Belvoir Castle
Leicestershire, England
Photo: Richard Croft, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Craigy (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bs0u10e01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Duke of Rutland (Belvoir Castle Estate)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Bottesford, 3.5 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Woolsthorpe Rd, Grantham NG32 1PA
Telephone 01476 871032
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
The seat of the Dukes of Rutland since the 11th century, though the castle standing today is largely a 19th-century Gothic Revival rebuild after fire, perched on a hill with views across three counties. Beyond the two-hour house tour, the estate runs seasonal events - flower shows, circus performances - alongside the rose garden and an adventure playground.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The rose garden and the hilltop views - reviewers rate the grounds as highly as the two-hour house tour itself.
Before you go
Book online in advance for a discount, and note parking is a separate fee payable on the day; the hills around the grounds are steep, so wear proper footwear rather than sandals.
What visitors say
Belvoir Castle reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 4,166 Google reviews
Reviewers are consistently impressed by Belvoir's grand exterior, richly furnished interior, and expansive grounds and gardens, with knowledgeable guides mentioned repeatedly as a highlight.
Several note there's a lot to see and recommend allowing the better part of a day.
A couple of practical gripes recur: a paid parking fee that's crept up, some frustration with slow queuing at the entry kiosk, and an uphill walk to the castle that could be tough for visitors with mobility issues.
“Absolutely stunning gardens, well worth a visit. It sits upon a hill and the views are amazing. Looks like a well cared for place. The kids adventure playground was good too.”- Shane Hamer, visitor review
History
Robert de Todeni · 1066
Built after 1066 on land granted to Norman nobleman Robert de Todeni, the castle passed through the de Ros family and eventually to the Manners dynasty in 1508. A Tudor manor replaced Norman ruins in the 1500s, then a devastating fire in 1816 during its Gothic Revival rebuild cost £120,000 in losses. The castle was reconstructed to largely its current form by 1832.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The car park is just off the access road and the ticket machine was near (N.B.” - Anne Marie “Journalator” Garner
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Some of the hills are quite steep.” - Shane Hamer
- Facilities
- “The tea room had a lovely atmosphere & I ordered a beef baguette & red wine, the meat was soft & fresh.” - Shabana Rayner
Common questions about Belvoir Castle
Where is Belvoir Castle?
Belvoir Castle is in Leicestershire, England, at Woolsthorpe Rd, Grantham NG32 1PA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Belvoir Castle?
Yes - Belvoir Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Duke of Rutland (Belvoir Castle Estate). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Belvoir Castle?
The rose garden and the hilltop views - reviewers rate the grounds as highly as the two-hour house tour itself.
Is Belvoir Castle a ruin or still intact?
Belvoir Castle is largely intact.
