Grimsthorpe Castle and Park
Copyright Tim Heaton
While Grimsthorpe Castle is not truly a castle, it is on the site of a small castle which was built around 1140. The south-east tower of the present building is thought to be part of the original castle. It is located four miles north west of Bourne and it is surrounded by 3,000 acres of park, pastures, lakes, and woodland. Within the park are the remains of the Abbey of Vaudy founded in the 12th Century and destroyed during the dissolution. The castle is full of historic furnishings including paintings by Van Dyke, Holbein and Reynolds.
Copyright Tim Heaton
The castle is surrounded on three sides by gardens which include topiary, a long herbaceous border, a formal rose garden, and a walled kitchen garden. Beyond the gardens is a woodland walk. One-hour tours of the park in a minibus are available. The Family Cycle Trail offers 4, 6, and 8 mile cycling tours through the park. The deer compound has three species of wild deer and sometimes you can even feed them. The tea room serves sandwiches, cakes, and drinks.
June 10th--Classic car show July 9th and 10th--Hidden Flora & Fauna August 10th, 11th, and 12th--Antique & Collectors Fair
The castle is open April through September on Sunday, Thursday, and Bank Holiday Mondays. During the month of August it is open Sunday through Thursday. Hours: 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The park is open April and May on Sunday, Thursday, and Bank Holiday Mondays. June through September it is open Sunday through Thursday. Hours: 11 am to 6 pm. The gardens are open the same days as the park but opening time is 12 noon. For more information about Grimsthorpe Castle and its activities--Tel: 01778 591205
|
