Belton House
There is far more to Belton House than horse trials; it is a majestic mansion house with some immaculately kept formal gardens, acres of parkland and a wooded lake.
Its formal gardens were designed almost 200 years ago as a place of enjoyment and relaxation; and these are being recreated to their former glory.
The view of the house is so grand that it was hard to tell if it was the back or the front! It overlooked wonderfully colourful flower beds, and leading off to one side there was much more to discover........
Along the path, past the maze, was the mirror pond - there the water level was quite low when I went - but the reflection of the trees that were just starting to change colour was impressive.
Through a wooded area, you come to the lake and my favourite feature - the Boathouse; which was designed in the 1820's in the style of a Swiss cottage. This type is one of only two left in the country and is being lovingly restored at the minute.
Further around from the lake, you can see views of the parkland - that cover more than 1300 acres. It is a delight it is to see fallow deer roaming freely, there are a few hundred of them and they are all descended from the wild herd that lived there hundreds of years ago.
Next I popped in the the Parochial church of St Peter and St Paul, which dates back to Norman times and has a recorded list of Incumbents dating back to 1230. Most of the surviving monuments are of the Brownlow and Cust families of Belton. I did love this quaint church - it is well worth a look.
Back towards the house then.....................
The courtyard is a magnificent sight - especially the clock tower.
Then around to the front of the house - which offers sweeping views of open parkland. This is where you enter the house and you can also book Tours of the Basement to see what life was like for the servants below stairs. The house was built in the late 17th century for Sir John Brownlow with every aspect of a typical country home, grand rooms, ornate ceilings, wide staircases and so many items that reflected the family's wealth.
Once in the foyer of the house, known as the Marble Hall, there is what they describe as a free flow system and you can wander in any direction - Enjoy!
This wooden floor was very different!
This is the chapel that was built for times when the weather was bad and the family couldn't get to the church.
Through this window you can see the Bellmont Tower at the end of the East Avenue in the distance.
Some of the bedrooms were so lavish - with the highest roofed beds I have seen!
This original wallpaper is absolutely amazing!
Once you have been around the house there is more to explore outside. In 1742 there was a feature built resembling a ruined building with an impressive arch and stones and shrubs that were planted to make bubbling streams and waterfalls. It is called The Cascade in the Wilderness - and sounds very romantic. It was placed in such a position so that it could be seen from inside the house.
Further along from here you will find a children's adventure playground.
The old stables are now a restaurant where you can buy freshly prepared lunches as well as drinks and snacks - there is plenty of seating both inside and outside.
There is also a Gift/Garden shop with a variety of unusual items including things actually made or grown on the estate; and a second hand book shop.
A few maps that might help you.............
Belton House was only acquired by the National Trust in 1984, and at that time it was in an adequate state of repair for it to be opened to the public straight away. Only now is it undergoing various stages of restoration. It is definitely worth visiting.
For any more information - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house
Thank you for looking,
Lynne
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