Burghley House

Built by William Cecil, Elizabeth I’s Lord Treasurer, Burghley House displays the importance of his position and the splendour of the Elizabethan Age. To this day it is occupied by Cecil’s descendents, currently Miranda and Orlando Rock and their children. Close to the medieval town of Stamford, Burghley is conveniently placed on the route from London to Scotland and an essential visit for any enthusiast of historic houses.

Cecil’s passion for architecture and collecting was continued by his descendents, making Burghley a true treasure house. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries Burghley’s occupants became ‘Grand Tourists’ of Europe, greatly enhancing Burghley’s magnificent collection of paintings, tapestries and furniture. Today this is on display in the State Rooms for the benefit of Burghley’s visitors, to the backdrop of Antonio Verrio’s impressive painted ceilings portraying ‘Gods and Goddesses disporting themselves’. Burghley’s Tudor origins still remain in evidence, however, particularly in the old kitchen, which still maintains its traditional character.

The Tudor influence continues in the gardens, with the new Garden of Surprises, a modern interpretation of the gardens created by William Cecil. Incorporating mazes, grottos and surprise water features, the Surprise Garden has proved extremely popular. Be aware you could get wet! Contrastingly the modern Sculpture Garden uses the wide open spaces reclaimed from Capability Brown’s lost gardens to form a harmonious mix of sculpture and horticulture, which can be appreciated by all ages.

Used as a film location for Pride and Prejudice and the Da Vinci Code, Burghley House is a stunning example of English heritage and an excellent daytrip.

Planning your visit to Burghley House

Burghley House is open daily (except Fridays) from 31st March to 28th October 2007, from 11 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm). It is closed the Saturday of the Burghley Horse Trials (beginning of September).