Destinations
Grantham
beautiful market town full of heritage, restaurants, cafés & places to stay
Grantham is an attractive and industrial market town that sits on the border of Lincolnshire and Nottingham. Being home to a number of Lincolnshire's incredibly picturesque historic houses, castles and buildings including Belton House and Belvoir Castle, it is well worth a visit and makes for an excellent day trip or weekend away.
Grantham began as a small Saxon village that grew into a market town during the 11th century. Grantham was recognised in the Domesday Book in 1086 with a recorded population of 183 households and in the Middle Ages, the town was successful in the wool and leather trade.
St Wulfram's Church towers over the historic town and was described by Simon Jenkins as ‘the finest steeple in England’. The Angel and Royal hotel located on the High Street dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest coaching inns in the country. The charming property has hosted no less than seven Kings and Queens over the centuries.
In more recent history, Grantham has become well known for being the birthplace of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher but Grantham was also the birthplace for Isaac Newton who was educated at the King's School in Grantham. Isaac Newton's notorious revelation about gravity actually took place at Woolsthorpe Manor in Woolsthopre by Colsterworth - just a short distance from Grantham. Visitors can see the 400-year-old-tree where it all began. The town is also known for gingerbread biscuits, first made in 1740 by a baker, William Eggleston. Take a trip and uncover Grantham's rich heritage for yourself.
On This Page
SPECIAL TO Grantham
- The birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton
- St Wulfram’s church
- Grantham Canal
visit world class heritage attractions
No visit to Grantham would be complete without a visit to one or more of the town’s world class heritage attractions.
Harlaxton Manor
For sheer architectural fantasy Harlaxton Manor takes some beating so be prepared when you turn the corner and suddenly see the tower, spires, chimneys and gables of this Victorian caprice by Salvin and Burn. Superbly set at the top of a very long drive it manages to have an almost fairy-tale feel. Open for ticketed events.
Woolsthorpe Manor
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) attended the 15th century King’s School in Grantham where he carved his name on a window ledge. He was born at the nearby small 16th century Woolsthorpe Manor (NT) where he developed an entirely new branch of mathematics, experimented with gravity and researched into the behaviour of light.
Historic Buildings
St Wulfram’s church
in Grantham is a very handsome parish church and probably the first building to come into sight as you approach by train on the London to Edinburgh mainline. Its slender steeple has been described as the finest in England, it is certainly its sixth highest at 282 and a half feet. Inside and out there is a whole gallery of carved heads, some grotesques, some animals, even a hippopotamus to find.
Above the south porch is a chained library. The Trigge Library was the first public reference library in England. Clergyman Francis Trigge in 1598 gave £100 for the books to be purchased, the books were to be chained to desks and read in the library.
belton house
Belton House (NT) an exceptional example of Restoration architecture was built of soft grey Ancaster stone. The lovely rolling estate and ancient deer park is rich in wildlife and stretches right to the very edge of Grantham. This charming house was featured in the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’, playing the part of Rosings, the home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr Darcey’s formidable Aunt.
Belvoir Castle
Take a tour of Belvoir Castle, pronounced ‘Beaver’, its French name refers to the beautiful views from its elevated position. The castle has been used for the filming of The Crown and Victoria and Abdul.
Did you know...
Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first woman Prime Minister (1979- 1990) was born in Grantham at a grocer’s shop on the corner of North Parade and Broad Street. It was run by her father and they lived above the shop.
more things to do in Grantham
Grantham is home to an array of different activities and attractions, from animal and wildlife attractions to heritage and craft experiences. Grantham has plenty to keep the whole family entertained no matter what weather is forecast. Plan your itinerary today.
Highlight attraction
Easton Walled Gardens
Easton Walled Gardens invite you to lose yourself in the heady romance of hundreds of years of horticultural history. A peaceful place to explore with beautiful flower displays throughout the seasons.
the origin of many
Did you know? Grantham was the workplace of the first female police officer in the United Kingdom with full power of arrest, Edith Smith (1876 – 1923). Find out more about Edith Smith at Grantham Museum.
what's on in and around Grantham
Keep up to date with Grantham's programme of events, you don't want to miss out on the fun-filled seasonal activities and experiences hosted by Grantham's numerous historic attractions.
walking
Grantham Canal
is one of the prettiest rural canals, curvaceous rather than straight, it has a popular canal-side path for walkers and cyclists. Its 33 miles originally connected Grantham to Nottingham. The Lincolnshire section has a popular Trip Boat running in the summer months. Overlooking the Grantham Canal is Belvoir Castle.
things to do in the surrounding area
Fancy exploring further afield? There's plenty to explore just outside of Grantham in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire. Inspire your next day out with this selection of fun-filled family friendly attractions and activities.
our Grantham food & drink picks
Visit these popular Grantham based cafés, restaurants and breweries. Enjoy top quality, freshly prepared local produce all year round.
tourist information centre
Guildhall Arts Centre
Guildhall Arts Centre is a multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Grantham. Under the beautiful Victorian clock tower, find a thriving arts venue with coffee shop and helpful staff on hand to advise and direct visitors.
find accommodation in the Grantham area
highlights
Angel & Royal Hotel
Grantham was once an important staging post on the Great North Road, now better known as the A1, and the town had about 100 coaching inns and pubs. Georgette Heyer has her Regency heroine Arabella watch the hunt meet from the window of a private parlour at the Angel and Royal Hotel. Reputedly England’s oldest Inn, they have been welcoming guests since 1203. The Angel and Royal has seen visits from no less than seven Kings and Queens. The George another ancient coaching inn was visited by both Charles Dickens and his character Nicholas Nickleby; it is now The George Shopping Centre.
more about the South Countryside
Discover more information about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.
