Discovering Stamford — A Cotswolds-Style Gem Without the Hefty Price Tag
I’ve just returned from a place that might be one of the UK’s best-kept secrets—Stamford. Tucked away in Lincolnshire, this town genuinely caught me off guard. Walking through its cobbled streets, I felt like I had stepped into a time capsule. It has all the charm of the Cotswolds—those honey-hued limestone buildings, gabled roofs, and centuries-old pubs—but without the eye-watering price tag or the selfie-stick crowds.
Instead of celebrity-spotting or Michelin-starred menus, Stamford offers a refreshingly down-to-earth vibe. I met Evie, a bartender at the delightfully wonky Tobie Norris pub in the heart of town. She showed me old photos of the place back when it was the RAFA club in the 1950s. Her grandparents used to play war games there! And even today, you can sit by the fireplace on pew-like seats, with the original flagstones underfoot. The building dates back to the 1600s—how’s that for history?
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And speaking of history, Stamford is packed with it. With around 600 listed buildings, including timber-roofed churches like All Saints—mentioned in the Domesday Book—you feel the weight of time in the best way. I was especially intrigued to learn about Stamford’s heyday in the Middle Ages when it was a booming wool town, thanks to its location on the Great North Road. Street names like Bugle Lane even hint at the industries that once thrived here.
Of course, no visit to Stamford is complete without seeing Burghley House, a magnificent 16th-century country mansion that was featured in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film. It’s a sprawling estate still open to the public, complete with an Elizabethan-era kitchen and a curious display of tiny turtle skulls—yes, really! Apparently, the Elizabethans had a thing for turtle soup. The house's gardens, designed by Capability Brown, are breathtaking and span 12 of the estate’s 15,000 acres. I even had afternoon tea in the Orangery, with edible flowers plucked straight from the grounds.
I stayed just five minutes away at a charming hotel called Candlesticks. It’s an eight-room, family-run spot on a quiet lane, dating back to the 1700s. I chatted with the owner, Nelio Pinto, whose father came from Madeira. I mentioned wanting to hike in Madeira one day, and he just smiled and talked about how beautiful Stamford is instead—especially Rutland Water, a nearby wildlife haven.
Honestly, I left Stamford feeling like I’d discovered something truly special. It has all the beauty and history of more famous destinations, but with a warm, welcoming, unpretentious feel. If you’re looking for that quintessential English escape—without the Cotswolds' price tag or pretense—put Stamford on your list. It might just become your new favourite place.
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