Day 1: Stamford – The Georgian Jewel
Morning:
Stamford Town Walk – Start your trip in Stamford, often dubbed England’s finest stone town. Walk through the Georgian streets, admiring over 600 listed buildings in mellow limestone.
Stamford Arts Centre – Originally a Georgian assembly room, it now hosts exhibitions, films, and performances.
Afternoon:
St Mary’s Hill and St Martin’s – Explore the elegant shops and buildings, then cross the Town Bridge for Georgian views along the River Welland.
The Portico – Take a trip to Stamford Public Library, a Grade II listed building – opened in 1808, designed by William Legg.
Tip: Pop into one of the town’s tearooms for a classic cream tea with Georgian ambience.
Day 2: Burghley House and Parkland
All Day:
Burghley House – A grand Elizabethan home with significant 18th-century influences. Capability Brown remodelled the parkland in the mid-1700s, and parts of the interior were reworked during the Georgian period.
Walk the ‘Capability Brown’ landscape including the Lion Bridge and lakeside paths.
Visit the Garden of Surprises and Sculpture Garden – modern additions with historical inspiration.
Optional: Enjoy lunch at the Orangery Restaurant in the house’s former Georgian orangery.
Day 3: Grantham & Belton House
Morning:
Grantham Town Centre – Explore Georgian-era shopfronts and the 18th-century King’s School building, attended by Isaac Newton.
Afternoon:
Belton House – A stunning National Trust property that evolved during the Georgian period, featuring landscaped gardens and fine interiors. Look for the classical facades and explore the orangery and pleasure grounds.
Belton House played the part of the home of the very grand Lady Catherine de Bourgh in the BBC’s memorable Pride and Prejudice – Lizzie Bennet was not intimidated.
Tip: Check if there are Georgian-themed tours or talks running during your visit.
Day 4: Uphill Lincoln
Morning:
Bailgate and Cathedral Quarter – Although known for its medieval history, Lincoln’s upper town is dotted with Georgian townhouses and shopfronts. Wander around the elegant Exchequergate Arch area and Castle Hill.
Afternoon:
Lincoln Museum & Usher Gallery – View Georgian portraits and artefacts.
Afternoon Tea at the White Hart Hotel – A historic coaching inn with a Georgian past, perfect for a refined break.
Optional: Walk the Arboretum, designed by Edward Milner, a Victorian protégé of Capability Brown, with strong Georgian landscape influences.
Day 5: Louth & Gunby Hall
Morning:
Louth Town Centre – Packed with charming Georgian architecture. Visit St James’ Church and stroll past 18th-century façades on Cornmarket and Mercer Row.
Afternoon:
Gunby Hall (National Trust) – A perfectly preserved Georgian country house with beautiful walled gardens and family stories dating back to the early 1700s.
Tip: Look out for Georgian furniture and personal items belonging to the Massingberd family.
Need to Know:
Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn when gardens are in bloom and house tours are in full swing.
Where to stay: Stamford and Lincoln both make excellent bases with characterful Georgian hotels and B&Bs.
Getting around: A car is highly recommended to explore the more rural sites like Gunby Hall.
