Grimsthorpe Castle - © grimsthorpe.co.uk
Grimsthorpe Castle is located on a large estate in the Lincolnshire countryside that includes woodlands and lakes. The main attraction on the estate is the historic castle that has become a popular heritage attraction. The castle along with the gardens offers visitors the chance to visit an impressive and historical English country house with a number of interesting features. The quiet Lincolnshire countryside provides a fitting and inspiring backdrop to the impressive Castle making it an attraction worth considering.
Attractions
Grimsthorpe Castle forms the centrepiece of the estate here, in essence the Castle is a large imposing house that features a central courtyard. The house displays a range of architectural styles and influences since building started here back in the 13th century.
The castle has a number of interesting and notable collections contained inside, these include fine collections of furniture, paintings and fine art works, in addition there are tapestries and objects d'art that that are evident in the state rooms. Visitors can also look out for more unusual items such as thrones and furnishings from the House of Lords.
The North Front is credited to Sir John Vanbrugh, it was commissioned in the 18th century by Robert Bertie, the 17th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, to celebrate the fact he became the first Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.
Grimsthorpe has a historical connection that consists of a collection of fine furniture that is associated with the Willoughby de Eresby's hereditary Office as Lord Great Chamberlains to the Palace of Westminster. The collection can be viewed in the state rooms that also display a number of family portraits and portraits of the monarchs they served under.
The Castle Collection offers a rich historical and heritage insight in to the castles past. The fin e collection includes furniture, tapestries, ceramics and paintings among other things. In the majority of the State Rooms the shutters and curtains are kept shut to ensure direct sunlight does not damage the delicate and fragile contents and treasures contained within the rooms, there is electric lighting used in the rooms to ensure the historic works are not damaged. Visitors will find that the rooms are packed with things to see and the guides are on hand to ensure you have a knowledgeable point of reference should you have any questions.
The castle is made of limestone and it displays a number of different colours and characters throughout the course of the day and the strength or otherwise of the sunlight.
Lord Willoughby's Railway operated on the grounds of the estate from 1855 until 1873 and was nearly 7 kilometres in length and ran from Great Northern Railway at Little Bytham to Edenham, a village located next to Grimsthorpe Castle. The railway was a private railway, it was a private one used for transporting goods and livestock.
Grimsthorpe Park was once a haven for oak trees with plentiful numbers back in the 18th century however some were felled for ship building and other uses. The oak trees on display today were planted after the restoration of the Stuart Monarchy. The current park was designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century, the main features include the knot garden, hedged rose gardens and a terrace with herbaceous and shrub borders. There is also a summerhouse on site, the formal flower and topiary garden leads on to the woodland garden. Visitors to the gardens can see the range of gardens along with a range of flowers, plants, trees and flora reflecting the work that has been done here of the years.
The Gardens are another highlight of any visit to Grimsthorpe, the gardens surround the castle on three sides. The formal garden is located to the south and is known for the small ornamental pools. Further along from the castle the garden transforms itself in to semi-wild woodland garden, where visitors can see plenty of spring bulbs. To the West of the Castle there is a long herbaceous border that helps to provide plenty of colours during the summer months. The yew hedge is cut low so that visitors can get a wonderful view to the lake beyond.
On the East of the Castle there is a formal rose parterre that is lined with small box hedges. Further along from this there is a walled kitchen garden, this garden is an ornamental vegetable and fruit garden and provides a place of peace and tranquillity, there are also pear and apple espaliers and a collection of Medlar trees.
The Woodland Adventure Playground is a popular pastime for children visiting, there are a number of things here designed to keep children amused and occupied. There are slides, scramble nets, swings and a see-saw.
How to Get There
The Castle is most conveniently accessed by car:
By Car:
Grimsthorpe is located approx 105 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 and a half hours from London. From London take the A41 then the A1 that will turn in to the A1(M). Continue on the A1(m) that will turn back to the A1 near Peterborough. Continue along the A1 until the turning for the B1081/Old Great Road, turn in to the B1081 and at the junction with the A16 take the A16/Wharf Road. Then take the B6121 and then the A151 and the road will take you to Grimsthorpe.
There are parking facilities on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is PE10 0LZ.
Contact Details
Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe
Bourne
PE10 0LY
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1778 591205
Fax: +44 (0)1778 591259
email: ray@grimsthorpe.co.uk
Website: Grimsthorpe Castle
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from June to September:
Castle:
Open between 13.00 until 18.00 (Sunday to Thursday with last admission at 17.00)
Park & Gardens:
Open between 11.00 until 18.00 (Sunday to Thursday with last admission at 17.00)
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the Castle & Gardens are open before going.
Further Information:
Castle, Park & Gardens:
Adults: £9.00 approx, Children: £3.50 approx, Concessions: £8.00 approx & Family Ticket: £20 approx.
Park & Gardens:
Adults: £4.00 approx, Children: £2.00 approx, Concessions: £3.50 approx & Family Ticket: £10 approx.
Facilities:
For Disabled visitors there is wheelchair access on the ground floor of the Castle but not the first floor.
The Tea Room offers a range of refreshments, drinks, light snacks, sandwiches, cakes and salads.
The Gift shop sells a range of gifts, souvenirs, books, memorabilia and gardening tools.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Grimsthorpe Castle 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.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Follow sensible travel tips and ensure 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 Grimsthorpe 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. Use the route planner for door to door directions for your journey. Check the traffic updates before you start your trip.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel 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.
