Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
This pub and restaurant is a former 15th century coaching house and serves classic pub food. Enjoy a pint of real ale in the garden or a delicious meal in the restaurant.
This Italian restaurant is open for lunches, evening meals and Sunday lunch.
This wine bar is open for lunches, evening meals and Sunday lunches too. Every other Monday is 'Open Mic Night' and there's also live music every Friday and Saturday night.(see website for other opening information)
The restaurant at Hambleton Hall is run by Michelin Star Chef, Aaron Patterson. He and his highly skilled team prepare superb food from fresh local produce. A fine dining experience with delectable food.
Fun Days Out
Enjoy the thrill of the fairground with crazy golf, cups and saucers, dodgems and much more. Brave the larger rides including the log flume and the rollercoaster in The Arena, or just mess around on the water at The Lakeside.
Try digging for fossils in the dinosaur park or ride a tractor in the farm park. Discover what's lurking in the pond at the Pond Explorer Station or visit the animals in the Cuddle Corner. You won't want to miss tending to farmer Gully's crops in the giant vegetable patch.
There's fun for all the family at Sacrewell Farm. Meet Bonnie at the Shire Horse Centre, jump on the tractor and enjoy a trip around the farm or perhaps go back in time by exploring the working 18th Century Watermill!
Jump aboard the road safari and see big animals roaming free. Encounter lemurs, wallabies and other small animals at the Wild World Leisure area. Climb, slide or crawl in the children's indoor adventure playground. With such an exhaustive list of fun-filled activities, this safari park is the perfect day out.
Find out about upcoming races and events, book tickets or just enjoy a coffee and browse the walls of this visitor centre at Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. Now you have the chance to follow in the wheel tracks of these motor racing legends and drive a range of racing and sports cars on the legendary circuits at Silverstone.
Nottingham Raceway Karting offers the opportunity to drive one of their karts around their purpose built track. They are located in Melton Mowbray being convenient to both Nottingham and Leicester. The karts are available in cadet karts for younger drivers and there are the more powerful RX7 390cc karts for the older karters. The purpose built track is about 500 metres and caters for both beginners and experienced karters, it has lots of testing bends as well as a couple of decent straight sections where you can put your foot down. All equipment is provided, it is clean and well maintained, the staff are great too, friendly and helpful. Before you go out in the karts you have to watch a safety video where the rules of the track are explained, then instructions on using the karts is given together, with a few warm up laps and then the fun begins. At the end you are given a printout of your tack times. There is a nice warm cafe where you can spectate from whilst enjoying a coffee. Karting is the ideal activity to enjoy with family, friends or work colleagues, it makes for a fun, thrilling and competitive day out. Nottingham Raceway Karting are welcoming, well organised and professional and provide a safe, fun and thrilling environment to enjoy karting and for a great price too, highly recommended.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Get on your bikes as a family and explore the forest along the 5 mile cycle route. Alternatively, follow the three walking trails, two of which are all-access. You'll definitely want to ascend the Tree Top Way, a wooden walkway that takes you above the trees and beyond! The views from the top are fantastic.
Golf & Sports
Burghley Park Cricket Club encapsulates all there is about being British, what could be more characteristic of England than a game of cricket. Take a seat on the boundary and sit back, relax and enjoy the game unfold before you. A warm summers day and a glass of Pimm's or wine and you are in the best place ever. Burghley Park Cricket Club is a lovely club and is a fine example of what a club should be. The staff are fantastic so friendly and inviting. If you get the opportunity to see a cricket match here don't miss it a wonderful and quintessentially English experience.
A first class leisure pool with flume and wave machine. Great for a family day out but if you just want to swim there is a 25 metre pool as well.
With a choice of three championship golf courses and over 54 holes, Woburn is the ideal place for a quality day's golfing.
Stapleford Park Golf Course is located on the Stapleford Park Estate within the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, close to Melton Mowbray and encompasses all that makes for a great golf course. It is premier 18 hole resort, parkland course that is set in a valley, it follows the the river and has water in play on many holes. The course is pretty flat and is excellently maintained the greens are fast running and tees are faultless, the fairways are wide and high standards are adhered to. It is a challenging course with a number of obstacles, it is very long, the rough is deep and long, deep riveted bunkers and it is open to the elements, there is a good mix of holes. The clubhouse is in a lovely old converted barn and has excellent facilities and a nice atmosphere, they have a great menu with lots of choice that is good value for money. Staff are friendly and professional throughout and make you feel welcome. Stapleford Park Golf is a first class course that extends a warm welcome to all, it offers the opportunity to play a memorable game of golf that will leave you wanting to return and at very competitive prices.
Nature Reserves
See some of the most majestic and regal birds on the planet at the Isle of Wight Owl and Falconry Centre. This facility allows visitors to explore the world of winged predators, including gorgeous falcons, eagles, hawks, kestrels and owls. Flying displays are presented and made even better by the breathtaking natural background presented by the attraction's spacious grounds.
Gardens & Woodlands
These 200 acre gardens designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown come complete with a mile long avenue dating back to 1695. Browse around the interesting variety of shops in the old converted farm buildings where you'll find special gifts and crafts for any occasion.
This quiet country park is the perfect place for a day out walking or fishing. Fishing day tickets are available to buy. There's also a children's play area, picnic area and toilets.
These gardens were created by TV personality, the late Geoff Hamilton and appeared on Gardeners' world. The gardens are now open to the public and feature 38 individual garden sections spread over 8 acres.
Journey through history in these intriguing and beautiful gardens. Planted and landscaped over 150 years, a key inspiration in their design were the magnificent gardens of Versailles. Home to the De Grey family from the 1200s until 1917, the gardens demonstrate a somewhat rare, formal 18th century layout and feature some architectural delights in and amongst. Spot the Bath House and the Chinese Pavilion.
A wonderful park, planted in memory of the Caldecott family with beautiful, colourful flower beds. Often featured on 'Britain in Bloom', this award winning park is an oasis in the centre of a busy shopping area. It also has a children's playground, a band stand and tennis courts.
Visitors to Stowe Gardens can explore more than 40 monuments, temples and secret corners, enjoying breathtaking scenery whilst strolling along the walks and trails through the gardens and surrounding parkland.
Local Attractions
Peatfire Tales offers a different kind of attraction here in Orkney. Run by a husband and wife team they invite you to join them in an evening of storytelling around the delights of a blazing and welcoming peat fire. Settle in and enjoy the warmth and sit back to be regaled by stories of the history of the island, hear local folklore and and learn about the local culture as well as enjoying wonderful music and dancing. Many of the tales have been passed through generations and continue to enthral and entertain audiences from all over the world, you are transported to another era and get a real feel of this bygone time. John and Lynn are very welcoming and friendly as well as being passionate and accomplished storytellers, you are immediately transfixed and will be captivated by the stories being told. This magical evening just flies by and you glean so much from the stories being told. Their storytelling takes place in a number of venues on the island. They are extremely popular and advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Peatfire Tales offers a unique and delightful experience, the storytelling is faultless and you will end the evening wanting to return again, highly recommended.
Stamford Arts Centre is housed in a beautiful building that can be dated back to the 18th Century and continues to this day to be a premier entertainment venue that allows its visitors to experience all forms of art with theatre, music, film, sculpture, dance and drawing being just a small selection of what is on offer here. The theatre is a friendly and intimate venue with only 166 seats, it also serves as a cinema where you can see a wide choice and type of movies including big blockbusters, small independents and European and Art House. The ballroom is stunning with amazing intricate plasterwork and wood panelling and this is where you will see a range of concerts, dances and workshops. In addition they have a gallery that is roomy, bright and graceful, it is the perfect backdrop to showcase a delightful selection of contemporary and traditional works, as well as exhibitions from local and international artists that, consists of photography, painting, textile, drawing and sculpture. If you are interested in the arts they operate a selection of workshops for both adults and children. The staff are very friendly and helpful from the ticket staff through to the ushers. There is a coffee shop and bar that offer the perfect surroundings to meet up for a drink before the show, they serve a good choice of beverages and serve some nice light meals and snacks. Stamford Arts Centre is a fantastic venue that hosts a great variety of professional shows, the programme is varied and there will be something to appeal to all tastes, so get yourself along for a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining night out.
Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre is a purpose built 366 seat theatre inside the shell of the historic Corn Exchange Hall, that dates back to 1859. The renovations were nearly all completed by volunteers and the theatre is operated by volunteers, who you will find to be friendly, welcoming and extremely helpful. It is a beautiful building and now fulfils its full potential as an entertainment venue in the town. They host a variety of acts, shows and productions as well as a number of events so there will be something to appeal to all tastes and preferences. Enjoy casual dining or a drink in the Theatre Lounge, it has a warm and cosy ambience with its vaulted ceilings, ambient lighting and exposed brickwork. The theatre has an intimate feel about it with a nice friendly vibe. All seats provide excellent views of the stage and the acoustics are very good. The only problem for those with mobility issues is the steep slope to the stage, so you would be best to purchase tickets for the rear of the theatre to avoid any issues. Otherwise, the theatre is faultless, the volunteers do a great job in running and maintaining this lovely theatre. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre is a delightful venue and should you be in the area take the time to go see a show you will not be disappointed.
Rutland Open Air Theatre is one of Europe's premier open air theatres and is set in a beautiful location, in the grounds of Tolethorpe Hall. It is home to the Stamford Shakespeare Company who perform an annual season of plays in June, July and August. The stage is situated in a beguiling glade that offers the perfect backdrop for the setting of Shakespeare's play's. The actors are superb, the sets are amazing and the costumes are brilliant, authentic and beautiful. What could be better than a warm summers evening sitting down to enjoy works from one of the finest playwrights. The venue does have a permanent all-weather canopy to protect you from those surprise showers. Make the experience complete by taking along a picnic that you can enjoy on the lawn before the show starts. There is a restaurant and bar on site in the historic Tolethorpe Hall where you can relax in the sumptuous surroundings and enjoy a meal and drinks before the fun starts. There are also gorgeous gardens where you can walk through and enjoy the beautiful landscape. You might want to bring along a cushion and it is probably advisable to take along a jacket or cardigan for the evening in case it turns cold. A visit to Rutland Open Air Theatre is a magical experience and should not be missed, the perfect way to spend a summer evening and so reasonably priced too.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Situated on the corner of Olney's historic marketplace, this large brick building is where 18th century poet William Cowper lived and worked. Whilst there, visit the vicarage where John Newton wrote 'Amazing Grace'. Attractive shops and places to eat are just a stone's throw from the museum.
Glastonbury Abbey, located in Somerset, is a beautiful attraction with a lot to offer. Enjoy tranquil wooded settings with a stroll across 36 acres of lush parkland complete with ponds, wildlife and an orchard. Learn about the area's history by hearing it from knowledgeable guides in period costumes. Discover 2000 years of history as well as the legend of King Arthur's burial.
A 16th century Tudor mansion, built by Sir William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I's Lord High Treasurer. Opened to the public in 2007, the new Garden of Surprises is a fantastic addition to the beautiful gardens of Burghley. The house has been used in numerous film projects including Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth the Golden Age and is a must see!
The legendary Bletchley Park where the Enigma code was broken is now home to the national codes centre. This fascinating site was home to to one of Britain's biggest war time secrets and played a pivotal role in gaining victory in 1945. Learn how they cracked the code, see the impressive Churchill collection and delve into tales of spies, deception and intrigue.
Home to the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years this abbey houses a world renowned art collection. Visitors can walk amongst 9 species of deer, wander the beautiful gardens designed by Humphrey Repton or enjoy an open air play.
The Callan Workhouse was built in 1940 and included approximately six acres near Callan. It was intended to house up to 600 inmates. This solid yet graceful building later became a knitwear factory. Today the grounds are used as office space with the rear buildings serving as a council depot.