Belvoir Castle in the sunshine
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Belvoir Castle

4.4
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer Mornings

Gardens in full bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Belvoir Castle in the sunshine

Belvoir Castle

Best Time

Spring & Summer Mornings

Gardens in full bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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'.

4.4
(4k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Elizabeth Saloon

The Elizabeth Saloon

State Rooms

A lavish Regency-era masterpiece with intricate gilded ceilings and elegant chandeliers. Pure opulence!

Filming Location Fame

Filming Location Fame

Various Rooms

Spot iconic sets from 'The Crown' and 'Downton Abbey' – a treat for history and TV buffs!

Regency & Gothic Architecture

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

The Gardens and Grounds

Castle Gardens

Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens offering magnificent views and peaceful strolls.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

To truly appreciate Belvoir Castle's rich history and opulent interiors, booking a guided tour is highly recommended. Guides like Sally and Susan are praised for their in-depth knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the experience memorable. Tours can extend beyond the scheduled time, offering exceptional value.Reddit

Timing is Key for Gardens

While the castle interiors are stunning year-round, the gardens' bloom varies. For the most vibrant floral displays, plan your visit during spring and summer months. Some visitors noted the gardens were less impressive in July, so timing your visit for peak bloom is advisable.Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer Mornings
Why
Gardens in full bloom, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Guided Tours
Why
Engaging guides share deep history
Crowd
Medium
When
Christmas Season
Why
Festive decorations and atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Do you recognise this room? #filminglocation #belvoircastle
@thedyerghoul
266.2K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories from passionate guides! TikTokReddit

🌸 Peak Garden Blooms

Visit in spring/summer for the most vibrant floral displays. Instagram

Belvoir Castle was a filming location for the Netflix series The Crown, serving as a stand-in for Windsor Castle. It's is a beautiful place to visit #History #filminglocation #thecrown #royalfamily #architecture
@kaztown
9.1K likes • 103.1K views
Inside a fairytale caste - Belvoir Castle tour. I’ve shared a few clips of the wonderful Belvoir Castle recently, but this one is a compilation of several of its interior spaces. This short tour will hopefully give you a taste of what to expect when you visit this opulent country house. Pronounced “Beaver,” meaning “beautiful view” in French, this castle appears to have been plucked straight fr...
xploreheritage
3.1K likes • 34.6K views

👑 Filming Location Spotting

Look for sets from 'The Crown' & 'Downton Abbey'! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Beware Parking Fines

Double-check parking payment to avoid unexpected fines. Reddit

The Elizabeth Saloon at @belvoircastle is one of the most opulent and historically significant rooms in Belvoir Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland in Leicestershire, England. Designed in the early 19th century by architect James Wyatt, the room reflects a lavish Regency-era style with intricate gilded ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and grand furnishings. The decor featu...
theoldbuilding
2.7K likes • 25.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended for in-depth history & stories from passionate guides! TikTokReddit

🌸 Peak Garden Blooms

Visit in spring/summer for the most vibrant floral displays. Instagram

👑 Filming Location Spotting

Look for sets from 'The Crown' & 'Downton Abbey'! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Beware Parking Fines

Double-check parking payment to avoid unexpected fines. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Trails

Circus trails & playgrounds make it fun for families. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(4k reviews)

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

Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Opulent state rooms
Living family home aspect

What People Dislike

Expensive food options
Limited garden bloom
Parking fine issues

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

🎫 🎫 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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.TikTokInstagram+1

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.TikTokInstagram

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

Belvoir Castle is a fantastic destination for families. Beyond the impressive castle interiors, the grounds offer plenty of space for kids to run around. Look out for special family-friendly events like the Circus Trail, which includes engaging activities and riddles to keep little ones entertained.Instagram There's also a great playground that children often enjoy.Reddit

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

For those fascinated by history and architecture, Belvoir Castle is a must-visit. Its lineage dates back to the Norman Conquest, and the current structure is a magnificent example of early 19th-century Regency and Gothic styles.Instagram+1 The opulent state rooms, such as the Elizabeth Saloon, are a visual treat, showcasing intricate gilded ceilings and lavish decor.Instagram

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.Reddit

🎬 Film & TV Location Hunters

Belvoir Castle is a dream for fans of period dramas. You can explore the very rooms and grounds that served as iconic filming locations for 'The Crown' (standing in for Windsor Castle) and 'Downton Abbey'.TikTokInstagram Imagine walking the same corridors as royalty and fictional aristocrats!

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

Belvoir Castle, pronounced 'Beaver', boasts a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It has been rebuilt at least three times, with the current structure dating from the early 19th century. What makes it truly special is that it remains the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, with over 350 rooms still in use by the family.TikTokInstagram+1 This 'living castle' aspect provides an unparalleled authenticity to the visitor experience, allowing you to step into a world that has been continuously inhabited for centuries.

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.Instagram You'll also find unique decorative elements, such as chinoiserie panels dating from the mid-18th century, showcasing a rich tapestry of design influences.Instagram 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'.TikTokInstagram 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

The experience at Belvoir Castle extends far beyond its impressive interiors. The castle is set within extensive parklands and features beautifully landscaped gardens that offer a serene escape. Visitors can wander through these grounds, enjoying the fresh air and the magnificent views that the castle's hilltop location affords.TikTokReddit The gardens are particularly enchanting during spring and summer when they are in full bloom, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.Instagram

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.Instagram 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.Reddit 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 current Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, plays a significant role in the ongoing life and presentation of Belvoir Castle. She is actively involved in behind-the-scenes operations, including preparations for events like Christmas, which transform the castle into a festive wonderland.TikTok Her passion for heritage and running the estate in the 21st century is evident, as she often shares insights into the challenges and joys of managing such a historic property.TikTok

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.TikTok+1 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.

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