What to do locally / links

Whether it's historic buildings, Castles, Museums, Walks, Golf courses, fishing, Water sports, Shakespeare, antiques or adventure playgrounds, South west Lincolnshire has them all. In addition to the walking, cycling, and fishing there's loads of things to see and do.

Burghley House

Regarded by many as the finest Elizabethan House in England, Burghley House was built in the 16th Century by William Cecil, the first Lord Burghley. Now in the hands of Lady Victoria Leatham, this stunning house, extensive grounds and sculpture park are open to the public over the summer period.

www.burghley.co.uk

Rutland water

The reservoir of 3000 acres of water and 26 miles of shoreline was constructed by Anglian Water and has been developed to provide a wide range of recreational uses: walking, a variety of watersports, fishing, cycling (cycles can be hired), bird watching, children's play areas and places to picnic. There is a butterfly centre as well as the renowned bird centre with its Osprey programme.

www.anglianwaterleisure.co.uk

Stamford Shakespeare festival

A purpose-built auditorium in the landscaped grounds of the Elizabethan Tolethorpe Hall near Stamford provides the setting for the annual summer season of outdoor Shakespeare, which attracts 30,000 visitors a year. Prior to performances, theatre goers can dine in the Hall or picnic on the lawns. Tickets and details from Stamford Arts Centre.

www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

Grimsthorpe Castle

Grimsthorpe is considered to be the most important 18th Century house in the area. Architecturally of the Baroque style, it houses beautiful paintings, furniture and tapestries and is surrounded by 3000 acres of landscaped gardens and parklands. It also offers an adventure playground, cycle trails, Land Rover tours, red deer herd, woodland walking trail, refreshments and shop.

www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

More places to visit

Stamford
www.stamford.co.uk & www.stamfordonline.co.uk

Belvoir Castle
www.belvoircastle.com

Woolsthorpe Manor
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Tallington Lakes
www.tallington.com

St Martins Antiques Centre
www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk

Rutland in General
www.rutnet.co.uk

Golf in Rutland
www.rutlandcountygolf.co.uk

Places to eat and drink

The Olive Branch
www.theolivebranchpub.com

Finnan's Brasserie
www.finnansbrasserie.co.uk/
Tel: 01780 752505

Jim's Yard, 3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 756 080
(The same chefs that won the Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Red Guide 2007)

The George Hotel (Orangery and main restaurant). St. Martins, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 750750

Simpole-Clarke Orangery, Burghley House, Burghley Park, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 767386

The Crown Hotel, Red Lion Square, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 763136
(Excellent locally produced fayre. Sunday lunch a winner)

Toby Norris, St Paul's St, Stamford.
(Over 21 very traditional pub and pizza oven)

White Heart (Micro- brewery and restaurant). Ufford, Nr Stamford.
Tel: 01780 740250

Fratelli Restaurant (family run Italian). 13 St. Marys Hill, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 754333

Ask Pizza and Pasta, 9 St. Johns St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 765455

Pizza Express, 1 High St, St. Martins, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 767902

Voujon (Indian) Special deals on Wednesday nights. 26 Broad St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 757030

The Bombay Cottage, 52 Scotgate, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 480138
(Take aways available delivered to the cottages)

Raj Of India (Indian). 2 All saints St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 753556

Royal Fusion, (featuring both Indian and Thai cuisine) 47 Main Road, Uffington, Near Stamford.
Tel: 01780 766888

Hong Kong (Excellent Chinese take away). 5-6 All Saints St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 754266

Mr Pang's Chinese Restaurant (Sunday buffet special). 1 Cheyne Lane, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 766508

The Orchid (Thai). 43 St. Marys St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 757291

Viva Brasserie, 1 Castle St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 762739
Coffee shops

Stamford Arts Centre Coffee Shop, 27 St. Mary's St, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 753458

Meet me under the clock, Units 8-9 Stamford Walk, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 480050

Pennies from Heaven, 17 Maiden Lane, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 481634

Silver Lane Coffee Shop, 8-10 Silver Lane, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 757373

Truffles, 16 St Mary's Hill, Stamford.
Tel: 01780 757282