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Stamford is a quaint old town on the border of Lincolnshire. It nestles peacefully in the vale of the River Welland, with beautiful river walks and lovely honey coloured stone buildings.

Stamford - Viewed From River Meadow © TAB

As you approach the town from a distance, you will spy its five tall medieval church spires, which appear to lookout over the town and protected it. Stamford has over a 1,000 years of history and dates from before Saxon times. It was declared England's first conservation area in 1967, with its many finely preserved stone Georgian buildings and has been voted one of the top ten country towns to live, in by the national press.

There is so much to enjoy in the area, including Rutland Water. A beautiful man-made lake formed as a water reservoir. Where you can enjoy picnicking, walking or even take a boat trip around to enjoy the landscape from the water.

Stamford is easily accessible by car from the A1, which is just five minutes from the town centre or by train from nearby Peterborough or directly from London (via Kings Cross station), in just one and a half hours.

The local Arts Centre, which was built in 1768, presents live shows and films and there is a new theatre within the old Corn Exchange building in Broad Street. Browns Hospital, also on Broad Street, was founded in 1475 by a local wool merchant (the town was famed for its wool cloth in the 15th century) that still houses local elderly folk. It has a fine chapel and displays of period furniture and uniforms etc.

The George Hotel © TAB

The George Hotel is a charming 16th-c Coaching Inn, situated on the main route from London to the North, where both kings and highway men have stayed. It has marvelous oak panelling and you can dine in style in the restaurant, al fresco in the garden room, or weather permitting, in the lovely old courtyard and perhaps enjoy afternoon tea.

There are also many comfortable smaller hotels and bed and breakfast premises dotted around the town. Information on accommodation can be obtained from the local Tourist Office in the Arts Centre, phone 01780 755611 or email stamford@southkesteven.gov.uk

The town has a good selection of restaurants, providing a very cosmopolitan choice of menus and at least 12 public houses, within the town centre that serve food. A delightful and varied market is held on Broad Street on Fridays with a farmers market in the High Street that sells fresh produce. The opportunity should be taken to visit the many boutique style shops of the High Street and to navigate the quaint narrow passages that link the towns old streets, right down to the river.

The Registrar of Births and Deaths is in the town hall (phone 01780 753808) and there are many lovely venues registered to hold weddings in the area, such as the pretty Garden House Hotel, and the nearby Normanton Park Hotel with its backdrop of Rutland Water.

Enjoy your visit to this charming ancient town.

Content by Sheila

Places of interest to visit in Stamford

Stamford Museum

This small museum, currently located in the town library, houses a range of exhibits covering the archaeology and social history of the town. A regular schedule of temporary exhibitions is displayed, together with the Stamford Tapestry.

Location: High St, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2BB
Tel: 01522 782010

Burghley House

The stately home of Burghley House on the edge of the town was built by Lord Burghley the treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, in the 16th-c and its elaborate cupolas and obelisk clock towers can be seen anywhere in the surrounding park with its many deer. There is also a sculpture garden and the garden of Surprises. Its magnificent room settings and painted ceilings are a joy to see. The house is open from the end of March till October, from 11 am to 5 pm (phone 01780 752451) or visit the website for Burghley House for further details.

Map of Stamford

East of England

Towns and Villages in Lincolnshire

Attractions in Lincolnshire