Top Five Things to Do in Stamford

2.  Tolethorpe Hall and Rutland Open Air Theatre

Located just outside of Stamford in Little Casterton, Tolethorpe Hall is a a beautiful country house.  For 800 years, the property served as the home to three highly distinguished families.  From 1088-1316 it belonged to the de Tolethorpe family.  Then until 1503 it was the home of the Burton family.  The most notable member of this family was Sir Thomas Burton.  He was a three time MP for Rutland and High Sheriff of Rutland for three terms.  After the Burtons, the house was home to the Browne family.  Francis Browne was the MP for Stamford and High Sheriff, keeping the influence of the house alive.  In 1864 the estate was purchased and a major refurbishment performed by Charles Ormston Eaton.  He reconstructed the hall and gardens and added a new wing onto the east side using the Jacobean architectural style.  The Eatons were a Stamford based banking family and eventually sold off the then disused hall and some of the land to the Stamford Shakespeare Company.  The Hall and Gardens are now well known as an outdoor Shakespearean Theatre.  The performance season has a three month long season in the Summer.  They normally perform two Shakespearean plays and a third from another nominated playwright.  What visitors say:

3.  Stamford Arts Centre

The Stamford Arts Centre is tucked away behind St. Mary's Church on St. Mary's Street.  It is difficult to find driving unless you know Stamford well.  But that is no reason to not visit.  There is very limited parking so walking is actually much more convenient.  The Centre is based in an 18th century building and houses a theatre, cinema and coffee shop and even a ballroom!!  Upcoming events include Jack and the Beanstalk, Ophelia and Lucy in the Sky.  If they don't take your fancy, there's always the Ukulele classes or poetry swaps!

4.  Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre

The Corn Exchange Theatre has luxurious seating with a capacity of 400 people.  Because the design is tiered, all rows have exceptional views.  No bad seats here!!  All levels are lift accessible so we are able to provide disabled access for the disabled, both theatre goers and performers.  The Theatre Company holds the relevant permits for many types of ceremonies, including Funeral and Memorial Services, Weddings, Civil Partnerships and renewing Vows.  If you wish to hold an event here, you can use the auditorium and the lounge.  The lounge boasts a full service bar with various beers, ciders and wines.  If you don't need the full size of the auditorium, smaller rooms are also available.  The theatre provides a venue for both professional and amateur plays and other events.

5.  Stamford Leisure Centre and Pool

Located on Drift Road near Stamford College, the Leisure Centre is run by 1Life group.  The centre has multiple facilities such as courts for badminton, volleyball and basketball as well as full exercise gym as well as the popular leisure pool.  The pool is definitely the focal point of this facility.  It is large, with a sloping bottom so as to accommodate all ages and levels of swimming ability.  In addition, the pool has a fantastic wave machine to give you that "on holiday" experience right here in Stamford.  There is also a large spiral tube slide which is a hit for all ages (subject to minimum height requirements).  On the down side, the water can be a bit chilly, but if you are active in the pool, this is no problem at all.