
Belvoir Castle
A magnificent 'living' castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, famed for opulent interiors and as a filming location for 'The Crown'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, fewer crowds

Belvoir Castle
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 'living' castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, famed for opulent interiors and as a filming location for 'The Crown'.
"This Castle has gone straight to the top of UK Castles to visit. So fortunate to have this "living castle" made available to the public."

🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories from passionate guides!
🌸 Peak Garden Blooms
Visit in spring/summer for the most vibrant floral displays.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Elizabeth Saloon
State Rooms
A lavish Regency-era masterpiece with intricate gilded ceilings and elegant chandeliers. Pure opulence!

Filming Location Fame
Various Rooms
Spot iconic sets from 'The Crown' and 'Downton Abbey' – a treat for history and TV buffs!

Regency & Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the castle's grand facade and explore its regal state rooms, a blend of styles.

The Gardens and Grounds
Castle Gardens
Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens offering magnificent views and peaceful strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Timing is Key for Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories from passionate guides!
🌸 Peak Garden Blooms
Visit in spring/summer for the most vibrant floral displays.
👑 Filming Location Spotting
Look for sets from 'The Crown' & 'Downton Abbey'!
🚗 Beware Parking Fines
Double-check parking payment to avoid unexpected fines.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories from passionate guides!
🌸 Peak Garden Blooms
Visit in spring/summer for the most vibrant floral displays.
👑 Filming Location Spotting
Look for sets from 'The Crown' & 'Downton Abbey'!
🚗 Beware Parking Fines
Double-check parking payment to avoid unexpected fines.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Trails
Circus trails & playgrounds make it fun for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Belvoir Castle is widely praised for its stunning interiors and the passionate, knowledgeable guides who bring its history to life. Visitors are captivated by the opulent state rooms and the castle's status as a 'living' family home. However, some find the onsite food options expensive and limited, and the gardens can be less impressive outside of peak bloom.
"The castle and grounds were beautiful. Parts of the castle were a bit 'tired' but lovely all the same.
Our tour guide Sally was absolutely wonderful. She had so much love for the castle and it's history. She made the whole experience memorable. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Even her water bottle and Scarf matched with the family's emblem/coat of arms, which was a lovely touch.
The other staff members we met were lovely too.
The food options were disappointing. Very expensive and not any vegetarian or kid friendly options. The retail village was a great shame. It could be a lot better and the staff weren't as friendly as those in the castle. There wasn't any food options just overpriced crisps and raw meat.
The grounds were lovely but the map didn't match with a lot of the signs , the further we went up the grounds the signs became non-existent and confusing.
I would go back to have another tour with Sally as I believe she made the experience 'worth while'."
Maryam Malik
"Superb castle and grounds, set on a hilltop with magnificent views.
It is the fourth castle to be built on the site since 1066 and has an illustrious history. It has over 350 rooms and is still the family home. That gives an added authenticity. The state rooms are stunning, a real visual treat.
We are so glad we booked onto the 11 o'clock tour, it was excellent. It should have been for an hour and a half, but our guide spent just over 2 hours telling us all about the castle and family and taking us beyond the roped off areas. Big thanks to our guide.
The gardens are just as varied as the castle rooms, and there are extensive parklands to explore as well."
Mark Poley
"This Castle has gone straight to the top of UK Castles to visit.
So fortunate to have this "living castle" made available to the public.
We booked a tour when we got there and lovely Susan showed us around. Well worth the £5 extra. About 2 hours and Susan knowledge of the family and local history was well worth the investment."
Michael Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Belvoir Castle is approximately a 2-hour drive from London. You can also take a train from London King's Cross to Grantham (around 1 hour 15 minutes) and then a taxi to the castle. Some visitors mention it's about an hour from London, suggesting it's a feasible day trip.
While trains go to nearby Grantham, public transport directly to the castle is limited. Taxis from Grantham station are the most practical option. It's also a noted stop for those traveling along the A1, suggesting it's a convenient detour.
There is parking available at Belvoir Castle. However, be cautious as one visitor reported receiving a parking fine despite paying, so ensure you follow all signage carefully.
Absolutely! Belvoir Castle is a popular day trip destination, especially from London, due to its manageable travel time and the wealth of attractions within the castle and grounds.
The castle is situated 6 miles west of Grantham and 10 miles northeast of Melton Mowbray. It's generally well-signposted, but using a GPS or navigation app is recommended for ease.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Belvoir Castle is typically open on weekends in March and then daily from April onwards. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times and any seasonal variations.
Admission prices vary depending on whether you are visiting the castle, gardens, or both. Guided tours often have an additional fee, which is highly recommended for the full experience.
While you can often purchase tickets on arrival, booking in advance, especially for guided tours, is advisable to secure your spot and ensure you don't miss out on the best experiences.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets for the castle interiors, the gardens, or a combined ticket. Special events or seasonal trails might also have separate ticketing.
Information on group or family discounts is best found on the official Belvoir Castle website. They often have specific packages or rates available for larger parties.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore opulent state rooms like the Elizabeth Saloon, discover filming locations from 'The Crown' and 'Downton Abbey', wander through beautiful gardens, and enjoy the extensive parklands. Special events and seasonal trails are also common.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Guides like Sally and Susan are praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging delivery, making the history of the castle and the Manners family come alive.
Belvoir Castle offers family-friendly activities like circus trails and has a great playground, making it enjoyable for kids. The vast grounds also provide space for them to explore.
The castle boasts extensive parklands and gardens. While the gardens are beautiful, their bloom can vary seasonally, with some visitors finding them less impressive in mid-summer.
Photography rules inside the castle may vary. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or look for signage. Generally, personal photography is allowed, but professional shoots might require permission.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options can be disappointing for some, with reports of expensive and limited choices, particularly for vegetarian or kid-friendly meals. The tea room inside the castle is noted as being extortionate.
Yes, visitors can enjoy a picnic in the castle grounds, especially during the summer months. This can be a more budget-friendly option compared to the onsite dining.
Some reviews suggest limited vegetarian and kid-friendly options. It's advisable to check current menus or consider bringing your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding the food options disappointing and overpriced. The retail village is also mentioned as having limited food choices beyond crisps and raw meat.
The castle is situated on a hilltop offering magnificent views. While dining options might be limited, enjoying a picnic on the grounds allows you to take in the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle's exterior, especially its grand facade and hilltop setting, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the opulent state rooms like the Elizabeth Saloon are incredibly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Belvoir Castle to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's essential to check their official policy before flying a drone.
While personal photography is generally permitted, it's wise to confirm any specific restrictions with staff upon arrival. Flash photography might be prohibited in certain areas to protect delicate interiors.
Belvoir Castle is popular for its architectural photography, interior shots of its grand rooms, and its use as a filming location, attracting photographers interested in historical and cinematic settings.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Mid-day light can be harsh, but is often suitable for capturing the grandeur of the interiors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the castle itself is fascinating, consider the guided tours for a more structured experience. However, if your children have shorter attention spans, exploring the grounds and gardens at your own pace might be more suitable. The picnic areas also offer a relaxed way to refuel during your visit.
🏰 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to take a guided tour. Guides like Sally and Susan are lauded for their deep knowledge of the castle's history, the Manners family, and its architectural evolution. They often share fascinating anecdotes and can take you beyond the roped-off areas, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the past.
🎬 Film & TV Location Hunters
Keep an eye out for specific rooms or areas that you might recognize from your favorite shows. This adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit, allowing you to connect with the magic of the screen in a real-life historic setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
The castle's interiors are a testament to its aristocratic heritage, featuring opulent state rooms inspired by Versailles. The Elizabeth Saloon, with its gilded ceilings and elegant chandeliers, is a prime example of lavish Regency-era style. You'll also find unique decorative elements, such as chinoiserie panels dating from the mid-18th century, showcasing a rich tapestry of design influences. The sheer scale and grandeur of these rooms offer a visual feast for any visitor.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Belvoir Castle has gained modern fame as a popular filming location. Its majestic halls and grounds have served as backdrops for acclaimed productions like 'The Crown', standing in for Windsor Castle, and 'Downton Abbey'. This connection to popular culture adds another layer of intrigue, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of royalty and fictional characters alike.
Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
For families, the castle often hosts special events and trails designed to engage younger visitors. The 'Circus Trail' is a popular example, featuring riddles and themed activities that keep children entertained while exploring the grounds. These interactive elements ensure that Belvoir Castle is not just a historical site but also a fun destination for all ages.
While the gardens are a highlight, it's worth noting that their appearance can vary seasonally. Some visitors have noted that the gardens might be less vibrant in mid-summer. Therefore, planning your visit during the peak blooming months of spring or early summer can enhance the visual appeal of the outdoor spaces.
The Duchess of Rutland's Vision
The Duchess is also a proponent of sharing the castle's stories and history. She has participated in podcasts and social media content, offering personal perspectives on living in and preserving this magnificent estate. Her involvement ensures that Belvoir Castle remains a dynamic and engaging destination, blending its rich past with a vibrant present. Visitors often appreciate the personal touch and the sense of continuity that her presence brings to the estate.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit