Belton, House, Lincolnshire
Belton House is an impressive 17th-century country house known for its eye catching architecture, striking interiors and scenic gardens. Located in the tranquil Lincolnshire countryside the house is set in an ideally tranquil location with some great views over the local area. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the house and explore the gardens that are now managed and maintained by the National Trust.
Attractions
Belton House is acclaimed as among the finest examples of 17th century country houses in the UK. The house offers visitors with a great spectacle there is plenty of history, traditional and heritage on show here. There are also all the essential ingredients of a fine country house, there are some wonderful collections that have been built up over the years, there is intricate wood-carvings and eye catching plasterwork on show too in addition to the architecture.
Visitors can see fine collections of silverware, fine furniture and tapestries among others.
It was in the 19th century that Belton enjoyed a renaissance under the 3rd Earl Brownlow who oversaw the project of having the house and gardens restored and renovated back to their former glories. There were a number of great rooms created that visitors can now explore further that gives an insight in to what life was like here all those years ago.
Belton is well known for the peace and tranquilly that reigns here, it has over the years had links with the Royals including King George III who was entertained here and Edward VIII who also stayed here. It was in 1984 that Lord Brownlow have the house and the gardens over to the National Trust who have been managing it ever since. Over the years the house and gardens have become a popular attraction for visitors keen to see the historic mansion and its range of fine collections.
The Marble Hall is the grand entrance hall for the house and features a black and white coloured marble floor, the hall is the first of the formal rooms and convey across the importance of the house and social standing of the owners. There are historic portraits on the walls that have intricate limewood carvings around them showing some of the fine workmanship that has been used in the house and its rooms. The marble hall is imposing showing visitors that this is no ordinary residence.
The Saloon along with the Marble Hall is at the heart of the house, it was at the centre of family entertainment in the past. There are ornate designs and wood carvings for visitors to see making for an opulent room that does lack for any glamour. There are a number of portraits some are full length, adding to the atmosphere of the room and ensuring it retains its old world charm.
The Chinese Room features wallpaper from the 18th century, the room has been decorated with a Chinese theme throughout, the impressive room has a character of its own and makes for quite a spectacle for visitors to see.
The Garden and the Park are well worth seeing for visitors, the park offers visitors some great views. The gardens are a result of the work done here during the early and latter part of the 19th century when the gardens took shape. The Italian Garden was completed back in 1820 and is thought to be where the existing manor house once stood. There is also a Dutch garden to see and Lord Tyrconnel’s sundial featuring a figure of Time by Caius Gabriel Cibber. The tranquil gardens offer visitors a place to relax take in the beautiful surroundings and scenery and enjoy a stroll at your leisure.
Visitors can see Bellmount Tower stand out as among the most recognisable features in the park. It is located at the top of the Eastern Avenue and was built in 1751 by Lord Tyrconnel in 1751. It was designed to create drama and be a dramatic point in the park as well as offering a wonderful vantage point from which there would be impressive views overlooking the park.
How to Get There
Belton can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Grantham is located approx 115 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 hours 40 minutes from London. From London take the A5 then the A41 and the A1 on to the A1(M). The A1(M) will turn back in to the A1 and exit at the B1174 toward A153/Boston/Sleaford/Grantham/A52 and then take the right turning for the A607 and continue along until the turning on the right for the House.
There are free parking facilities on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is NG32 2LS.
By Train:
From London Kings Cross station in central London there are regular trains available to Grantham located approx 3 miles from Belton. Visitors can get a taxi from the station.
Contact Details
Belton House
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG32 2LS
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1476 566116
Fax: +44 (0)1476 542980
email: belton@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
House is open from end of February until beginning of November:
Open between 12.00 until 17.00 (Castle opens at 13.00 & Grounds at 12.00)
From Easter until end of May open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Garden, Park & Restaurant:
Open from start of February until start of January:
Open between 11.00/12.00 until 16.00/17.30 (Daily in July & August and a mixture of days at other times).
From June until September open on Tuesday, Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays.
Adventure Playground:
Open from middle of March until November:
Open between 10.30/11.00 until 17.30 (Daily in July & August and a mixture of days at other times)
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the House & Gardens are open before going, the opening days vary according to the time of year.
Further Information:
House:
Adults: £10 approx, Children: £6.00 approx & Family Ticket: £25.00 approx.
Gardens:
Adults: £8 approx, Children: £5.00 approx & Family Ticket: £21.00 approx.
Garden & Park:
Adults: £3.50 approx, Children: £2.00 approx.
Facilities:
For Disabled visitors there is wheelchair access in ground floor of the house and the Gardens, there are also disabled toilet facilities.
The Restaurant offers a range of refreshments, drinks, light snacks as well as main meals.
The Gift shop offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and accessories.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Belton House Map
Tips & Other Considerations
Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Follow sensible travellers tips and make sure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is worn across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Grantham in Lincolnshire, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. For door to door directions use the journey planning tool. Before you begin your trip check traffic information for the latest news.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel, look out for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
