Visit Stamford

Proclaimed by Sir Walter Scott as “the finest stone town in England”, Stamford was declared a conservation area in 1967. It has over 600 listed buildings of mellow limestone in the town centre including five medieval churches, all real gems.

You must not miss the Arts Centre; built in 1768 it is one of the oldest provincial theatres in England, which holds many events throughout the year, the Steam Brewery, Browne’s Hospital’s and the 12th century ruins of St Leonard’s Priory. They are all worth a look and you may well find an event going on at one of these places or on the Town Meadows, in this ‘town of festivals’. Whilst you are in the area you can enjoy a visit to Burghley House or nearby Rutland Water. Stamford is a bustling, prosperous, market town. It has a wide range of shops, hostelries and attractions. Our main street market is on a Friday with a smaller Saturday market and once a fortnight there is a Farmers’ Market. So whether the tranquil river walks, fine Georgian buildings or the more modern attractions captivate you, Stamford has something to charm everyone. The popular Town Trail takes you through Stamford exploring passageways, main thoroughfares and market squares. There is a thriving high street with coffee shops, restaurants and a vast range of retailers to tempt you.

Download and/or print out our Visit Stamford Town Guide

Where to visit in Stamford

Stamford Arts Centre

(Tourist Information Centre & Gift Shop, Coffee Shop, Bar and Gallery)

St Mary’s St, Stamford

Drawing on a rich heritage dating from the eighteenth century, housing one of the oldest provincial theatres in the country and the assembly rooms built in 1727. Stamford Arts Centre aims to provide the best in live arts for the area developing an ever widening range of theatre, cinema, music, workshops and exhibitions. Coffee Shop with Free Wi Fi, Open Daily Mon to Sat 9.30am to 8pm and Bar. 01780 763203 www.stamfordartscentre.com

Broad Street

Friday see’s Broad Street transform into a bustling market, The Stamford Museum
has now closed but a fine example of a Stamford building on this Street.

All Saints’ Brewery

All Saints Street, Stamford

Restored Victorian steam brewery with award winning fruit beers. Tours and tastings by advance booking.01780 752186 www.allsaintsbrewery.co.uk

Brownes Hospital

Broad Street, Stamford

Almshouses built in 1474, original furniture and stained glass.Open weekends and Bank Holidays, May-September 11am-4pm.01780 763153 www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk

Stamford Town Hall

St Mary’s Hill, Stamford

This historic building was purpose built in 1728 and houses an extensive collection of regalia. Visit the Sir Malcolm Sargent Room, Open for tours Monday & Fridays, August & Septemeber, free admission, donations to the Mayors Charity, call 01780 753808.

St Mary’s Street, St Mary’s Hill and High Street St Martins

Walk through the georgian splendour of our town and discover many boutique shops and restaurants, see the town bridge and the George Hotel.

Stamford Meadows

Sit a while in the tranquil riverside area and enjoy the views of the Stamford skyline, how many Churches can you spot?

Historic Buildings and Churches

We have over 600 listed buildings of mellow limestone in the town centre including five medieval churches, all real gems and the 12th century ruins St Leonard’s www.stamfordchurches.co.uk. Pop into the Stamford Tourist Information and purchase a copy of the Stamford Town Trail.

Burghley Stamford

One of the most impressive Elizabethan houses in England, with eighteen treasure-filled state rooms boasting a world-renowned collection of tapestries, porcelain and paintings. Sculpture garden, garden of surprises and deer park. Open March to October. 01780 752451 www.burghley.co.uk

Stamford Shakespeare Company

Tolethorpe Hall, Nr Stamford

A stage set in an enchanting glade,with fine actors, stunning sets and gorgeous costumes, the magic of Tolethorpe begins the moment you take your seat in one of Europe’s finest open air theatres on a warm summer evening. 01780 756133 www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

St Martins Antique Centre

High St Martins, Stamford

An extensive centre with over 50 stalls.01780 481158 www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Stamford Leisure Centre

Drift Road, Stamford

Includes a pool with wave effect and flume, health and fitness suite.01780 765522 www.leisureconnection.co.uk

Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre

Broad Street, Stamford, Box Office 01780 766455

AND NEARBY…

Nene Valley Railway

Wansford Station, Stibbington, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6LR

Regular steam trains operate over the line to Peterborough, a return trip of 15 miles

Timetable available from www.nvr.org.uk

Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre

Hidden deep in the heart of the countryside nestles an 18th Century mill and country farm where the treasures of farming and country life lie waiting to be discovered. www.sacrewell.org.uk

Manor, Garden, Tithe Barn Museum at The Prebendal Manor

Nassington, PE8 6QG

Elton Hall

An extraordinary, romantic, part Gothic house which has been in the Proby family since 1660.

Barnsdale Gardens

Barnsdale Gardens are the creation of Geoff Hamilton, Britains best loved television gardener and presenter of BBC TV’s Gardener’s World weekly gardening programme, which Geoff presented from his home at Barnsdale in Rutland

Deene Park

Deene is a largely sixteenth-century house incorporating a medieval manor.

Rutland Water

This internationally famous nature reserve is managed in partnership with Anglian Water and the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain,