Stamford (10 mins)

Sir Walter Scott described Stamford as "the finest scene between London and Edinburgh". The town still retains its medieval street pattern making an attractive mix of narrow passageways and cobbled streets opening into more    spacious squares. Five medieval churches, a twelfth century priory and a fifteenth century hospital jostle with other fine medieval and Georgian  buildings in the town.

The setting for numerous period dramas and boasting over 600 listed buildings Stamford has a wide range of shops and places to eat. The main market day is Friday with a farmers market every fortnight. The River Welland  flows through the town and the meadows is the ideal spot for a picnic or to feed the ducks. Burghley House and park is on the outskirts of the town.

Rutland Water (15 mins)

The 3,100 acres and 26 mile long shoreline of Rutland provides a host of opportunities for a variety of activities including walking, cycling, bird watching and fly fishing:

Historical Attractions

Burghley House (approx 10 mins)

Dating back to 1555, Burghley House and gardens have been the setting for several films and dramas (including The Da Vinci Code, Elizabeth the Golden Age and Pride and Predjudice. The house, gardens and deer park are open to the public. The wonderful “Garden of Surprises” (a multitude of water based sculptures and displays to admire and interact with) and the Sculpture Garden will keep young and old entertained for hours. Hosts the internationally famous Burghley Horse Trials in early September. See www.burghley.co.uk.

Rockingham Castle (approx 30 mins)

Built under the orders of William the Conqueror, the castle and grounds allow you to experience how life has changed over the last 900 years. Regular historical events and re-enactments held throughout the year. See  www.rockinghamcastle.com.

Belton House (approx 40 mins)

Built in the late 17th Century and used by the BBC to film Pride and Predjudice. Owned by the National Trust, the house, gardens and deer park open to the public. Tire the children out in Lincolnshires largest outdoor adventure playground or treat them to a ride on the miniature railway.

Belvoir Castle (approx 45 mins)

A castle has stood on this site since Norman times. Guided tours are available of the castle and there is a playground in the gardens. On selected weekends the guides dress in historical costume and re-enact historical cameos such as the trial of the Belvoir witches. See www.belvoircastle.com .

Cambridge (50 mins) and Lincoln (60 mins): historic cathedral cities with many fine buildings and attractions

Things for the Children

Nene Valley Steam Railway (5 minutes)

Take a ride on a steam train from Yarwell station to Ferry Meadows country park or the centre of Peterborough. Many special events including the opportunity to take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine!!

Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre (5 minutes)

Take a tour around the old working watermill, feed the animals or play on the play area. Special weekend events held throughout the year. See www.sacrewell.org.uk

Hamerton Zoological Park (20 mins)

Collection of rare and endangered animals. Covered picnic area and 2 activity play areas. See                  www.hamertonzoopark.com.

Flag Fen Archeological Park (25 mins)

Explore a reconstructed Bronze Age village and discover what life was like 3500 years ago. See       www.flagfen.com.

Peterborough (20 mins)

2 indoor play areas, cinema, 10 pin bowling, karting, ice rink, Lazer Quest

Wicksteed Park (40 mins)

Large amusement park aimed at children up to around 14. Entry to rides by wrist bands or tickets, large free play area and grounds with fishing lake, model boat lake and railway. See www.wicksteedpark.co.uk

North Norfolk Coast (60 mins)

Traditional seaside resorts and clean safe beaches.