Top marks for Stamford

Andrew Vaux visits this historic town and discovers why it’s received such positive reviews over the years.

There’s no shortage of accolades placed upon the popular town of Stamford. Scottish novelist, poet and historian Sir Walter Scott dubbed it “the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London”.

Meanwhile, historian WG Hoskins – who founded the first university department of English Local History – said, “If there’s a more beautiful town in the whole of England, I have yet to see it”. And, most recently, The Sunday Times declared it ‘Britain’s top place to live’. So, what makes the town so appealing?

RICH HISTORY
Stamford developed where the Roman Ermine Street, linking London to York, forded the River Welland.

It appears as Stanford in the 1086 Domesday Book, which means ‘stony ford’. Several Parliaments were hosted in Stamford in the Middle Ages.

Prosperity in the town was originally based upon the wool trade and then in the Georgian era the advent of stagecoach travel along the Great North Road (now the A1).

Several former coaching inns survive, their large doorways being a clue. None are more famous than The George hotel which dates from 1597, its unique ‘gallows’ sign spanning the entire road. The George occupies the site of a medieval Knights of St John building.

In 1967, the town’s extraordinary architectural heritage ensured its place as England’s first conservation area. There are over 600 listed buildings in and around the town – largely 17th and 18th century mellow limestone buildings, with some older timber framed buildings.

Stamford has the finest collection of medieval churches – five in all – of any small town in England.

The area is also known for its stone and slate quarries and the Collyweston stone slate is found on the roofs of many Stamford buildings.

SPECIALIST SHOPPING
Stamford’s narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to a variety of speciality shops, fine jewellers and designer boutiques, whilst the High Street has a great choice of independent and recognised retailers. These include:
• Harrison & Dunn (3 All Saints Street). Operating for over 90 years, this independent hardware store is a vital feature of Stamford’s community. Here you can find tools for DIY and gardening as well as car accessories, baking and cooking items and household cleaning products. It really is an Aladdin’s cave and somewhat of an institution in this small town. Harrison & Dunn is the place to go for anything you may need to keep your household running smoothly.
• Walkers Bookshop (10 High Street). Walkers is a traditional bookshop in the heart of the town. Downstairs, you’ll find magazines, newspapers, cards and gift wrap while on the first floor there is a fantastic selection of modern classics, non-fiction books, and current popular fiction paperbacks. The shop also offers an ordering service for books you may be looking for that are not currently stocked.
• Rennet & Rind (16 High Street) is an award-winning cheese shop that specialises in sourcing and maturing outstanding varieties. With an added emphasis on education alongside stocking the most delicious cheeses, the staff are keen to share their knowledge with customers. Their Mystery Cheese Box showcases produce from the finest independents and makes for the perfect gift for the cheese-lover in your life.
• Energy Clothing (9 Ironmonger Street). Opened in 1996, Energy has been a feature on the Stamford high street for almost 30 years and remains the go-to store for the very best high street designer brands.
• Katie Cardew (6 St Mary’s Street). Artist, interior designer and lifestyle brand owner Katie Cardew has been showcasing her unique designs and fun range of prints and home products at her Stamford store for a number of years. Katie will soon be focusing on her interior design business, but you will still be able to pick up one of her fabulous, stylish items before 16th February.

Stamford’s traditional street market is held every Friday on Broad Street and Ironmonger Street. The market is open from 8.30am-4pm.

There is also a Farmers’ Market held every two weeks on the same day on the High Street.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Away from shopping, there’s a wealth of activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Burghley House (www.burghley.co.uk) is a stunning Edwardian house with surrounding parklands primarily designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown.

It sits right on the edge of town, within walking distance of restaurants, shops and amenities, but set back in the most tranquil of surroundings.

Take a walk around the ancient trees in the parkland, book a tour of the house, or enjoy lunch in the delightful Orangery.

If you’re an avid TV and movie fan, it’s also worth noting that the house has been featured in Pride and Prejudice (2005) and, more recently, The Crown.

Located just outside Stamford, in the village of Ketton, stands The Rutland Vineyard (www.therutlandvineyard.com), a single-site vineyard with tasting barn and cafe. Opened in 2021, it not only offers the opportunity to taste some outstanding English wines but also a chance to learn about vine growing and about the local area with guided tours.

Tallington Lakes (www.tallington.com) is a unique activities centre with water sports and a range of different sporting opportunities on land too.

From stand-up paddle boarding in the lake to skiing and snowboarding on the dry ski slope, Tallington has something for everyone. There’s also an outdoor pool that opens in the summer and a climbing wall and tobogganing slope.

You don’t have to be an expert in any of these skills, as the instructors are on hand for one-to-one sessions if you’d like to try your luck as a beginner.

Drawing on a rich heritage dating back to the 18th century, Stamford Arts Centre (www.stamfordartscentre.com) is a thriving multi-arts venue that provides the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide selection of art forms from theatre, cinema, music and poetry to sculpture, dance, painting and drawing.

A variety of theatre productions, comedy shows and live music are performed at Stamford Arts Centre. 

Previously the centre has played host to many top comedians, including John Bishop, Jo Brand, and Russell Howard, and their regular comedy nights feature up-and-coming local comedians.

Stamford Arts Centre is also a popular venue for live screenings of theatre productions, operas, ballets and concerts. With state-of-the-art facilities for screening events from around the world with performances from some of the world’s top venues, including the Royal Opera House and National Theatre, as well as classic cinema screenings for everyone to enjoy. See our Diary pages to find out what’s on this month at the centre.

FOOD AND DRINK
After a busy day of activities around the town, you’ll be ready for some food and drink.

Orbis (11 All Saints Place, www.orbisstamford.co.uk) is a gluten-free restaurant offering a small plate menu with options such as yuzu crispy chilli squid and the incredibly popular ‘bang bang’ cauliflower. Also available is a brunch menu, with special event days throughout the year and a great cocktail selection.

During the summer, the rooftop terrace is also open for drinks at sunset.

The Slanted Door (43 St Mary’s Street, www.theslanteddoor.co.uk) gets its name from the beautiful yet slightly wonky 16th-century building it’s housed in. The restaurant is small and cosy, and with a highly-renowned chef on board, the food surely won’t disappoint. There’s also a large drinks selection, including a cocktail menu.

Lambert’s Kitchen, Deli & Coffee (www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk) is a family-run independent business with the vision to offer great food and service in a friendly and comfortable environment. Whatever the occasion, from a coffee whilst you’re out shopping, meeting friends for brunch, a family lunch or drinks with friends, you’ll get a warm welcome.

Cosy Club (www.cosyclub.co.uk) offers relaxed dining and drinking with a touch of timeless glamour. Experience their warm, welcoming service, amazing interiors and exceptional food and drink. With all-day menus featuring fresh and modern classics, extensive brunch, gluten-free and vegan menus, there’s something for everyone. As well as delicious food, Cosy Club has an abundance of amazing cocktails and tipples for all tastes.

Stamford Cosy Club is located in the former delivery office of the town’s main Post Office – a large, open-plan, industrial space that’s split into separate bar and dining areas.

There’s also a letterbox red coloured bar, and a private dining room called The Mess available for hire.
For more information about Stamford and surrounding areas, visit www.visitlincolnshire.com/destinations/stamford.

Photographs: Mick Fox

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