A Quick Jaunt to Stamford

An quick overnight jaunt to Stamford, close to home.  It may not sound like much to blog about but when we’re all so busy, it can seem impossible to squeeze in a weekend away.  If, so, why not try a night away, somewhere fairly local and enjoy a little change of scenary. 

Why Stamford?  Well, it started back in October, when I was driving to Leeds to visit my son who lives there.  After two hours in the car from Suffolk, I decided to break the journey with a coffee stop in the county of Lincolnshire. 

Heading off the main A1 road north , I found myself in this picturesque town.  I immediately thought – what a great place – I need to explore more.  So I booked a night away and that’s how I ended up on a quick jaunt to Stamford.

When visited in October, it was a beautiful autumn day hence the sunny photos.  A month later in November, we had rain!  Tut with the start of Christmas we found decorations around the town. It felt sparkly and festive so a win-win in my opinion!

Where is Stamford?

Stamford is a small town in Lincolnshire.  Of Georgian feel, it has quaint streets, quirky independent shops and indeed was once claimed by Sir Walter Scott to be ‘the finest stone town in England’.  In 2013,  it was awarded by the Sunday Times, the title of ‘Britain’s Top Place to Live’.  

Unique Things to Do in Stamford

When we visited in October, there was a bustling Saturday market on selling local produce.  By November on my next visit we arrived at the perfect time for the start of their Christmas markets.  Amazingly for such a small place, Stamford boasts five medieval churches! 

What I really liked about Stamford was the wonderful range of small independent shops and coffee shops. The owners of these were so helpful and friendly and if you were looking for something different for a gift, there was plenty of choice.  

Their Christmas displays were so inviting and the candles everywhere so warming and of course gave off the most incredible scent. 

Where to Stay In Stamford

For a small town, there are lots of options ranging from B&B’s guest houses and hotels. We chose The Crown Hotel booked via Hotel.com which was showing the best rate at the time.  We were not disappointed- what a gem of a place!

The hotel is a former coaching inn but has been tastefully restored by the owners and retains much character.  Our delightful room was on two levels and included a single bed and bathroom on the ground floor and a kitchenette, main bedroom, and en-suite on the upper floor. 

The rate we chose included breakfast – yummy!!!  See for yourself the quality of the food.  The dining area was an experience in itself with an interesting jukebox in the entrance!  

It is also worth checking rates directly with the hotel as they do have some fantastic offers such as their ‘Sunday Sleepover’ offer.  This is an amazing value at £150 for an overnight stay on a Sunday. 

For two people, it includes a 2-course roast dinner and breakfast the next morning.  What I also loved about this hotel was that they had a car park and it was right in the centre of the town and for dog lovers, you can even book a dog friendly room for an extra £15!  What’s not to love!

Other popular hotels include the George Hotel which has quite a history behind it.  Its interior is very oldie worldly and we enjoyed a very nice gin and tonic in one of their inviting lounges.  It’s worth stopping by there just to see the inside! 

Where to Eat In Stamford

Aside from the hotel, which was very popular, we ate in a couple of places which I can thoroughly recommend. 

For dinner, we ate at The Slanted Door.  What a great place – amazing food and I must say the cosmopolitan cocktails went down a treat! This is a very popular restaurant so do book in advance.  We enjoyed the small plates which meant we could try lots of dishes. 

Just outside Stamford,  off the A1, we had lunch at Wansford Country Lounge. 

Great stop if you just want a bit to eat and somewhere easy to park.  Superb coffees too and loved the wood burning stove on a wet day!  

Visit Historic Burghley House

While you’re on a quick jaunt to Stamford you should go to visit this stately home.

Just outside the town – less than 2 miles away – is Burghley House.  Did you know that Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century?  Designed by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, between 1555 and 1587, it really is quite magnificent. 

If you’re a fan of  ‘The Crown’ you may well want to visit this historic building as it is used as part of the film set!  

Burghley is also famous for its horse trials in August – a global event and a key date in the summer season here.  They were in the process of setting up a spectacular Christmas market whilst we were there.  Looking at their online calendar, there are a whole host of events throughout the year so plenty is going on at all times!

Wrap Up – Stamford

So, there you have it!  A quick overview of Stamford.  I will stop in this delightful market town again. 

Although we only had one night away, if you can leave early on the day you are staying over and have a full day the following day, it does feel like you’ve had a full weekend away.  

Another great English countryside getaway destination is the Hampshire weekend getaway in Southern England.