Anna Tyzack

19 August, 2008

Combine a weekend of world class sporting action with an overnight stay in Stamford, one of Lincolnshire's finest towns

By far the best way to enjoy Burghley Horse Trials is by combining it with a couple of nights in Stamford. Sir Walter Scott famously dubbed the town “the finest scene between London and Edinburgh,” and with its 600 listed buildings and six churches within one square mile, he wasn't exaggerating.

Needless to say finding accommodation over the Burghley weekend is no mean feat; popular places such as the George Hotel give regular visitors first choice on rooms making it difficult to get onto the accommodation ladder.

If at first you don't succeed add yourself to the waiting list – there is always a chance some Burghley regulars have other plans this year. It is also worth asking hotel receptionists and guest house owners if they have any other numbers you could try. Many families are willing to provide bed and breakfast accommodation during the Burghley weekend or know people on holiday who are willing to rent out their house.

But if after hours of calling you have hit a very sturdy brick wall do not be disheartened. There are two excellent campsites near Stamford and one at the horse trials itself.

HOTELS

Stamford Lodge A four-star, local stone built lodge with plenty of character, a minute's walk from town centre. (tel: 01780 482932)

The Garden House A sixteenth century coaching inn with 20 ensuite bathrooms, situated in an acre of mature walled gardens in the town centre. (tel: 01780 763359)

The George Popular with riders and their entourage, the George offers 47 bedrooms, two restaurants and two bars, in the centre of Stamford. (tel: 01780 750750)

Candlesticks Hotel A family run hotel offering affordable accommodation a few minutes walk from Stamford centre. Candlesticks also features a respected Portuguese-inspired restaurant. (tel: 01780 764033)

GUESTHOUSES

Dolphin Guesthouse A friendly bed & breakfast with private parking 100yds from Stamford town centre. (tel: 01780 481567)

Rock Lodge An impressive town house providing luxury ensuite accommodation and a large garden, five minutes walk from the town centre at 1 Empingham Road. (tel: 01780 481758)

86 Casterton Rd Comfortable, well equipped accommodation offering vegetarian breakfast on request. (tel: 01780 754734)

Latona A comfortable and bright bed & breakfast suitable for couples and small families at 40 Casterton Rd, Stamford. (tel: 01780 762765)

SELF-CATERING

Aunby Cottage and the Granary A beautifully restored cottage and granary provide self-catering accommodation in either two separate or one whole unit. The cottage sleeps six and the granary sleeps eight and both feature wireless broadband, excellent kitchens and bathrooms, bbqs and stabling on request. (tel: 01778 590085)

CAMPING

Tallington Lakes An exceptionally clean campsire with grass pitches and hard standing, good showers and water sports on Barholm Rd, Tallington. (tel: 01778 347000)

Road End Farm Just a stone's throw from the A1 and 2.5 miles from Stamford, Road End provides good camping facilities and is situated near a good country pub in Great Casterton. (tel: 01780 763417)

www.burghley-horse.co.uk

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