picturesque market towns, spectacular heritage attractions and fun family days out
Enjoy miles of beautiful countryside and more than 80 rural villages - all waiting to be explored - as well as many historic attractions, family entertainment and delicious places to eat. Lincolnshire’s South Countryside is home to a host of cultural attractions including some of the country's finest stately homes such as Belvoir Castle and the National Trust's Belton House, making the area an appealing destination for historic property enthusiasts far and wide.
The picturesque Lincolnshire market towns of Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping are just some of the cultural hotspots of the area. Grantham is well known for having once been home to several notable figures including Sir Isaac Newton and former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Today the birth place of Sir Isaac Newton - the National Trust owned Woolsthorpe Manor is open to the public.
the market towns of South Lincolnshire
Grantham
The beautiful market town of Grantham is a fantastic starting point when discovering the area of South Kesteven.
Stamford
Stamford is a bustling, prosperous market town and has a wide range of shops, hostelries and attractions.
Bourne
The delightful market town of Bourne sits on the eastern side of the South Kesteven district, bordering the Fens.
The Deepings
The Deepings is the collective name given to a delightful group of historic villages in South Kesteven comprising Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Deeping Gate, West Deeping and Deeping St Nicholas.
Spalding
Spalding is the largest market town in the district of South Holland, situated on the wide, river Welland and is bright with tulips in spring.
Belton House, Grantham
Houses & Castles
exquisite cultural attractions
Discover historic architecture and elegant gardens set within beautiful ancient wooded parkland.
heritage in the Southern Countryside
what's on in the Southern Countryside
Beastly Boring Tours at Burghley House
Murder Mystery Evening – Justina Thunderbright & The Ghost of Stirdale Hall
Messiah Concert in the Great Hall – Burghley House
Myth Makers (Storytelling Workshop Bourne)
Lincolnshire Lore – An Evening Performance of Stories & Song
An evening with Jerry Brotton at Burghley
Halloween Trail & Pumpkin Painting at Belvoir Castle
October Half Terms at Grimsthorpe Castle
Murder Mystery Evening – Reunion With Death
Barkston Pumpkins & Haunted Maize Maze
Harlaxton Manor 1940’s Open House
Bonfire Night at the Engine Yard
Murder Mystery Evening – Liar Liar Pants on Fire at The Barn Hotel
Murder Mystery Evening – SINdicate
Murder Mystery Evening – Stereotypical Murder at The Barn Hotel
Belvoir Castle & Estate
One of the UK's finest Regency castles offering a range of country pursuits. Visit familiar sites featured in The Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria.
Lincolnshire’s Southern Countryside is filled with exciting things to do and places to explore.
It is the perfect place to visit for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a relaxing Lincolnshire holiday. Discover something to satisfy the whole family whatever the weather in Grantham, Stamford, Spalding and the surrounding area.
Easton Walled Gardens
Discover one of the country's most beautiful walled gardens. These 400 year old gardens offer exquisite displays of florals and colour throughout the seasons.
Woolsthorpe Manor
Visit this National Trust owned 17th century Lincolnshire farmhouse where Sir Isaac Newton had his famous revelation about gravity.
Belton Park Golf Club
Play on one of the finest golf courses in the East Midlands. Situated in 240 acres of parkland in the heart of Lincolnshire, enjoy this premium course plus spectacular scenery.
Ancaster Leisure
Enjoy a variety of outdoor and indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. Experience an action-packed day full of fun and adrenaline.
Burghley House
Enjoy family fun at Burghley House. Discover the beautiful and authentic sixteenths-century gardens and parkland. Have fun splashing in the Garden of Surprises and soak up the stunning countryside scenery.
Tallington lakes Leisure Park
Discover so much to do both in the water and on land at Tallington Lakes. The water sports centre offers you the opportunity to sail, windsurf and jet ski with guidance from RYA instructors.
Nearby
The Engine Yard
Unique, luxury shopping and hospitality experience beside spectacular ancestral home.
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Grantham
Grantham is an attractive market and industrial town in the South Kesteven District of Lincolnshire.
The town is also well known for having once been home to several notable figures including Sir Isaac Newton and former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Close by to Grantham are a wealth of cultural attractions including National Trust owned Belton House and Belvoir Castle, making the Grantham area an appealing destination for historic property enthusiasts.
Superb Shopping
Spalding
Spalding is home to leading retail and leisure destination, Springfields. Home to over 50 premium High Street brands offering big savings. Take a break from shopping with more than 12 cafés and restaurants. Enjoy the extensive Garden Centre, award-winning gardens and children’s Adventure Lands.
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Stamford
Discover one of the finest Georgian towns in England. Stamford is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque stone towns in the country. The pretty facades of the town are favourites with film and television producers – Stamford was used as Meryton in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film and has also appeared in Middlemarch, The Da Vinci Code and the Golden Bowl.
food & drink in the area
accommodation ideas
Sir Isaac Newton, mathematical genius
Did you know...
Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day 1642. His father was a yeoman farmer, who died just before his birth and who had inherited Woolsthorpe Manor, now owned by the National Trust. His education would have been rudimentary but for the intervention of Henry Stokes, headmaster of Grantham Grammar School. Stokes spotted the boy's potential and begged his mother to let him continue his education. There is an alleged inscription of I Newton scratched into the stone windowsill of the library at the school. Isaac Newton was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer and theologian, and is now widely recognised as one of the most influential scientists of all time.
Find a great place to stay in the southern countryside area
You'll find a wide range of accommodation ideas across the south countryside and links to choose from even more.
planning your visit?
Discover South Kesteven is the area's dedicated tourism organisation. You'll find more information about the best places to stay and visit in the area.
places to
stay & eat
A warm welcome awaits you. Find luxury hotel rooms and fine dining, unique B&Bs and wonderful local food, charming holiday cottages and more.
more local attractions
Find more inspiration in the Southern Countryside bursting with rich history, architecture and outdoor activity.