I first discovered Stamford in Lincolnshire by pure accident on December evening. We were on our way back from the Harry Potter Studio Tour and were in need of some food. After trying a Harvester that was fully booked we decided to look for an Ask Italian as we’d recently become obsessed. Then we found the one in Stamford and saw it was just off the A1. It was then we first saw how pretty it was!
We’ve returned a few times across the seasons, spending News Years Eve (daytime) there, paying it a visit in Summer and our visit in January where I was surprised with a stay in the most beautiful B&B for my birthday.
So what is it about Stamford that stole my heart? It’s super pretty with a large village feel. Its town centre is all nicely compact so it’s easy to walk around. Yet it’s got all the big players when it comes to food and drink. So it has an Ask Italian but also a Cosy Club and then some fab independent pubs and restaurants.
Shopping wise it has lots of pretty independent shops with some fab interior and gift focussed ones. Plus for beauty lovers, there’s a Space NK even!
Winter Season in Stamford
When we visited in Winter the second time I used Simply Weekend’s Insta Guide to Stamford to make sure I didn’t miss a thing! We followed some of the route around as we set off from our B&B near the train station and ended up stopping off at The Mad Turk for a late lunch. I would definitely go to again – we were so full afterwards we didn’t need any tea! It’s the perfect place to walk around and explore in Winter though. With lots of old buildings to see and cosy pubs to sit by the fire in.
If you’re wanting to get closer to nature then you must visit Burghley Park. You can walk from town to it but be prepared for a trek. We did a full circuit. Walking from the train station up and across then round to the main hall and across and back down the hill back into town. The hall wasn’t open as being Winter it was out of season (we knew this). So we have plans to go back and visit properly soon! What you do get to see is all the grounds AND deer! There are loads of them and when we called they were all in one part of the grounds but they clearly roam around looking at all the poop on the grass!
Exploring in Summer Season
It’s just as good in summer though. Just last week we popped across the other day when the sun was beaming! There were lots of groups enjoying mini bbq’s on the common, and I even managed to find a space to sit and dip my toes in the stream. I’d been dying to paddle somewhere that day so was so grateful when I found this little spot! It was the perfect stop off after spending the day a bit further down the country.
We always park in the car park next to the common (Bath Row) on one side it’s payable (or free at certain times and days.) The other side opposite the public baths has free parking from memory but only for a couple of hours. If you can’t get in there then the cattle-market car park is a decent size and just across the bridge from those. It’s chargeable but wasn’t too expensive when we stayed in it. I think a max of £4 for the day.
What more do you need in a little UK getaway!? Pretty buildings, a gorgeous common, nice independent shops and restaurants and some big players PLUS a deer park!?
