Burghley House Gardens & Sculpture Garden
Explore magnificent gardens, stunning sculptures, and historic house interiors at Burghley House, a masterpiece of English heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Burghley House Gardens & Sculpture Garden
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore magnificent gardens, stunning sculptures, and historic house interiors at Burghley House, a masterpiece of English heritage.
"The gardens were brilliant as always, with the Garden of Surprises being my favourite."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and parkland, making it a great day out for the whole family.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or bring a picnic to savor amidst the beautiful surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Garden of Surprises
South Gardens
A whimsical and enchanting garden with water features, hidden nooks, and playful sculptures. Perfect for all ages to explore.
Sculpture Garden
Various locations
Discover a diverse collection of contemporary and classical sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of the estate.
Capability Brown Landscape
The Park
Wander through the magnificent parkland, masterfully designed by Capability Brown, offering breathtaking views and open spaces.
Adventure Play Area
Near the cafe
An exciting play zone for children, featuring water features, hills to roll down, and plenty of space to burn energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Garden Tickets in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and parkland, making it a great day out for the whole family.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or bring a picnic to savor amidst the beautiful surroundings.
🗺️ Explore with Activity Books
Engage children with activity booklets that guide them through the gardens and offer fun challenges.
✨ Consider an Annual Pass
If you love it, an annual pass offers great value for repeat visits throughout the year.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the gardens and parkland, making it a great day out for the whole family.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or bring a picnic to savor amidst the beautiful surroundings.
🗺️ Explore with Activity Books
Engage children with activity booklets that guide them through the gardens and offer fun challenges.
✨ Consider an Annual Pass
If you love it, an annual pass offers great value for repeat visits throughout the year.
♿ Accessibility Challenges
Be aware that some garden paths can be steep and uneven, posing challenges for wheelchair users.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty and variety of the gardens, especially the Garden of Surprises and the adventure play area, making it a great family day out. However, some reviewers note significant accessibility issues on the garden paths, which can be challenging for wheelchair users. The house interiors are also a highlight for their art and history.
"The most beautiful building and grounds I was absolutely blown away. You can go around these grounds for free and use the cafe. You can pay to go in the house and the gardens if you so wish. The scenery goes on and on to the horizon, with no intrusion of urban life. There are so many ways to walk taking in every breath taking moment from the house itself to the lakes, beautiful variety of trees, wonderful aged Bridge and wild deers that you can close too. All in all it is beyond words . It's a must place to visit if you love exploring nature and history."
Liz Malpass
"The tapestry exhibition was a bit over sold as they are actually banners, but it was very special to see the South Gardens not normally open to the public. Gardens were brill as always. Garden of surprises being my favourite. Good value, dog friendly with cafe, shop and toilets what more can you ask for. A nice sunny day - we had that, too."
Sue Pickwell
"A great experience ruined by lack of accessibility.
The gardens are beautiful, and the play area for the children is excellent. The kids loved running through the fountains and water features in the gardens after spending several hours running around the play area in the heat. They also took great delight in getting lost in the mirror maze. The lake is also stunning and the activity booklet for children to complete gives them something to focus on which is wonderful. The staff too were very friendly and helpful.
Unfortunately, the otherwise wonderful experience was let down by the sheer lack of accessibility. My friend is currently a wheelchair user after an ankle injury and called the day before our visit to check if the gardens were accessible. She was assured that they were.
However, the paths were far from accessible for a manual wheelchair user. You try wheeling yourself up a steep path with an uneven camber and loose, fine gravel. Children were sliding over on the gravel, let alone a manual wheelchair user. Instead of being able to independently manoeuvre around the gardens, my friend had to be assisted everywhere with great difficulty.
When she tried to wheel herself, the wheelchair would slide off the path into the grass verges because of how uneven the paths were. The paths are certainly not accessible, and would benefit from being replaced with compacted pea gravel, as well as making the paths more even. The camber on the paths makes using a manual wheelchair independently almost impossible, let alone how steep certain areas were such as leading up to the children's playground. Disabled people do in fact have children.
The food available at the outdoor café by the playground was also disappointing, but not as disappointing as the lack of accessibility."
Bex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burghley House is located near Stamford, Lincolnshire. You can reach it by car via the A1. For public transport, the nearest train station is Stamford, which is about a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
Yes, ample parking is available on-site for visitors. There may be a small fee for parking, especially during peak times or events. Check their website for current parking information.
Yes, you can take a train from London King's Cross to Stamford, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Stamford station, it's a short taxi ride or a longer walk to the gardens.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Burghley House website for the most up-to-date information on garden opening times before your visit.
Yes, Burghley House is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into its rich history and stunning interiors, including the famous Heaven Room. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are visiting just the gardens or the house as well. Family tickets and annual passes are available, offering good value for frequent visitors.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased on the day of your visit. However, booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, Burghley House offers various ticket options, including family tickets and concessions for children, seniors, and students. Check their website for specific pricing.
During peak seasons or for special events, timed entry slots might be required. It's advisable to check the booking page on the official website for any such requirements.
A garden-only ticket typically grants access to the extensive gardens, sculpture park, adventure play area, and the Capability Brown parkland.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the enchanting Garden of Surprises, the diverse Sculpture Garden, the historic Capability Brown parkland, and a fantastic adventure play area for children.
Absolutely! There's a popular adventure play area with water features and plenty of space for children to run and play.
While some paths are accessible, many can be steep, uneven, or gravelly, posing challenges for manual wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Yes, dogs are very welcome in the gardens and parkland, provided they are kept on a lead.
These are stunning Baroque murals painted by Antonio Verrio in the late 17th century, adorning the house's interior. They are known for their immense scale and artistry. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas.
The cafe typically serves a range of options, including sandwiches, cakes, hot meals, and drinks. The quality is generally considered good.
Picnics are welcome, making it a cost-effective option for families. There are beautiful spots throughout the grounds to enjoy your packed lunch.
While the cafe offers meals, it's more of a casual dining experience. For a full restaurant experience, you might need to look in the nearby town of Stamford.
The cafe usually offers a selection of vegetarian options, and often vegan choices too. It's best to check the menu on the day of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire estate offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the grand house itself to the intricate details in the Garden of Surprises and the sweeping vistas of the parkland.
Photography is generally permitted inside the house, but flash photography is usually not allowed to protect the artworks and interiors. Always check for specific signage.
While generally encouraged, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Professional photography or drone usage may require special permission.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and architectural shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the house and gardens, while a macro lens is useful for flower details.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful soft light. Overcast days can also be great for capturing vibrant colors in the gardens without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Garden of Surprises also offers interactive fun with its hidden water jets and playful sculptures, keeping younger visitors entertained for hours. Consider visiting on a warmer day so the kids can fully enjoy the water features. While the house itself is impressive, focusing on the gardens and play area might be more engaging for very young children. Dogs are also welcome, so it’s a great spot for a family outing with your furry friend.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1 The gardens provide ample opportunities for quiet contemplation, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk. +1Consider exploring the house interiors as well, particularly the stunning Baroque murals, for a dose of art and history.
🐶 Dog Owners
This means you can enjoy a full day out without leaving your furry friend behind. The vast open spaces are ideal for dogs to stretch their legs, and the scenic routes offer enjoyable walks for both of you. The on-site cafe also caters to dog owners, often providing water bowls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the House Interiors
Beyond Verrio's work, the house holds a significant collection of Old Master paintings and intricate tapestries. William Cecil, Lord Burghley, the statesman who built the house, was a key advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, and the estate reflects the wealth and influence of his time.
Exploring the house offers a deep dive into Elizabethan and Baroque art and architecture, providing a rich historical context to the estate.Exploring the Diverse Gardens
Designed in part by the renowned Capability Brown in the late 18th century, the wider parkland offers sweeping vistas and a sense of natural grandeur.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, admire the mature trees, and appreciate the expansive views across the estate. +1 The inclusion of an adventure play area further enhances the family appeal, ensuring that younger visitors have ample opportunities for fun and exploration. +1Accessibility Considerations
Despite assurances, the camber and steepness of some paths, particularly those leading to areas like the children's playground, have been noted as significant obstacles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit