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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Site of the Claythorpe Railway Station, 2003

Claythorpe

in the county of Lincolnshire

winter morning, Kingsbury water park, North Warwickshire.

Kingsbury

in the county of Warwickshire

Pictures of Belton House

a Historic Building in the town of Belton, in the county of Lincolnshire

About Belton House

Belton is the perfect example of a home belonging to an English country gentleman, and yet it is a delightful Anglo-Dutch Restoration house from the reign of Charles II.

Designed by William Winde, the so called " gentleman architect " the house is a glorious confection of honey coloured facades crowned with a cupola. It was built in 1688, and was later altered by James Wyatt in the 1770's. The influence of the style adopted during the reign of James II is evident in its sombre panelled walls and carved interiors, even the formal garden layout is evocative of that soulless period.

The house has been occupied by the Brownlow family since around mid 17th century. Successive owners have made changes but the overall impression remains of the comfort of a home belonging to a gentleman of wealth, culture and style. All that is best of late Stuart England remains faultlessly intact.

In the house there is much evidence of the divine workmanship of Grinling Gibbons, many paintings are hung in panels intricately carved with swags of supreme craftsmanship. Also to be seen is a richly decorated family chapel, which is perhaps a little too flamboyant considering the size of the house. Here there is a stark contrast between the pews occupied by the devout servants of the house, and the masters. The family were seated in comfortable armchairs in an upper gallery amongst garlands carved with gilded fruit and flowers.

Overall, this is a lovely house, evocative of times long since past. Here visitors can see collections of fine furniture, silverware, paintings, and tapestries, all displayed in attractively laid out rooms.

Beyond the house there is a playground for the very young, a quite magnificent orangery, sweeping parkland, with the more formal gardens lying close to the house. There is a sunken Italian garden, Yews dominate the Dutch garden, and a small Palladian temple gazes towards the canal. To the west lies a charming wilderness, left over from the 18th century which tends to give the garden a less restricted feel.

This is a lovely house to savour and makes pleasant day out for those seeking a day away in a peaceful relaxed atmosphere.

The house is in the care of the National Trust and is open to the public between Wednesday and Sunday from April to October.

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Recommended towns & villages near Belton House

A picture of Belton

Belton (71 Pictures)

in the county of Lincolnshire

(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)

The popular village of Belton lying north of Grantham is home to magnificent Belton House. It is also a typical "Estate" village which perfectly epitomises all the values of English country life...

One of many floral tributes placed outside the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher in Grantham

Grantham (39 Pictures)

a Historic Market Town in the county of Lincolnshire

(2.3 miles, 3.8 km, direction SW)

This delightful town, set on the River Witham in a spacious agricultural region is noted for many historic factors but more latterly as the birthplace of Britains first woman Primne Minister - Margaret Thatcher was born here in 1925 and she became Prime Minister in 1979...

Newark Castle, Nottinghamshire

Newark-on-Trent (95 Pictures)

a Historic Market Town in the county of Nottinghamshire

(12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction NW)

As it's name implies, this town enjoys a fine position on the River Trent. The great castle where King John died in 1216 lies in ruins on the banks of the river...

A picture of Waddington

Waddington (45 Pictures)

in the county of Lincolnshire

(15.9 miles, 25.5 km, direction N)

Waddington is a bustling town, its modern day history forever linked to the R.A.F of which it is justifiably proud. It's annual air show is a major event on the yearly calendar and is attended by people from all over England...

St. Mary's Church, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Melton Mowbray (25 Pictures)

a Historic Market Town in the county of Leicestershire

(16.6 miles, 26.7 km, direction SW)

An historic market town famous for its Pork packed pies and Stilton cheeses, both are savoured all over Britain and in many other countries...

All towns in Lincolnshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Belton House

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle (26 Pictures)

(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SW)

A castle has stood on this spot since the 11th-century, it was built by Robert de Todini, standard-bearer to William the.....

A picture of Woolsthorpe Manor

Woolsthorpe Manor (10 Pictures)

(9.3 miles, 14.9 km, direction S)

Called a manor but in reality this is the farmhouse where Isaac Newton was born in 1642. The house remains very much during.....

Museum

Newark Air Museum (7 Pictures)

(12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction NW)

..

The ruins of Newark Castle on the banks of the River Trent. Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire.

Newark Castle (47 Pictures)

(12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction NW)

The romantic ruins of this once glorious castle were left to fall into further disrepair following the ravages of the English.....

Southwell Minster, nottinghamshire

Southwell Minster (40 Pictures)

(16.5 miles, 26.5 km, direction NW)

Historically a monastery was probably founded here in the 10th century, with the church being begun around 1108. The building.....


All attractions in Lincolnshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England