Burghley House
Burghley Events in 2010
As less people venture abroad for the holidays, we have welcomed many new visitors this year who have discovered the splendour of Burghley House and enjoyed all it can offer. This year Burghley’s focus on family events will continue as will the strong interest in promoting local food and produce through the fine food market and craft fairs. We also see the introduction of some new events and most excitingly we are looking forward to the 2010 exhibition, Art in Miniature.
Please see below the listings of our events for 2010… we will add to these over the next few months, but hope that this will give you an idea of what we are planning for the coming year.
Most of the events below can now also be booked via our website: www.burghley.co.uk.
We will send you detailed press releases about each of these events, but please do contact me, if you need more details in advance.
Best wishes,
Silke
March
Opening of House and Gardens – Saturday, 20th March
Burghley opens its doors to visitors. The house will be open every day (except on Fridays) from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) – there will be guides in each room with guided tours available or try our brand new audio guides.
Spring Bulbs – Saturday, 20th March to Friday, 30th April
The opening of the house couldn’t come at a better time as the private South Gardens are bursting with vibrant spring colours. The display of Spring Bulbs will take place from 20th March – 30th April and the gardens will be open to the public during that time.
Art in Miniature at Burghley – Saturday, 20th March to Sunday, 31st October
This year’s annual exhibition looks at the art of painting in miniature, which in late 16th-century England, was considered by many to be the highest form of pictorial art. The exhibition will be centred on the world-class miniature paintings that form part of the collections at Burghley.
Complimenting the miniatures in their setting will be examples of miniature works of art of all kinds: ceramics, silver, jewellery, scientific gadgets and even furniture. These will illustrate the timeless fashion for craftsmen in many fields to produce objects on a tiny scale as a demonstration of their skills.
Burghley Fine Food Market – Saturday, 27th – Sunday, 28th March
A true celebration of local produce with exciting food stalls by quality food producers in the Courtyards at Burghley. Amongst the fine cheeses and irresistible cakes this year you will find exclusive Burghley venison and new Burghley Champagne. Visitors can enjoy browsing and tasting at the bustling food market, whilst appreciating the magnificent backdrop of Burghley House. The restaurant will be open for lunch or coffee and it’s also a great opportunity to go for a stroll in the park.
Open 10am-4pm; free admission.
April
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt – Easter Sunday, 4th April
The Burghley Easter Egg Hunt event is back due to popular demand! Taking place in the Gardens of Surprise and Sculpture Garden, the Egg Hunt will provide lots of fun (and yummy eggs) for children of all ages.
The Easter Egg Hunt is included in the cost of a normal House and Gardens or Gardens only ticket on the day.
May
Burghley Craft Show – Saturday, 1st to Monday, 3rd May
Burghley hosts the Living Heritage Craft Show in May. Huge marquees are erected in the park and are filled with up to 100 craftsmen such as artists, designers, jewellery makers, glass blowers, basket makers and many more, demonstrating their crafts and giving you the opportunity to buy some unique products. Not forgetting the children’s entertainment, puppet shows, string marionette displays and plenty of Blue Peter style make and take opportunities!
Race for Life – Sunday, 16th May
Burghley will again be a venue for the Race for Life. Help raise money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the race through the stunning Burghley Park – is there a better reason to get fit?
To take part, please contact Cancer Research UK 08705 134314.
Burghley Game and Country Show– Saturday, 29th – Monday, 31st May
Burghley’s grounds are hosts to the Living Country show again this year. The show is all about the countryside with falconry displays, gundog clinics, archery and many more country pursuits providing a great day out for the whole family.
July
Battle Proms Concert – Saturday, 10th July
This year’s Battle Proms promise to be as big and bold as ever with spitfires, cannons, cavalry and fireworks. The Battle Proms concert remains the only concert in the world to fire over 200 cannons to music – an unforgettable event.
August
Festival of Surprises – Saturday, 31st July to Sunday, 15th August
A whole fortnight of special events in the Gardens of Surprise, especially designed to keep the kids happy during the summer holidays. It will be a celebration of fun in the gardens with lots of children’s workshops and activities. Think jugglers, face painting and story telling!
Free with normal admission tickets.
Burghley Fine Food Market – Saturday, 28th & Sunday, 29th August
Another opportunity to check out some of the best local produce. The Stable Courtyard will once again be the backdrop for the wide range of food stalls, creating a relaxed but bustling market atmosphere.
Open 10am-4pm; free admission.
September
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials – Thursday, 2nd – Sunday, 5th September
The most famous Burghley event in your diary. Burghley Park will once again stage the internationally renowned Burghley Horse Trials where this year William Fox-Pitt will be looking to climb back up the leader board. In addition to the dressage, show jumping and cross country events, Burghley Horse Trials are now just as famous for the fabulous shopping on offer, with everything from wellies to saddles and jewellery to art.
The house and gardens will be closed over this period.
For further information, please check out www.burghley-horse.co.uk
October
South Gardens open – Friday, 1st – Sunday, 31st October
For the first time, Burghley will open the private South Gardens in October to enjoy the stunning autumn colours. Wrap up warm and enjoy a walk with the backdrop of Burghley House throughout October.
Flower Festival – Monday, 4th – Sunday, 10th October
The State Rooms will showcase a glorious selection of autumnal flowers by local flower societies, which will show us the best of Autumn colours inside as well as out!
Free with a house and gardens ticket.
Gulliver at Burghley – Monday, 25th – Sunday, 31st October
To celebrate the 2010 exhibition, ‘Art in Miniature’, Burghley will host a week of half term activities with the theme, ‘The World in Miniature.’ Swift’s 1726 novel, Gulliver’s travels has stood the test of time as a true classic and throughout the week at Burghley children will enjoy a week of activities looking at a world in which they are often the giants!
Free with a house and gardens ticket.
Last opportunity to visit Burghley in 2010 – Sunday 31st October
The house closes at the end of October and it’s also the last opportunity to see this year’s Art in Miniature exhibition. Why not make a last visit to see Burghley and also enjoy an autumn walk around the park.
November
Christmas Shopping starts at Burghley – Wednesday, 3rd November
The Burghley gift shop will be open over the Christmas season on Wednesdays through to Sundays (11am-4pm) throughout November and until Sunday, 19th December. The shop is packed with perfect presents to suit all tastes. This, together with free, easy parking will make Christmas shopping a real joy! The Orangery is also open, so you can enjoy a well deserved drink or meal after all that shopping.
December
Crafts for Christmas and Burghley Fine Food Market – Thursday, 2nd December to Sunday, 5th December
The annual Christmas craft fair returns. There will be a fantastic selection of beautiful crafts and great gift ideas. You will be able to find the perfect presents for everyone on your Christmas list. You will also be able to stock up on some great food treats for the festive season at the Fine Food Market. And once you have finished all your shopping, why not treat yourself to some delicious Christmas food in the Orangery restaurant, where the Reid brothers always make sure that all their guests enjoy the Christmas festivities.
Tickets available for all events at www.burghley.co.uk
The house is open daily (excluding Fridays) from Saturday 20th March to Sunday 31st October (with the exception of the 2nd-5th September during the Horse Trials) from 11am to 5pm. The last admission to the house is at 4.30pm. The house has guides throughout the State Rooms.
Admission Charges: Adults £11.80, Children (aged 5-15) £5.80, Retired Visitors/Students £10.40, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £30.00. Adult Party rate £10.00.
Please note that the house will be closed on Fridays.
Burghley, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, has been the home of the Cecil Family for over 400 years and is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. It houses a huge collection of great works of art, including one of the most important private collections of 17th century Italian paintings, the earliest inventoried collection of Japanese ceramics in the West, exceptional 18th century furniture and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and his followers.
www.burghley.co.uk / telephone 01780 752451/ email: burghley@burghley.co.uk
For further information and images, to arrange an interview with
Miranda or Orlando Rock, or for special ticket offers,
please contact Silke Lohmann on 07932 618754 or silke@exclamationpr.co.uk
or Jemma Tuomey on jemma@exclamationpr.co.uk.