Spring into Burghley

After a winter shut-down to give its many treasures some well-deserved R&R, Burghley House is once again throwing open its doors to the public this spring. As always the interiors are a must-see, but make sure you leave time for a stroll around the grounds – which are literally blossoming in the new-season sunshine...

Although it’s tempting to head straight for the luscious interior of the house (or one of the several amazing eateries) when you first arrive at Burghley, if you’ve never really explored the outdoors now is the time to do it. The weather is perfect for a stroll (not too hot, not too cold) and the South Gardens – closed to the public for much of the year – are open for access to the full 28 acres of spring blooms. At this time of year, this space is a veritable carpet of bobbing, sunshine-yellow daffodils, a proper tonic after the dreary grey-brown-repeat of winter.

The Garden of Surprises and the Sculpture Garden – firm favourites with visitors of all ages – will once again be open to enjoy, with the Sculpture Garden gearing up for a brand new exhibition opening this year. Kids (and big kids…) will enjoy letting off steam in the extensive and beautifully built woodland play area, Hide and Secrets, inspired by William Cecil’s life as England’s very first Spymaster.

For those wanting to delve a little deeper into what makes the gardens tick, you’re in luck – a series of specially guided garden tours begins in spring on 9 May and continues throughout the seasons with further tours on 21 and 25 July, and 26 September. This will be an absolute treat for anyone who loves gardens and gardening, or is even just looking to get more involved with the outdoors.

For a more rustic experience, the Deer Park is perhaps one of Burghley’s most understated treasures. Whilst this part of the estate is open all year round, with free entrance and parking, spring is one of the best times to enjoy it as vibrancy and colour return to the landscape. Look out for the wildlife the park is named after (the beautiful deer) and enjoy the view all the way down to the spires of Stamford – this really is the place to be if you’ve felt ‘cooped up’ all winter and want to feel a bit of space around you and fresh air in your lungs. Once you’ve got a glow in your cheeks and spring in your step, you can head back to the house to enjoy a wide variety of eats, from a sandwich on the go to a sit-down lunch, and maybe even pop into the Garden Shop to take a bit of Burghley garden magic home with you…

For more on spring at Burghley and throughout the year, visit burghley.co.uk