Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle stands on a high hill in Leicestershire, overlooking the Vale of Belvoir. The first fortress was built soon after the Norman Conquest and rebuilt several times. The present building is a grand mock castle from the early 19th century. It belongs to the Duke of Rutland, whose family has lived there since 1508. The estate covers 15,000 acres and borders Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The castle is famous for its lavish state rooms and art collection. The Elizabeth Saloon and the Roman-inspired State Dining Room are highlights. A fire in 1816 destroyed many priceless paintings. The gardens were designed by the 5th Duchess of Rutland in 1799. They include a natural amphitheatre and a rare ‘root house’. Visitors walk through grand rooms filled with historic treasures. The Regent’s Gallery and the Queen’s Royal Lancers museum add to the interest. Outside, the gardens stretch across the estate. The ducal mausoleum stands nearby, where the Manners family are buried.