Coronavirus: Belvoir Castle gardens will remain open this weekend

Belvoir Castle has announced its 16-acre garden landscape will open for visitors this weekend.
Belvoir Castle PHOTO: SuppliedBelvoir Castle PHOTO: Supplied
Belvoir Castle PHOTO: Supplied

Capability Brown’s spectacular ‘lost landscape’ garden design for the Leicestershire historic attraction will be open this weekend from 10.30am to 4pm for visitors to explore. The gardens are at their peak in spring when they burst into life with narcissus, camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias.

The castle will be closed until further notice to protect the health and wellbeing of visitors and staff.

The Fuel Tank restaurant at the Engine Yard artisan shopping village is now offering a takeaway service, as well as free deliveries within 10 miles of Belvoir Castle.

A new walking leaflet has also been made available on the Belvoir Castle website featuring walks around the surrounding countryside.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, said: “We face unprecedented and challenging times due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the situation changing daily, we are all having to take steps in order to help limit the spread of the virus. Belvoir is no exception, and we have had to take some difficult decisions in order to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff.

“We have therefore decided to close the castle until further notice. Our gardens remain open at weekends, with free admission for children.

“I would like to reassure you that the decision to close the castle has been taken in the best interest of all of our visitors, staff and tenants. We will be posting updates as soon as we have them on our website and social media, so please look out for these.

“On behalf of everyone at Belvoir, I would like to thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.”

The gardens at Belvoir Castle were designed and landscaped by the 5th Duchess of Rutland, Elizabeth Howard, and regarded as one of the greatest gardens north of London in the 18th century. Over the years, the gardens have been lovingly cared for with several duchesses leaving their own mark. The 11th Duchess is determined to continue redeveloping these beautiful gardens to restore them to their former glory.

Adult tickets are £12, with a 10 percent discount for those who buy tickets online. Children are free.

Visit www.belvoircastle.com and www.engineyardbelvoir.com for more information.