Set high on a hilltop in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle has stood as a symbol of British nobility for over 1,000 years. Home to the Dukes of Rutland since the Norman Conquest, this majestic estate blends Gothic Revival architecture with exquisite gardens, Old Masters artwork, and centuries of royal connections. Whether you're exploring grand salons, strolling Capability Brown-designed landscapes, or sipping tea in an elegant drawing room, Belvoir Castle delivers a quintessential English castle experience.

Recommended For

History Enthusiasts: Discover over 1,000 years of aristocratic lineage, architecture, and art.

Garden Lovers: Wander through formal gardens, seasonal sculptures, and restored 18th-century landscapes.

Event Seekers: Attend concerts, obstacle races, and themed tours on the castle grounds.

Art & Architecture Fans: Marvel at Louis XIV-style interiors, Old Masters, and Gothic Revival craftsmanship.

What to Expect

  • Historic Grandeur: Tour stately rooms like the Elizabeth Salon and King’s Rooms, adorned with period décor and family heirlooms.
  • Art Treasures: View Old Masters paintings, 18th-century muskets, and rotating works by resident artists.
  • Guided Tours: Ninety-minute tours run March through October, with special access to private quarters on select dates.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in hunting, fishing, or equestrian packages with castle stays.

Historical Highlights

  • Founded in 1067: Built by Norman baron Robert de Todeni after the Battle of Hastings.
  • Rebuilt Three Times: The current iteration began in 1654 and was expanded by James Wyatt in the 1800s.
  • King’s Rooms: Designed for King George IV, who was a personal friend of the 5th Duke of Rutland.
  • Guard Room: Gothic Revival design featuring walls lined with Brown Bess flintlock muskets.

Art & Interior Design

  • Elizabeth Salon: The first room in England styled in the Louis XIV fashion, inspired by Parisian design.
  • Ducal Collections: Art and décor commissioned by the 5th Duke and Duchess, including pieces dating to the 1600s.
  • Resident Artists: Sculptors, poets, and painters contribute works visible throughout the grounds and galleries.

Gardens & Grounds

  • Formal Gardens: Stroll more than 2 hours of walking paths including the 4-acre Duchess Garden and 7-acre Hermit’s Garden.
  • Capability Brown Restoration: Original 1780 garden plans were rediscovered and brought to life after a two-year, 500-acre project.
  • Sculptures by Season: Look for works by Caius Gabriel Cibber, depicting the four seasons throughout the landscape.

Visitor Experiences

  • Tea Room: Enjoy classic British tea, sandwiches, and sweet treats in an elegant setting.
  • The Engine Yard: Shop artisan goods, visit the spa, or rent bicycles at this nearby lifestyle destination under renovation.
  • Outdoor Events: Attend the King at the Castle concert, Fireworks Championships, Equinox 24 run, or a Tough Mudder challenge.
  • Field Sports: Join in pheasant, duck, or partridge hunts, or cast a line at the estate’s lakes with a day pass.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE, United Kingdom | Phone: +44 14 76 87 10 01

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