Belvoir Castle
Regency splendour on a hilltop, where a thousand years of aristocracy meets Hollywood glamour.
Belvoir Castle is one of England's finest Regency mansions, completed in 1832 and perched dramatically on a hilltop in Leicestershire. The ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland family for nearly a thousand years, this magnificent castle features over 350 rooms with opulent state interiors, including the celebrated Elizabeth Saloon. Surrounded by 16,000 acres of beautifully restored gardens designed by Capability Brown, the estate offers sweeping views across three counties. The castle has gained international fame as a filming location for Netflix's The Crown, where it doubles as Windsor Castle, alongside appearances in The Young Victoria and Victoria & Abdul.
A brief summary to Belvoir Castle
- Woolsthorpe Rd, Grantham, NG32 1PA, GB
- +441476871001
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance for deeper access to state rooms and family history; guides provide extensive knowledge that transforms the visit into a rich historical experience.
- Visit during spring or early summer when the restored Capability Brown gardens are in full bloom; autumn and winter visits may find some seasonal features less vibrant.
- Plan for 2–5 hours to fully explore the castle interiors, gardens, and parkland; the scale of the estate rewards unhurried exploration.
- Combine your visit with the Engine Yard retail village for shopping, dining, and live entertainment; parking at the Retail Village car park is free for short stays.
- Check the official website before visiting, as the castle closes Tuesdays and Wednesdays during certain months and may close for private family events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car from Grantham
Belvoir Castle is situated 6 miles west of Grantham town centre. From Grantham, follow signs for the castle or use GPS navigation with postcode NG32 1PE. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes. The castle car park is a pay-and-display facility charging £3 for all-day parking. The Retail Village car park offers free parking for up to 2.5 hours.
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By Train and Taxi from London
Depart London King's Cross for Grantham, a journey of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by direct train. From Grantham railway station, arrange a taxi to Belvoir Castle, approximately 6 miles away, taking 15–20 minutes. This option is practical for day visitors from London.
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By Car from Melton Mowbray
Belvoir Castle is 10 miles northeast of Melton Mowbray. Journey time is approximately 20–25 minutes via local roads. Use postcode NG32 1PE for navigation. The castle is well-signposted from surrounding towns.
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By Car from Leicester
From Leicester city centre, Belvoir Castle is approximately 25 miles away, requiring 40–50 minutes by car depending on traffic. Head towards Grantham via the A46 or A607, then follow local signage to the castle. Postcode NG32 1PE will direct you to the main entrance.
Belvoir Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Belvoir Castle
A Thousand Years of Aristocratic Heritage
Belvoir Castle crowns a commanding hilltop in rural Leicestershire, its name derived from the French "beau voir"—beautiful view—a description that remains apt today. The castle visible to modern visitors dates from 1832, but the site itself stretches back nearly a millennium. The first fortress was established here following the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror granted the land to Robert de Todeni, his standard bearer. Three previous castles occupied this strategic location before the current structure rose to prominence. The ancestral seat has remained in the hands of the Manners family, Dukes of Rutland, in an unbroken line since 1067, making it one of England's most continuously inhabited noble residences.Regency Splendour and Architectural Triumph
The castle as it stands today represents the vision of John Manners, the 5th Duke of Rutland, and his wife Lady Elizabeth Howard, who relocated from Castle Howard in Yorkshire in 1799. Construction began on a grand new residence, but tragedy struck in 1816 when fire consumed much of the newly completed structure and destroyed numerous paintings. Undeterred, the Duke commissioned architect Sir James Thornton to rebuild the castle to the original designs. The result, completed in 1832, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country. The castle boasts over 350 rooms, many of which showcase extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic merit. The Elizabeth Saloon stands as a particular highlight, its opulent interiors representing the height of 19th-century aristocratic taste and design.Gardens Restored to Historic Glory
The 16,000-acre estate surrounding the castle underwent a transformative two-year restoration programme that recovered the lost landscape designs of Capability Brown, the celebrated 18th-century gardener. Brown's original plans, created in 1780, were rediscovered in 2013 and have since been meticulously implemented. Visitors today can explore formal gardens including the Duchess Garden, Rose Garden, and Japanese Woodland, each offering distinct character and seasonal colour. The Hermit's Garden provides tranquil spaces for reflection, while the broader parkland and woodland areas create a harmonious blend of cultivated beauty and natural landscape. From the castle's elevated position, the grounds command spectacular panoramic views stretching across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. On exceptionally clear days, Lincoln Cathedral can be spotted some 30 miles distant.Hollywood's Preferred Royal Residence
Belvoir Castle has become a favoured filming location for productions depicting British royal life and historical drama. The castle's interiors and exterior have featured prominently in Netflix's acclaimed series The Crown, where it frequently substitutes for Windsor Castle itself. The production designers chose Belvoir for its authentic Regency grandeur and the flexibility its numerous rooms and grounds provide. Beyond The Crown, the castle has appeared in major films including The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt, and Victoria & Abdul, featuring Judi Dench. The Da Vinci Code also utilised the castle's distinctive architecture and grounds. These appearances have introduced Belvoir to international audiences and cemented its status as one of Britain's most visually distinctive stately homes.The Engine Yard and Contemporary Additions
Complementing the historic castle and gardens, the Engine Yard represents a modern addition that honours the estate's industrial heritage. This carefully restored Victorian complex has been transformed into a luxury retail village championing local businesses and artisan producers. Visitors can browse curated shops, sample local food and drink, and enjoy live music performances in this unique setting. The Engine Yard's Fuel Tank café and Balloon Bar provide refreshment options, while the castle itself offers traditional afternoon tea—a tradition with which Belvoir is historically associated, as the afternoon tea custom is believed to have originated here in 1840.Visitor Experience and Seasonal Highlights
The castle welcomes visitors through guided tours that provide access to state rooms and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life below stairs, offering insights into both the grandeur and the working reality of aristocratic life. The gardens and adventure playground remain open year-round except Christmas Day, making the estate accessible across all seasons. Spring and early summer represent peak times for garden visits, when formal plantings are in full bloom and the Japanese Woodland displays its most vibrant character. The combination of architectural magnificence, horticultural beauty, and cultural significance makes Belvoir a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, garden lovers, film and television fans, and families seeking an immersive experience of English country house life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Regency Designs
- Historic Elegance
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
