Welcome to Stately Homes

Burghley House is the largest and grandest of the first Elizabethan Age, it was built between 1555 and 1587 by William Cecil, Lord Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. Cecil intended Burghley as his family seat; he also owned a London house and the remarkable palace for entertaining the Queen and Court that he built at Theobalds Park in Hertfordshire (sadly no longer standing.)

The House is a family home for his descendents to this day, Miranda Rock and her family occupy it at present; she is the daughter of the previous residents, Mr Simon and Lady Victoria Leatham, who is well known as one of the experts on the BBC Television's 'Antiques Roadshow'.

Eighteen State Rooms, many of which were decorated by Antonio Verrio in the 17th century, house a huge array of great works of art. This includes one of the most important private collections of 17th century Italian paintings, the earliest inventoried collection of Japanese ceramics in the West, rare examples of European porcelain, and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and his followers.

There are also four magnificent State Beds, fine examples of English and Continental furniture, as well as important tapestries and textiles. The house now operates on a free flow system with a guide in each room every day; guided tours are available once a day.


Burghley is happy for its superb facilities to be made available for Corporate Entertainment and Special Functions, and welcomes Enquiries.

The Grounds

The Lake was created by Capability Brown in 1775-80. He discovered a seam of waterproof "blue" clay within a natural fault in the limestone and was able to enlarge the original 9 acre pond to the existing 26 acre lake and to give everyone the impression that they were looking at a meandering river.

The Lion Bridge was designed by him, costing 1,000 guineas in 1778. Originally, coade-stone lions were used as ornamentation but these perished and the existing stone examples, made by Herbert Gilbert, a local mason, have been in place since 1844.

"Capability" Brown also designed the Orangery, in the Gothic revival style - and there you can enjoy light refreshments in what is now a licensed coffee shop and restaurant. Relax in a spacious welcoming setting overlooking the rose beds and gardens. The Orangery offers a wide range of delicious food, waitress-served in splendid surroundings, and is open between 11.00 and 16.00 - coffee, tea and light refreshments, many of which are home made, are available all day. You can enjoy lunch between 12 noon and 14.30.

Opening Times - 2010:

20th March - 31st October: Daily (except Fridays), 11 am - 5 pm (last admission 4.30 pm)

NB: A guided tour is available at 3.30 pm or 10.30 am for groups (subject to availablity)

Orangery Restaurant & Gift Shop only:
Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm
South Gardens: 20th March - 30th April, 11 am - 4 pm

Park: All year. Admission is free except on event days

Admission Prices - 2010:

Adults - £11.80
Child (5 - 15yrs) - £5.80
Concession - £10.40
Family (2+2) - £30
Group - £10

Groups Welcome (minimum 20 people)

Gardens of Surprise only:
Adult - £6.70
Child (5 – 15yrs) - £3.40
Seniors/Students - £5.60
Family (2+2) - £17.60
Group - £5.40.