

A fantastic time with the Grandkids, they loved the adventure playground. There was a circus trail and quiz, which they enjoyed immensely.
Gorgeous grounds. Girls had great fun playing with the giant chess set.
No time to go in the castle unfortunately.
Would certainly go again.

Ally P.

A really enjoyable visit - the gardens and grounds were amazing, as was the artwork inside the castle. I was disappointed that many of the rooms were barriered off so you could only peer in from the doorway, I understand this is to preserve the rugs, but seems rubbish when you pay £26 entry!