Close to Grantham

There are three exceptional historic buildings that are close to Grantham and open to the public, and several more if you are prepared to travel further.

Belton House (below) is 3 miles north of the town centre and is an outstanding example of Restoration architecture set in 1300 acres of parkland.

The house was built between 1684 and 1688 and has 25 magnificently furnished rooms open to the public.

It is owned by the National Trust (see more on their website) and is open from March until the end of October except for Mondays and Tuesdays.

Belvoir Castle (below) - is 7 miles from the town and is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.

The current building was built after a major fire in 1816. There are stunning displays of art, furniture and military history including a portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein.

There is a varied programme of events, and the castle is sometimes closed so it is worth checking the opening hours on the castle website.

Perhaps less spectacular, but well worth a visit is Woolsthorpe Manor, 7 miles south of Grantham, also owned by the National Trust.

The house is the seventeenth century birthplace and early home of the physicist Sir Isaac Newton.

The house gives an interesting insight into seventeenth century life, the upbringing of one of the greatest scientists of all time and also has a small visitor centre with examples of the application of Newtons physics.

Incidentally there remains an apple tree, originating from the tree that is said to have inspired Newtons discovery of gravity.

In the town

Despite it’s other attractions, foreign visitors to Grantham are often attracted to the corner shop where Margaret Thatcher lived as a child.

The building is still in use as a chiropractor.

The Grantham skyline is dominated by the spire of St Wulframs church. The church dates from around 1140 and has the tallest medieval spire in England, a 14th century crypt and a chained library.

The Guildhall, dating from Victorian times looks out over St Peters Hill. Many of Granthams attractions are in this area including Grantham Museum with displays about the history of the town, Sir Isaac Newton, Margaret Thatcher and the World War 2 Dambusters.

Call into the Arts Centre entered between the Guildhall and Museum. There is a small gallery there. Local artists also display their paintings for sale near the entrance area. The former police headquarters used by Edith Smith, Britains first female police officer is now used at the Tourist Information Centre.

On St Peters Hill there are statues of Sir Isaac Newton and Frederick Lord Brownlow

Grantham House dates from 1380 and is managed by the National Trust.

The house is open on Wednesday afternoons during the summer months and Thursdays during August. The gardens are open on Sundays, with various events taking place.

The Beehive public house on Castlegate boasts the World’s only ‘living’ pub sign - a beehive!

Easton Walled Gardens is a restoration project located 5 miles south of Grantham.

The 12 acres were the gardens of Easton House, which fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1951.

For more information visit their website - click here.

To the north of Grantham towards Sleaford are three attractions that could be combined in a single day trip.

These are:-

Woodland Waters

The Bubble Car Museum

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre