Why this East Midlands village should be on every tourist’s radar year-round
Where in Britain is home to the National Trust’s largest adventure playground, two PGA Championship-approved golf courses, plus one of the world’s oldest herds of fallow deer? If you answered Belton, you’re either a local or in a minority, as this hidden gem in South Lincolnshire is but a small village. To say that it punches above its weight, however, would be a real understatement.
Less than three miles north-east of Grantham, which itself was profiled here as a place to visit a few months ago, Belton has so much going for it that it draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, and yet remains possibly one of the best-kept secrets of the East Midlands.
Even as this feature is being written, the place is coming alive, with the hugely popular “Christmas Lights Trail” returning once again to Grade I listed Belton House due to sky-high demand. On that note, coming alive is something that’s natural to this place. Yes, it looks like a village, sounds like one too, and yet it doesn’t always feel like one. There’s something in the air which conveys the impression there’s always something going on – and there almost always is. This explains its touristy charm; an under-the-radar place that’s anything but once you’re actually here.
But as we’re in December, it’d be rude not to turn our attention back to Christmas, when Belton becomes a virtual living fairytale. The after-dark trail, which winds through illuminated gardens for one mile, did actually start on November 24 but goes on until New Year’s Eve, so it’s far from done even this close to the big day. There are limited tickets still available, starting at a very reasonable £15 for adults and £10 for children. Independent street vendors sell their wares alongside, so there’s a double break for the local economy. However, the Belton House magic isn’t just a Yuletide thing, which is why this 17th-century stately home receives some half-a-million visitors each year, not to mention period drama crews filming the likes of Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice.
There’s no question that Belton is a place for outdoorsy types. As much as winter is for some the most wonderful time of the year to be here, it can be even more so when the weather’s less inclement. The adventure playground will never cease to keep kids entertained, whilst its maze does likewise for bigger kids who’ve temporarily lost their way in life. For nature lovers, if feathers are more your thing than antlers, then Londonthorpe Wood is well worth exploring. There’s even a chance you’ll see fauna a little more exotic in the form of otters and grass snakes. Peace and quiet not your thing? Go-karting, archery and mountain biking are available.
But to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, the best way to ruin a good walk is with a game of golf. If this is true, then Belton must be the best place this side of Augusta to spoil a stroll. Belton Woods and Belton Park are both courses the literary giant himself could have waxed lyrical over endlessly, despite his obvious contempt of the game. Of course, when walkies are over, there’s plenty of hotels in nearby Grantham, but if you’re not on a budget then you really should treat yourself and stay in the village itself.
You have a huge selection of one venue (unless Belton House has inexplicably started taking in guests), but it’s all about quality over quantity as there are two options within the stunning spa resort that is the aforementioned Belton Woods. If you’re after something a little different to the hotel rooms and suites on offer, the cabins which lie on the doorstep of yet another woodland offer a true taste of tranquility.
So if you thought a mere village consisting of 43 houses – plus one other very big one – couldn’t cut it as somewhere to spend a long weekend, you’ve surely got to think again. Whether you want to step back in time, out on the fairway or onto a film set, Belton proves that size isn’t everything.
The Early Whistle 