itinerary
Stately Screen Tour
Explore Lincolnshire on the Stately Screen – a set jetting tour of some of south Lincolnshire’s most memorable cinematic moments.
You’ll almost certainly have seen the historic homes of south Lincolnshire on screen. The area has starred in many of the most famous film and TV productions of recent years, including The Crown, Bridgerton, The Batman, Pride and Prejudice, and The Da Vinci Code, to name but a few.
day one
first location - Burghley House
Start your day at Burghley House. Built in the 16th Century, Burghley is the heart-felt legacy of William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I and the generations of his family who have lived here ever since, ensuring that this great House and Estate continues to thrive.
Enjoy refreshments at the Garden Café on the Estate, open from 10:00 - 16:00 each day.
Duration: Recommended Half Day
Filmed Here: Burghley House has starred on numerous occasions, popular for its majestic interiors, unaltered 16th century façades, and stunning gardens and parkland. You may have seen Burghley in The Batman, Season 4 of The Crown, Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and Bleak House. The Da Vinci Code (2006) with Tom Hanks also featured Burghley House and its "Hell Staircase".
travel into stamford
- 1Leave Burghley and join the A1143 heading north.
- 2Drive for just five minutes before you reach the town centre.
second location - Stamford
Sir Walter Scott claimed that Stamford was “the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London” and the historian WG Hoskins said “If there is a more beautiful town in the whole of England, I have yet to see it”.
Duration: 2 hours
Filmed Here: Stamford has been the setting for various novels, films and TV series, including Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice and The Crown.
optional location - Stamford Sights and Secrets Tours
If time and bookings allow, consider taking the Film and TV location Walking Tour with Stamford Sights and Secrets Tours to see some of the town locations used in productions, and the history of the buildings featured. The tour runs on specific days – please check details before you travel.
Travel to Grimsthorpe castle
- 1Leaving Stamford a picturesque 30 – 40 minute drive will take you northwards on the A161.
- 2Travel through approximately 14 miles of leafy country roads through several villages, and latterly skirting the edges of Bourne Woods and the Grimsthorpe Estate before arriving at Grimsthorpe Castle.
third location - Grimsthorpe Castle
Grimsthorpe Castle is a majestic structure, the final masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. Made from golden limestone from local quarries. Discover a surprising marriage of architectural styles including Tudor and Baroque.
This spectacular castle with its central courtyard and extensive parkland of great antiquity retains a great amount of its original glory. Today the castle is open to the public to explore the interiors and browse the rich collections, and the estate grounds are accessible to walkers and cyclists. Discover beautiful elegant formal gardens and various types of wild deer roaming the 3,000 acres.
Duration: Recommended 2-3 hours
Filmed Here: Mary & George (2024 Sky Atlantic series). Bridgerton (2020 Netflix series) and Middlemarch (1994 TV mini series). Grimsthorpe's period rooms have recently been transformed into a ballroom in the third Netflix series, Bridgerton (2024).
Travel to Easton walled gardens
- 1From Grimsthorpe head north on the B1176 and then west onto Burton Lane.
- 2Travel through the pretty hamlet of Burton Coggles and quiet country lanes before arriving at the overnight stay option of Easton Walled Gardens. Approximately a 9 mile / 20 minute drive away.
Suggested Overnight Stay
Easton Walled Gardens
Easton Walled Gardens is one of the UK’s finest walled gardens in the UK. Set in the heart of middle England’s countryside discover these 400 year old gardens offering exquisite displays of florals and colour throughout the seasons. Channel your inner countysquire or squiress and stay in one of unique character properties found in the grounds: Easton Holiday Cottages | Holiday Accommodation on the Easton Estate, Lincolnshire
day two
Continue exploring Lincolnshire's cinematic charm with a visit to Harlaxton Manor and Belton House, iconic film locations that have starred in period dramas and blockbuster hits.
Directions to Harlaxton manor
- 1From the gentle grounds of Easton Walled Gardens head north to the grandeur of Harlaxton Manor.
- 2aHead north on the A1 for 10 miles / approximately 13 minutes.
- OR
- 2bAlternatively take the slightly longer more picturesque route of Heath Lane / Grantham Lane and enjoy the leafy country lanes and villages of this area (12 miles / 21 minutes).
Optional location (remember to check openings) - Harlaxton Manor
Only open to the public on certain days of the year, Harlaxton Manor is a lavish and spectacular manor house. Built in Ancaster stone and merging together Gothic, Jacobethan and Baroque styles, Harlaxton is a dramatic sight to behold.
The knowledgable tour guides at Harlaxton Manor are able to provide detailed insight on the architecture and gardens. Tours of the Hall last approximately two hours and tours of the garden last one. Book in advance.
Duration: Recommended Half Day
Filmed Here: Victoria 2017 - TV drama; Jenna Coleman Australian Princess 2005 - TV series The Young Visiters 2003 - Film; Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy The Haunting 1999 - Film; Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones The Lady and the Highwayman 1989 - Film; Emma Samms, Oliver Reed Treasure Hunt 1988 - TV series; Anneka Rice The Last Days of Patton 1986 - Film; George C. Scott.
Directions to belton house
- 1Travelling north still further from either Harlaxton or Easton and you’ll arrive in the charming stone village of Belton, home to the Belton Estate / Belton House.
- 2From Harlaxton: Join the A607 northbound, heading through the heart of the market town of Grantham. Approximately 6 miles and 25 minutes drive.
- OR
- 2From Easton: Journey north on the B6403 High Dyke road through open countryside. Approximately 11 miles and 20 minutes drive.
fourth location - Belton Estate
Belton Estate is a Grade I listed National Trust country house and estate located in the parish of Belton near Grantham in Lincolnshire. A Carolean style country house dating form the 1600s, surrounded by exquisite gardens with views across pleasure grounds and ancient deer park. Belton is one of the county’s finest cultural attractions for families in search of outdoor fun, wildlife lovers and culture enthusiasts. Hosting an extensive range of ornate art collections including late 17th century English portraiture, oriental ceramics, and books highlighting the continued wealth and cultured tastes of its former owners, the Brownlow family.
Known for its classic Baroque architecture and well-manicured gardens, Belton House is a favourite for filmmakers needing an aristocratic setting.
Enjoy refreshments at the stables Café on the Estate, or perhaps pick up filming themed books and gifts from the onsite gift shop.
Duration: Recommended Half Day
Filmed Here: Pride & Prejudice (1995 BBC adaptation): Used as a filming location for Rosings Park. The Young Victoria: Featured for its stately interiors and grounds. Bleak House (2005 BBC adaptation): Used for various sequences. Bridgerton Queen Charlotte (2023 Netflix).
