Leicestershire, England
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
The seat of the Dukes of Rutland since the 11th century, though the castle standing today is largely a 19th-century Gothic Revival rebuild after fire, perched on a hill with views across three counties. Beyond the two-hour house tour, the estate runs seasonal events - flower shows, circus performances - alongside the rose garden and an adventure playground.
The rose garden and the hilltop views - reviewers rate the grounds as highly as the two-hour house tour itself.
Book online in advance for a discount, and note parking is a separate fee payable on the day; the hills around the grounds are steep, so wear proper footwear rather than sandals.
Reviewers are consistently impressed by Belvoir's grand exterior, richly furnished interior, and expansive grounds and gardens, with knowledgeable guides mentioned repeatedly as a highlight. Several note there's a lot to see and recommend allowing the better part of a day. A couple of practical gripes recur: a paid parking fee that's crept up, some frustration with slow queuing at the entry kiosk, and an uphill walk to the castle that could be tough for visitors with mobility issues.
“Absolutely stunning gardens, well worth a visit. It sits upon a hill and the views are amazing. Looks like a well cared for place. The kids adventure playground was good too.”— Shane Hamer, visitor review
Detailed cutaway illustration of a medieval castle's rooms, dungeon to battlements.
Find it on AmazonArchitectural 3D puzzle model, stocked by UK and US retailers.
Find it on Amazon