Belton House was built between 1685 and 1688 for the 'young' Sir John Brownlow and his wife. Choosing to opt for a modest mansion than that of the Baroque palaces that were more in keeping with that time.
The house under-went several changes within its interior while under ownership of the generations of the family, these being for the sake of social standing and position and changes in tastes and fashion of the time, but the exterior of the building changed little.
After World War 1, it was apparent as with most lavish buildings of the time that the owners were finding it hard to maintain the building and ran into financial difficulties. This prompted them after several attempts to gain new interest and raise extra funds to give the house away to the National Trust in 1984, and to this date they are still in ownership of the building and they rely on donations and public admissions to the House and Gardens to maintain the house in its present state.
The House _______
Belton House is one of those places that are close in my heart. I used to visit when I was younger with my family and twenty years on I visit with my son.
In this time the house itself has changed little, however more areas are now open to the public to view and what can I say the rooms take your breathe away. With its rich tapestries, fine plasterwork and wood-carving, as well as important collections of paintings, furniture and the latest addition silverware.
There is now an opportunity for your little ones or even the big kid within yourself to partake in children's activities from the past and dress in authentic costumes.
A quick word to the wise though, pushchairs
are not allowed within the House, so please ensure that you contact a member of house staff who will lend you a baby sling. There is adequate storage areas for the pushchairs/prams to be stored during you tour of the house, so that you can use them later to explore the rest of the park.
Wheelchairs are accepted and a separate entrance is allocated for you to gain access.
Apart from the House, there are a number of other places to visit while at the house; the grounds are vast measuring approximately 35 acres, in which you will find beautiful gardens, the orangey, Children's adventure playground, miniature railway, the wildlife discovery centre, the shop and restaurant.
The Gardens __________
The gardens of Belton date back to the 17th Century although very little remains from the design of that time due to heavy flooding with the 18th Century.
Since then the gardens have taken on a new lease of life the Orangey restored and replanted; walls and garden features restored and repaired; extensive replanting of shrubberies and the statue walk and box maze have been recreated.
For me the gardens make a visit even more special. The array of colour and shape and most importantly of sensory perception is truly wonderful. I have spent many an hour wandering around the gardens, each time discovering something new. Well that is the wonderful thing about a garden; it lives and is for ever changing. I have seen the gardens within spring, summer and autumn and the changes are worth seeing. My favourite has to be the autumn though as it gives an air not only to the house but to the grandure of which it is set.
Here is a question for you all. Does anyone remember the children's program and book 'The Moondial'? Belton Gardens is where it was set and also where you will still find the Sundial that was featured.
Although the garden paths are mainly laid to gravel, access for pushchairs and wheelchairs has been made easier by using the grass as the path and wooden ramps put into place where any slope of steps need maneuvering.
Please note that Orangey doe snot have access for wheelchair users.
Adventure Playground _________________
This is my son's favourite part of the visit and sometimes mine also. While the children run off steam it is a chance for you sit back and relax in the woodland surroundings.
The adventure playground is the largest in Lincolnshire and there is something to do for whatever the age of child. From slides to tree top cabins, from Ariel slides to rope swings.
The play area also provides a chance to eat a picnic as tables are available along its length as there are in the main gardens.
As the playground is within the woodland please ensure that if it has rained the night before that you take appropriate footwear and coats, as whether it be wet or not all kids come home muddy, well they just wouldn't be kids otherwise.
Miniature Railway ____________
The railway runs again along the length of the adventure playground and is very popular with tourists. It is an additional charge of £1 per person, but is a treat for children.
To avoid disappoint ensure that you check the blackboard at the station for train running times.
The Wildlife Centre _____________
Again a must for the kids. Staff are on hand to help entertain children with arts and crafts activities all relating to the wildlife that can be found at Belton.
I found that I could enjoy the gardens for longer and keep my son occupied by taking one of the wildlife centre quizzes with me. It asks questions on all parts of the garden and encourages children to look at things more closely and is a great help with maths.
The only down fall to the centre at the moment is that its normal building is being restored, so they have been re-located. If you did not know it was there you would miss it, so please ask staff for directions.
Restaurant _________
The restaurant is clean and inviting and has access to both pushchairs and wheelchairs.
The only downside I would say is options and cost. I do not begrudge paying for a good meal, but I do cough at the fact that two slices of Jamaican ginger cake, a coffee and a juice for my son came in just under £8.
My advice on eating at Belton, would either to bring a picnic, or to visit the garden centre across the road. The Garden centre is not part of the National Trust site, but does serve wonderful meals at reasonable prices and has a small adventure trail and hens and ducks for the children to see.
The Shop ______
The shop caters for one and all; there is something that would suit everyone's taste. The only problem I find with my son is that he is into everything and some of the more delicate pieces are at heights that children can lay there hands on so please beware.
Other Information ___________
Admission _________
Admission is free to national trust card holders or as follows;
Adult £8, Child £4.50, family £22.50. Groups £6.50, child £3.50. Grounds only: £6, child £3.50, family £15.50. Winter, grounds only (not adventure playground)
Opening Times ___________
Please see the national trust website for opening times
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Contact details ____________
Belton House Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 2LS Telephone: 01476 566116
Toilets ______
The toilets are kept in very good condition and give access to all. Baby changing facilities are also available.
Overall ______
Belton House and Gardens has something for everyone. The National trust has worked hard to ensure that whatever your capability that you get access to as much as possible.
The children will be happy and if the children are happy we all know that Mum and Dad, Grandma or Grandad will be too.
The site is spread out, so ensure that you take appropate footwear. But to get exercise while enjoying the beautiful surroundings must be a plus point.
The only downfalls I see to Belton is the fact that the onsite food facilities are limited and in my experience quite costly. But bring a picnic and a football and enjoy the gardens both in play and susbstance.
Bring a camera as there is so much to photograpg outside, but please note that cameras are not allowed inside the house. I have taken a few snaps, which you will find below.
If you decide to visit let me know and i may join you . Just writing about the place, makes me want to re-visit.
Oh and for all the Mr Darcy fans out there. BCC1's Pride and Predijuce was filmed partly on site at Belton. Just think ahhhh.
Pictures of Belton House Lincolnshire
The House
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Advantages: Beautiful house and gardens, good disabled parking, a lovely family church, childrens activities Disadvantages: Short opening times for the house
Advantages: Beautiful house and gardens, good disabled parking, a lovely family church, childrens activities Disadvantages: Short opening times for the house
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (6%):
