Grimsthorpe Castle Park and Gardens

A hall more than castle now. Well furnished and still lived in by the owner. Been in her family for over 500 years. The picture portrait is of the Baroness in the time she inherited it. Great garden area with a lake. Well looked after. Cafe at the entrance with fare prices and pleasant staff. A well stocked kitchen garden shop. Well worth a visit into South Lincolnshire.

· via Google

We’ve been to Grimsthorpe Castle a few times now, and it’s one of those rare places that rewards repeat visits. The approach alone sets the tone: a huge, well‑organised car park (a small joy), and for those who need it, a little land‑train shuttle that ferries visitors from the car park to the house like a genteel theme‑park ride for history lovers. The castle itself is a glorious architectural patchwork. The oldest bit, King John’s Tower, dates to the early 13th century, when the site was a proper defensive stronghold. The estate passed through medieval hands until Henry VIII granted it in 1516 to William Willoughby, Baron Willoughby de Eresby, along with the hand of Maria de Salinas, lady‑in‑waiting to Catherine of Aragon. Their daughter Katherine later married Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, who rebuilt large parts of the house in the 1530s. But the real showstopper is the north front, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh (of Blenheim Palace fame) in 1715 — all theatrical scale and classical swagger. It’s the kind of façade that makes you stand a little straighter. Inside, the house is packed with paintings, tapestries, furniture, and even thrones from the House of Lords. And this is where a guided tour makes all the difference. The rooms come alive when someone tells you who sat where, who schemed what, and which duke commissioned which architectural flourish. Left to your own devices, it’s impressive; with a guide, it’s a living story. A favourite for a reason. Grand without being stuffy, historic without being dusty, and welcoming from the moment you park the car.

· via Google

Lovely few hours spent in gardens and park. I walked 6 miles. Would be a great place for outdoor yoga. Adventure playground well equipped. Very well trimmed bushes! I sat outside and ate lunch from the cafe truck...made a new friend, Freya, she was very beautiful....and very hairy. Bought a few gifts from the farm shop.

· via Google

Went for Baston Car Show - very good show. Lots of really nice cars and a good variety. Got to see a small portion of the castle, which was really nice and very well kept. Good day out.

· via Google