A Perfect Day Out at Belton House: What to See, Do, and Explore
Belton House is the perfect day out, whether exploring alone, traveling with your significant other, or taking the kids on a family day out.
Belton House is located just outside Grantham in the county of Lincolnshire, and it’s quite possible to take a day trip from London if you want to get out of the city and explore a historical house.
In this guide, I will show you all the best things to do at Belton House, events that the whole family can enjoy, and a couple of filming locations (Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte was filmed here!!)
Belton House
I love Belton House. Before I moved to America, I lived in Grantham. I don’t remember much of my time there because I was so young, but I do remember taking a school trip to Belton House and being in awe of the gardens and conservatory.
Revisiting, I explored as if it were my first time going, and I did EVERYTHING! Touring the house, exploring the gardens, relaxing in the Italian Garden, walking through the deer park… everything!
So I hope I can help you plan your day trip to Belton House and help you get the most out of your time there!
How to Get to Belton House, Grantham
Unfortunately, you can’t just hop on and off a train to get here, and driving is the easiest way, however, the train station is close by, and you can easily book a taxi for your day trip to Belton House!
By Car:
Belton House is signposted on the A1 and the postcode is NG32 2LS. Parking is included in your ticket and payment is taken at the admission points before reaching the car park.
By Train:
Grantham’s main train station (conveniently named Grantham Railway Station) is only 3 miles from Belton House. If you don’t want to pre-book a taxi, you can take the bus to the house!
By Bus:
From Grantham Bus Station (only a 5-minute walk from the train station), take Bus 1 or 27 to Belton Hall Gates. Buses run regularly every day, except for a limited schedule on Sundays.
How to Take a Day Trip to Belton House From London
The best part about Belton House is how easy it is to get here from London! That means if you are visiting from another country, you can hop on a train to Grantham, take a quick taxi, and start enjoying Belton House within an hour and a half!
You need to take a train from Kings Cross to Grantham, which will take just under an hour and 10 minutes, then it’s 3 miles to Belton House from the station. From the station, you can either book a taxi (don’t rely on taxis being there for you, and there definitely isn’t a taxi rank at Belton House) or walk 5 minutes to the Grantham bus station and hop on a 20-minute bus ride!
Can I Get to Belton House without a Car?
Absolutely! Belton House isn’t just a great day trip from London, but anywhere else that has a direct train to Grantham!
The National Trust and Belton House encourage car-free travel to the property by giving you a free coffee/tea when you arrive with a valid train or bus ticket!
If you prefer to cycle to Belton House, there is also bike parking on site.
Planning Your Day Trip to Belton House
Tickets and National Trust Members
You don’t have to pre-book your tickets; you can just pay at the admission kiosks at the parking lot’s entrance. You also don’t need to book a ticket if you are a National Trust member; you can simply show up and scan your card!
There are several ticket options to choose from, including a family ticket if you are coming with the kids. Always check the OFFICIAL WEBSITE for the latest ticket information.
Ticket Options
How Long Do You Need to Visit Belton House?
If you want to experience everything Belton House has to offer, then I would set aside 3-4 hours. You can then tour the house, walk around the gardens, enjoy a snack, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Is Belton House Family-Friendly?
Absolutely, Belton House is perfect for a family day out! There’s plenty of open space for the kids to run around, bring a picnic, fly a kite, spot a deer in the deer park, or play along during one of the many events throughout the season.
Kids will love the adventure playground, the National Trust’s largest adventure park! There’s a variety of swings, ropes, climbing equipment, and even a mini train that runs through the park (small extra fee).
There is also an indoor play cafe, so while you are taking a little break and enjoying your refreshments, the kids are occupied and having a great time!
Is Belton House Dog Friendly?
Yes! Belton House is very dog-friendly! Dogs on leads are welcome in the parkland, gardens, and courtyard.
You cannot bring your dog into the house or the conservatory, however, service dogs are welcome in all areas.
Things to Do at Belton House
Touring the House
The house tour is included in your ticket (always check the website to make sure the house is open).
The Belton House interiors are decorated in the Carolean period, a style from the 1600s during the reign of Charles II. Each room is a glimpse into the lives of the Brownlow family, who lived in the house for three centuries!
Rooms to Explore:
- Marble Hall:
The Marble Hall was designed as the grand entrance to the house, even though the original purpose of the room was lost in the Victorian period. - Chapel Drawing Room:
When Belton House was first built, this would have been one of the most opulent rooms. It was originally known as the Blue Drawing Room, with bright blue walls with gold and white flecks. - Blue Bedroom:
This was just a normal family bedroom, but the bed in this room was obviously made for a grander room. It’s huge! Do not miss out on this room! - Red Drawing Room:
This room was originally used as a sitting room for the female family members. - Dining Room:
I thought this was one of the more opulent rooms. This room was once the top part of a double-floor kitchen and then a library before becoming the swan-filled green dining room you see today. - Library:
Not only does this space house around 20,000 books, but it’s a great space to relax in one of the armchairs and soak in the atmosphere. - Chinese Bedroom:
With the hand-painted wallpaper from China, this is a must-see room!
Dutch Garden and Sundial
The Dutch Garden is located directly behind the house, with perfectly manicured gardens and hedges. You don’t want to miss walking through this garden!
Continue walking through the garden, and you will reach the sundial… or should I say “Moondial”? If you are a fan (I’m a total 80s baby) of Helen Cresswell’s children’s book that follows the mysterious time adventures of Minty, then you HAVE to come here!
The Conservatory and Italian Garden
The Conservatory is a major highlight at Belton House (at least for me). The gorgeous glass greenhouse is the perfect place to relax and listen to the water trickling into the pond while tropical flowers and plants surround you.
Don’t forget to stroll around the Old Rose Garden, just behind the conservatory!
The Italian Garden was designed in the late 1800s as a formal, structured garden, inspired by the lush gardens of Italy’s grand villas.
The centerpiece is the intricate fountain surrounded by benches, colorful hedges, and statues and urns scattered throughout. It’s the perfect place to relax after you’ve been walking around the house all morning!
Mirror Pond and Garden Temple
The Mirror Pond is one of the oldest features in the garden. The calm water, surrounded by trees and the garden temple, does what the box says: it mirrors the trees, the clouds, the temple… everything!
The garden temple offers a quiet spot for you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Pondside Walks and Pleasure Grounds
The perfect way to spend the afternoon at Belton House is walking to the Boat House Pond and Tar Lane Pond. The path winds through the woodland and around the ponds. It’s an amazing walk and I highly recommend taking it!
Stop by the fishing lodge, located at the beginning of the Boat House Pond. This pavilion was built in 1820 to look like a Swiss chalet. The Brownlow family used it as a place for gatherings and picnics.
You can stroll around the pond and stop by the Cascade Garden (might be disappointing if there hasn’t been rain for a while… I didn’t even get a trickle!) before heading back towards the East Lawn and the house, or take an extra-long stroll around the peaceful Tar Lane Pond.
You can also get lost in the maze, have a picnic within the daffodils during spring, or just sit on one of the many benches and read a book or let the afternoon pass you by.
What Was Filmed at Belton House?
I know, I know… Belton House looks like it’s from the pages of a Jane Austen novel, and Belton House must have been used as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice. YES, it was! Belton House played Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence in the 1995 Colin Firth TV version of the novel.
Belton House has also been featured in Jane Eyre, Bleak House, and the 1980s mini-series, Moondial, based on the children’s book written about Belton House.
Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was also filmed throughout the property (including the conservatory where Queen Charlotte tries to pick oranges from the tree and enjoys afternoon tea with the ladies), and I have a full Queen Charlotte Filming Location Guide!
Where to Stay Near Belton House
If you want to extend your one day at Belton House, there are plenty of other places to stay in and around Grantham.
Place To Stay
- No. 1 Belton: Stay in this National Trust property, which was also a filming location for Moondial! Located just minutes from Belton House
- Belton Woods Hotel and Spa: Right across from Belton House, with modern rooms, this is perfect for a weekend getaway!
- Archway House: This cozy stay is located in the town centre of Grantham and just a few minutes from the train station.
- The Red House: A short walk from the town centre, this is a cozy little B&B.
- Angel and Royal Hotel: I’m going to be honest, this hotel has been hit or miss when it comes to staying there. I know people who have had a bad experience, but aside from my doorknob falling off, the rooms are nice and clean.
Is Belton House Worth Visiting?
Definitely YES! You will be missing out on such a wonderful National Trust property if you don’t visit Belton House!
There’s so much to do around the property, whether you are an outdoor lover, a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, looking for something family-friendly, or just want to sit on a bench with a picnic and a book, Belton House is for you!
Are you planning a day out at Belton House, or have you recently visited? What’s your favorite thing to do at Belton House? Let me know in the comments below, I would LOVE to hear from you!
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