Stamford

‘The Finest Scene between London and Edinburgh’

Said Sir Walter Scott of this beautiful stone town in the south of Lincolnshire.

Stamford has a fine selection of 17th and 18th century houses and medieval buildings that reflect its past – over 600 listed buildings, with six churches standing within a square mile. It is a pleasing town to while away a few hours, whether you just want to marvel at the honey-coloured architecture and dip into a cosy tea room for lunch or fancy some boutique and independent shopping.

Stamford must see and do

Burghley House is the largest and grandest House of the first Elizabethan Age. It has been home to the Cecil family for over 400 years. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials held at the house every year are one of the premier equestrian events and social events in the international sporting calendar.

Walk by the River Welland, take a Town Trail, or use it as a base for longer walks – along the Torpel Way or off to the Jurassic Way. There’s an unusual fruit beer brewery, arts centre and beside a thriving market there is a large collection of shops, galleries and antiques, not forgetting great places to eat and drink! Finally, if you'd like to learn more about the history behind this fine town, visit Stamford Museum and step back in time. 

History of Stamford

Ancient Britons recognised the significance of Stamford's position on the River Welland, which made it possible to ford the river throughout the year, so for thousands of years there has been a settlement here.

It’s rich with history, thanks to its strategic position. The Saxons and Danes came, Romans built roads here; the Normans a castle and in 1215 an army assembled here to march on King John forcing him to sign the Magna Carta.

It prospered as a merchants’ town and was one of the richest towns in England by the 14th Century, exports of wool, pottery and cloth adding to its stature. A second phase of prosperity came in around the turn of the 18th/19th centuries – the great stagecoach era and some early ‘tourists’.

Location/Area: Vales