A classic Georgian destination

Going exploring means different things to different people, but if you like to pack in as much variety and value as possible, Stamford has plenty to offer. By Glynis Fox.

Lincolnshire’s fabulous Georgian town is crammed with architecturally interesting buildings. Historically, this destination has been home to some notable residents over the centuries and it is also the place to find a wide variety of shops and businesses.

There’s always something on offer for culture vultures and people seeking entertainment, and there’s a real mix of hotels if you find yourself tempted to stay over.

If you are visiting for the first time, why not drop into Stamford Arts Centre, grab a handful of tourist information leaflets, ask staff for specific details about attractions and remember to pick up a Town Trail leaflet.

This handy leaflet gives you an essential overview of Stamford’s notable landmarks, highlights why they are important and where they are located. The leaflet sections the town into four different areas, making it easy to decide which part to visit first.

Alternatively, you might prefer to have a guided walking tour of the town, but check their availability at this time of year.

Whichever way you go about it, you’ll quickly understand why Sir Walter Scott called Stamford ‘the finest stone town in England’!

No visit to Stamford is complete without exploring Burghley House, an impressive 16th-century Elizabethan mansion with stunning rooms and extensive grounds. The estate includes a deer park, farmland, woodland and various properties, and extends to outlying villages.

Why not celebrate the coming festive season by going along to the Burghley Christmas Fair? It takes place from Thursday to Sunday, 27th to 30th November.

You will find beautiful courtyards and grounds filled with festive marquees, chalets and a pagoda and stalls laden with artisan and unique gifts. Also, you can enjoy food and drink and musical entertainment.

SUPER SHOPPING
Perhaps you are looking for a good dose of retail therapy and this is another area where Stamford has plenty to offer the visitor, thanks to its eclectic mix of mainstream retailers and independently owned shops.

St Mary’s Street is one of the main thoroughfares for traffic, and the place to find some smaller shops – although there have been recent changes. Level 7 has great ladies’ fashions and Rapport boutique offers different fashions, jewellery and gifts.

If you are looking for something special for a new baby or toddler, don’t forget to pop into Stork of Stamford, and if members of the family are in search of new shoes, take a look in Marcia May’s two outlets – also in St Mary’s Street.

This is where you will also find Stamford’s well-known department store Sinclairs, which sells luxury goods, including leather items, tableware, glassware, kitchen goods and much more. Upstairs, why not take a break in The Drawing Room, a restaurant and tea room serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea.

As might be expected, there is a wealth of national brand retailers in the town’s High Street, but more independent businesses too.

Alongside Crew, Boots, Oliver Bonas and Seasalt you will find Gladwell & Patterson, a five-storey business, housing an extensive collection of artworks, including everything from the Impressionists to contemporary pictures, other artists’ work and sculptures.

Sophie Allport’s homewares and lifestyle shop, the specialist cheese shop Rennet & Rind and coffee shops and eateries are also on the High Street.

Halfway along, you can turn left up Ironmonger Street and discover more interesting independent shops and service businesses. Look out for the fresh flower design studio Ode to Joy, the fashion boutique Energy – which has styles for men and women – and the artisan Hambleton’s Bakery.

TIME TO BROWSE
Ironmonger Street leads into Broad Street, where you find the famous landmark Browne’s Hospital. Founded in 1475 by a rich wool merchant, the almshouse provided accommodation for 10 poor men and two poor women.

William and Margaret Browne applied to the King for permission to incorporate the almshouse and in 1485 Richard III granted a licence to create what was in effect a charity. This still survives to this day.

In 1871, new cottages were built to accommodate the poor people and in 1964 they were transformed into flats. Today’s hospital provides space for a caretaker and 13 residents – 11 women and two men.

If you love browsing markets, make sure you visit Stamford’s regular Friday Market, which sets up in Broad Street and Ironmonger Street. There is also a fortnightly Farmers’ Market in the High Street.

Smaller markets can be found in Red Lion Street and the High Street on Saturdays.

You may decide it’s worth booking an overnight stay or a weekend break in the town, to give yourself time to discover more of its historic treasures, modern day shops, eateries and entertainment offerings.

Sometimes, community and charity events and festivals take place on The Meadows, a lovely green space where people often take a break from shopping and sightseeing or meet friends and maybe share a picnic.

If you are so impressed with Stamford that you want to stay in the town overnight or book a future short break, there is a choice of hotels, guest houses and self-catering establishments to suit all budgets.

The hotels include The George, which is situated just off the Great North Road at St Martins and The William Cecil Hotel, also at St Martins – within the Burghley Estate.

Alternatively, there’s The Crown, a former coaching inn in All Saints Place, or maybe The Bull & Swan, a historic 16th-century inn in St Martins.

ENTERTAINMENT
Don’t forget to check out what is available entertainments-wise when you take a short break.

Stamford Arts Centre (in St Mary’s Street) has a 166-seat theatre and cinema, a ballroom, gallery and coffee shop.

It attracts professional touring companies and people can take part in music, poetry, sculpture, dance, painting, drawing and other events and view artworks in its gallery.

Events coming up at the Arts Centre include: The Art of Stamford exhibition (25th November to 6th December) – in the Gallery you can see local artist Michelle Hewitt’s scenes of Stamford and photographer Alan Younghusband’s colourful imagery.

From 19th to 24th December it’s pantomime time, with performances of Alice in Wonderland and on 27th December there’s a big screen showing of Andre Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert. Alternatively, why not book in for one of the many shows scheduled to take place at Stamford’s Corn Exchange Theatre.

There are several tribute shows taking place in November, including Bon Giovi on 8th November and Supersonic Queen on 22nd November. Then Steeleye Span will be performing on 26th November.

Theatregoers will want to take their children to Rapunzel’s Christmas Adventure, which is on from 8th to 14th December, and The Wizard of Oz pantomime, which is being staged from 23rd December to 1st January 2026.

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HOROLOGICAL EXCELLENCE
Precision, experience and skill are at the core of the professional services provided by the team at Stamford Time & Co, who came together in April 2025 to offer an unrivalled service.

Located at St Peter’s Street in the town centre, the skilled team of technicians who have been expertly trained in all facets of watch and clock making, share decades of experience in servicing and restoring both modern and vintage timepieces.

Visit the shop’s welcoming Timekeepers Lounge, a relaxed, contemporary space perfect to enjoy as a meeting place for friends, old and new, and for all things horological.

“Born from our passion for horology, preserving the art of craftsmanship and offering exceptional service to our discerning customers, our team of technicians are expertly trained in all facets of horology, with decades of experience in servicing and restoring both modern and vintage timepieces.

“We service, repair and restore all makes and models of wristwatches and pocket watches. From striking longcase clocks to delicate French carriage pieces, we service and restore all types of mechanical clocks. We look forward to welcoming you.”

For more information visit www.stamfordtime.co.uk

DINE AROUND THE WORLD
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a cosy, friendly and cool vibe, Orbis in Stamford delivers a memorable blend of global inspiration and local charm.

This award-winning restaurant, which has earned two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, is a testament to its commitment to serving up quality, creativity and passion on every plate.

Here diners enjoy a distinctive celebration of food, where world dishes are created for sharing, taking you on a gourmet trip of the world, enjoying international cuisine in the form of small plates, sharing dishes and cocktails, all beautifully presented.

This stylish restaurant, located in All Saints’ Place, offers an eclectic 100% gluten-free menu.

“Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch, celebratory dinner, or a night out with friends, we pride ourselves on crafting dishes that excite the senses, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques and served with personality and flair.”

For more information visit www.orbisstamford.co.uk

STAMFORD SCHOOL: INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE
Nestled in the heart of one of England’s most beautiful Georgian towns, Stamford School offers an exceptional all-round education for boys and girls aged 2 to 18.

With a proud heritage and a modern outlook, Stamford prepares its students not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom, encouraging every individual to be rounded and grounded, living out the school’s values of Team, Fire and Spirit. From the earliest years in the Junior School, pupils benefit from small class sizes, dedicated pastoral care and inspiring opportunities that build confidence and curiosity.

Across the Senior and Sixth Form years, students enjoy a broad curriculum supported by a remarkable co-curricular programme that helps them explore their passions, develop resilience, and discover who they are.

This year sees the launch of two exciting new Sixth Form pathways: the Leiths CTH Professional Cookery course, offering hands-on culinary training and recognised qualifications, and BTEC Engineering, designed for practically minded students with ambitions in innovation, design and industry.

Stamford offers flexible boarding options to suit family life, from full and weekly boarding to flexi stays, giving students the independence and community of boarding life within a supportive and homely environment.

For those with particular talents, Sports, Art, Drama and Music Scholarships are available, and families are warmly encouraged to contact the Admissions team if they believe their child may be eligible.

Academic Scholarships are awarded once students are part of the school, in recognition of continued excellence and potential.

Whether you are considering entry to the Junior School, Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12, enquiries and applications can be made online. You can also book a personal tour and find out about the school’s regular Discovery Mornings held throughout the year.

For more information visit www.stamfordschools.org.uk

SPARKLING SELECTION AT LANES FINE JEWELLERY
Situated in Stamford’s Red Lion Square, Lanes Fine Jewellery offers an exquisite range of fine diamond jewellery.

As diamond specialists creating their own jewellery from only the best individually selected diamonds, the skilled team pride themselves on offering quality and value with friendly and relaxed customer service.

Owned and run by husband and wife team Ercan and Carli Onguc, this highly respected jeweller specialises in diamonds and precious stones, with a wide range of wedding and engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

GIA and IGI certificated diamond engagement rings are in stock, along with natural coloured diamonds, diamond tennis bracelets and line necklaces, as well as diamond studs and pendants.
It also offers bespoke engagement rings and staff can help to design something exclusive to the customer.

“With a background in Bond Street and Hatton Garden we have connections to sources of the world’s rarest and most precious diamonds, with each and every diamond being hand-picked for beauty and sparkle by our discerning diamond buyer.

“We offer classic diamond jewellery including diamond engagement rings, line necklaces and tennis bracelets, but can create anything a client desires as our jewellery is all bespoke and made by us!

“Among the fine designs we specialise in are line necklaces, classic tennis bracelets, and stunning natural-coloured diamonds such as natural yellow and pink diamond jewellery. “We can also supply solitaire diamond engagement rings as well as three-stone diamond rings and precious gemstones such as ruby and sapphire.

“Our oval shaped three-stone diamond ring with pear-shaped diamond shoulders is a stunning and popular choice.”

Five-star service
An individual consultation service is all part of Lanes’ unrivalled customer experience.

“When you come to visit us, there is no rush; our client consultations are informal, and no appointment is necessary. We spend time getting to know the client and making suggestions.

“It’s a collaborative process without any pressure so that the customer feels confident and happy in their choice.

“All of our wedding rings are made for the client in question, we offer a selection of styles to try on in-store which we then make to the exact specifications.

“The precious metal chosen has an impact on the budget and we will guide the client to the most appropriate choice depending on any existing jewellery, along with what works for their budget.

“We have a huge range of finishes that can be added to the wedding band, traditional and contemporary, and we can add stones such as diamonds too.”

Lanes Fine Jewellery offers additional services such as repairs, valuations, remodelling, part-exchange and valuations for insurance and probate.

“We also offer a selection of pre-owned jewellery, some antique, which can be fantastic value for money as there is no VAT on these items and all our pre-owned jewellery is fully refurbished.

For more information visit www.lanesjewellers.com

EXPERT ADVICE FROM THE RUG STUDIO
The Rug Studio, whose main studio is in Stamford, also has premises in St Martins Antiques Centre in Stamford, then Uppingham and Holt Antiques and Interiors and showcases an extensive collection of rugs, kilims and textiles. Owner Rachel Bassill, who has been in the trade for more than 30 years, has been buying rugs for more than 35 years. Many pieces are pre-restoration as this reaches a larger audience and follows today’s fashion, but as a skilled restorer Rachel is also on hand to advise and discuss any work you may wish to have carried out. 

The Rug Studio has limited opening hours to enable Rachel, who trained as a rug designer and weaver, to travel to her customers for buying, selling and monitoring the work with her restoration teams. The studio also has contemporary, modern traditional rugs and offers bespoke items too. 

The Rug Studio customers also use the centre as a base to collect rugs to try, discover styles they like and discuss their own requirements for cleaning, restoration or conservation.

Open Tuesday & Wednesday 10-1pm, Friday 10am-5pm (closed 1-2pm) Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. St Martins & Holt open 7 days a week.

For more information visit www.therugstudio.co.uk

QUALITY CLOTHING AND GIFTS AT COLIN BELL MENSWEAR
Looking for something special this Christmas? At Colin Bell Menswear you’ll find quality clothing and gifts with real style. We handpick every piece from leading European brands, bringing you smart, timeless designs you won’t find everywhere else.

Established in Stamford for more than 30 years, we’ve built our name on great service and attention to detail. Whether you need a new winter jacket, a classic shirt, or a thoughtful gift, our friendly team will help you find the right fit.

Discover why so many of our customers rate us five stars for quality, service and choice.

Visit our store in the heart of Stamford or shop online at www.colinbell.uk

FERN AT THE FALCON HOTEL AWARDED AA ROSETTE
Just six months after opening its doors, Fern, the Falcon Hotel’s newly launched restaurant in Uppingham, has been awarded a prestigious One AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence.

This accolade celebrates Fern’s commitment to exceptional food, creative seasonal menus, and outstanding service.

An intimate dining space rooted in Rutland and shaped by the seasons, Fern’s menu focuses on thoughtful small plates, organic wines, and British apéritifs.

Each dish centres on a single, standout ingredient; whether a humble radish or a perfectly cooked lemon sole prepared simply to showcase its best flavour.

Fern proudly champions local and seasonal produce, alongside a distinctive drinks offering. The bar brings back the art of the apéritif with exclusively British selections from independent distilleries such as Vault Aperitivo, while the wine list features exciting organic wines and impressive British bottles, including Albarino from Kent and Hedge Line from Matt Gregory Wines on the Rutland–Leicestershire border.

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and aperitivo hour, Fern invites guests to experience a sense of connection through honest, ingredient-led cooking – where simplicity, care, and quiet confidence define every plate.

For more information visit www.falcon-hotel.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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