Stamford

Often called England's finest stone town, Stamford features honey-coloured Georgian stone architecture creating an exceptionally picturesque historic streetscape. It's renowned as a filming location and offers excellent restaurants, galleries, and riverside walks.

Things to do

• Stamford High Street Walk — Stroll through the town's iconic honey-coloured Georgian streetscape, lined with independent shops, galleries, and cafes that showcase why it's considered England's finest stone town.
• St Martin's Church — Explore this magnificent perpendicular Gothic church with its soaring tower, impressive interior monuments, and stained glass windows dating back centuries.
• River Welland Riverside Walk — Follow the scenic riverside path alongside the Welland, offering peaceful views of meadows, weeping willows, and the historic bridge that connects the town's quarters.
• Stamford Town Museum — Discover the town's rich history from medieval times through its role as a filming location, featuring exhibits on local heritage and architecture.
• Film Location Tours — Visit the numerous spots where period dramas and films have been shot, including locations used for Pride and Prejudice adaptations and other period productions.
• Burghley House — Tour this magnificent Elizabethan stately home just outside Stamford, featuring ornate interiors, grand gardens, and hosting the renowned Burghley Horse Trials.

Food to try

• Lincolnshire Sausages — Sample the region's famous coarse-cut pork sausages with sage seasoning, available at local butchers and served in many restaurants throughout the town.
• Stamford Pies — Try traditional meat and vegetable pies crafted by local bakers, reflecting the town's heritage of quality baking and local ingredients.
• River Welland Trout — Enjoy fresh locally-caught trout from the Welland, typically prepared simply to highlight the quality of this regional specialty on restaurant menus.
• Afternoon Tea in Historic Settings — Experience quintessential English afternoon tea in one of Stamford's Georgian tearooms and hotels, served with fresh pastries and local preserves.
• Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese — Sample this award-winning local cheddar-style cheese, made nearby in the region and featured in local cheese shops and restaurant cheese boards.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Stone Heritage — The town's Georgian honey-coloured stone architecture is protected and integral to Stamford's identity—admire from ground level and support preservation efforts when visiting.
• Film Location Courtesy — Stamford is an active filming location; respect any ongoing productions or notices about restricted areas, and be aware that some locations may be temporarily unavailable to visitors.
• Walk the Four Quarters — Stamford's character comes from its four distinct quarters divided by the river and streets—each with unique charm, so allow time to explore all areas rather than staying in the town centre.
• Visit Off-Peak — The town can become crowded with tourists and coach parties, particularly on weekends; weekday visits offer a more authentic experience of local life and easier navigation of narrow streets.