Belvoir Castle Gardens near Grantham

Located in rural Leicestershire's Vale of Belvoir, Belvoir Castle has been the home to the Duke of Rutland's family since 1067. Pronounced 'beaver', its name derives from the meaning 'beautiful view' in French and dates back to Norman times.

Over the centuries, Belvoir's formal gardens have undergone several major changes, with most Duchesses leaving their mark. Elizabeth (5th Duchess of Rutland) commissioned the Rev Sir John Thoroton to terrace the gardens in 1815 – and later on, Violet the 8th Duchess commissioned the renowned Edwardian garden designer Harold Peto (1854-1933) to create the gardens seen today.

The extensive grounds feature much beauty, including statuary, topiary, David Austin roses within the magnificent Rose Garden and a Japanese Woodland. Additionally, in 2013, original Capability Brown designs were discovered in the castle archives, which have since been brought to fruition by the current Duchess of Rutland and her dedicated team of employees and volunteers. The stunning vistas of the landscaping Capability Brown had planned for Belvoir can now be enjoyed on a series of walks through the gardens and grounds.