Burghley House Re-Opens on 16th March 2019

Burghley House in Lincolnshire is preparing to open its gates for the new season after its annual Winter closure. The House and Gardens will be open daily from 11am -5pm and the parkland is open daily all year round from 8am until dusk. Burghley offers a range of things to see and do for all the family.

The Sculpture Garden hosts permanent installations alongside temporary exhibitions that run from April to October. The theme for 2019 is “form and function” and more information will be available about the new exhibition on Burghley’s website once the new sculptures are in place. The Peter Randall Page designed grass maze is great fun for all ages too!

The Garden of Surprises is a tribute to the 1st Lord Burghley who was a keen gardener and once had a garden that was unusual in the 15th century in that it contained a bathing pond and busts of Caesar. The Garden of Surprises features plenty of unusual features that are hidden from view until you explore, including water jets and a mirrored maze!

Visit the South Gardens to view the stunning Spring Bulbs and other seasonal collections. The South Gardens also offer fantastic lakeside views. Guided tours with the Head Gardener are available on selected dates, see the Burghley House website for further details.

Visit the Treasury to see the latest special exhibition. For 2019, the Treasury will showcase objects from the Far East collected by early sailors and descendants of William Cecil (builder of Burghley House and once an advisor and treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I).

The house itself was built in the 16^th century beginning in 1555 and finally being completed in 1587. The architecture was said to be heavily influenced by Somerset House, recently built in London by the Duke of Somerset, who Burghley creator William Cecil worked for. Over the 30 plus years it took to build, other influences came from France, Italy and the Low Countries (known today as Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium).

Today the house is one of the finest surviving examples from the Elizabethan era and is home to fine collections of Tapestries, Ceramics and Furniture. Paintings in the house include a collection of Italian Old Masters thought to be among the finest privately owned collections in the world.  Don't miss the breathtaking Heaven Room and Hell Staircase both painted by Italian Painter Antonio Verrio.

If you fancy sitting down to a cooked meal The Orangery Restaurant serves brunch, lunch and afternoon tea using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and provides a bright and airy space to relax and socialise. For those seeking a less formal setting the Garden Café serves a fantastic range of sandwiches, fruit, cakes, biscuits and hot and cold drinks. Children can build their own packed lunch from the options available.

Burghley also plays host to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials each year. Once won by HRH Princess Anne this 3-day event showcases the best of dressage, show-jumping and cross country as well as crowning the Burghley Young Event Horse champion. The event takes place this year from the 5^th – 8^th September. More information is available here.