Where?
Stamford, in south Lincolnshire, 100 miles north of London, is easy to reach from the A1, and only 12 rail minutes from Peterborough or about an hour and 40 minutes from Birmingham.
Why?
I had not heard of this small medieval market town with its beautiful houses and churches, most of which are constructed from old Lincolnshire limestone, until I moved to East Anglia. Yet I was soon captivated by the charm and the slower pace of this old wool-town. A great location for a day out, with some gentle shopping and, of course, tea at the George.
What to see?
Stamford has two fine medieval churches, St Mary’s and All Saints’, which are well worth a visit (it once had 14 churches, two monasteries, and four friaries). Or take a walk down Barn Hill, as featured in the 1993 BBC TV version of Middlemarch. Browne’s Hospital, a 15th-century almshouse, still has much of the original furniture and stained glass. Or visit the small but delightful Stamford Museum, and learn more about the town’s rich history. Stamford Meadows, conveniently near the town centre, has some pleasant level walks along the river Welland.
Stamford Arts Centre offers a wide variety of art exhibitions, lectures, and some wonderful theatre events by its resident amateur drama group Shoestring Theatre.
Near by
Visit Burghley House, built by Sir William Cecil (above), who was Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. It is one of the finest pieces of Elizabethan architecture in the country. The House and the extensive gardens and deer park are open to the public. Another highlight is the sculpture garden, with a permanent collection of contemporary art and temporary exhibitions between April and October. Burghley is also famous for its annual horse-trials.
One of my favourite buildings is Tolethorpe Hall, which hosts an annual Shakespeare festival. Take champagne, strawberries, and an umbrella, and enjoy a picnic in the grounds before watching a play in one of the country’s most stunning outdoor theatres.
Food and drink
No visit to Stamford is complete without a visit to the George Hotel on the High Street, an old coaching inn where King Charles I is said to have stayed. It is not cheap, but it is most enjoyable. Stamford has a variety of cafés and restaurants catering for every taste. The café in the Arts Centre offers light bites in a child-friendly atmosphere.
www.stamford.co.uk
www.stamfordartscentre.com/
www.burghley.co.uk/
www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk/