Burghley 2012 - Tour Outfitter Recommendation

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For my 60th birthday, my wife and I are thinking about going to Burghley (we live in Louisiana, USA). We are experienced travelers but think it would be nice to have someone else sweat the details for this trip. We may stay over and go to Blenheim which, I believe, is usually the following week. In any event, does anyone have any recommendations for a tour operator who has experience with Burghley (e.g., able to get first class accommodations, VIP tickets, etc.)? And, for those in the know, we'd love to hear what places to stay you think would be best for someone wanting first class but decidedly English lodgings. Thanks.
 
Stamford is TOTALLY WONDERFUL!! Google Stamford and I think The George is one of the best hotels.. its an old coaching in.. Sorry unsure about tickets but I went to Burghley for the first time this year and it was wonderful.. enjoy your stay x
 
Hello , as far as Im aware there isnt anyone that arranges Burghley trips . But if you look on the Burghley Horse Trials website it gives you a list of hotels etc and ticket prices ( you wont be able to buy tickets for the horse trials until 2012 ) , get your hotel booked asap as the best hotels go really quick . Ive been going for 29 years and I book the same hotel the day I leave every year and the horse tickets the day the box office opens. Thursday is great to get around the shops before the rush and dressage, Friday dressage and trundle around the cross-country course so you can have a good look at the jumps , Sat abit of shopping then round the cross country , Sun , last bit of shopping then show jumping , stay for the hounds and the presentations , on Sunday you can walk the course again and actually get to the jumps ... its great , you can stand at the top of the Leaf pit ( jump 4 usually ) and stand at the top of the bank and look down ....scary!!! . If you stay an extra day the house is open on Monday and its well worth a trip around . Hire a car and drive around the area , the surrounding villages are very pretty .
See you there !!!!
 
I would stay at the George hotel (if you can get in) its an old coaching inn and first class also you can walk to the event in 15 mins. You could try the Tourist Board and ask for Stamford, Lincolnshire. I would contact Burghley direct for tickets. By the way bring the plastic the shopping is fantastic, and its not just about horses. Have a great time.
 
Definitely "The George"! for Burghley. Good idea to stay an extra day & look at the house.

Blenheim Palace is also worth a look, as is Woodstock. It's the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
 
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I live very locally (born and bred in Stamford). The George is lovely but I would guess will already be booked up. The Crown Hotel in the centre of town is also worth a look at. The Burghley Estate have also just renovated the old Lady Annes Hotel which is just prior to the Bottle Lodges entrance into Burghley - they have renamed it the William Cecil, I have not personally visited as yet but looks nice, good parking and walking distance to Burghley. Ticket box usually opens in May and all members/grandstand/hospitality packages are listed on there.
 
Some good tips, thanks. It appears that the nicer hotels in Stamford are already booked. Any suggestions for something "British" and top drawer in a nearby town? Also, is there an international airport closer, or more convenient, than London. When we spent a week at the Yorkshire Riding Centre a few years ago I think we flew into Manchester. We're trying to make this a relaxing trip so I suspect if we can avoid London altogether we should.
 
London is prob closest for airports. east Mids not too far either. Stansted is closest as it's the right side of London. However with the exception of Gatwick all the London airports aren't too far.

Driving time from Stansted is 1.30 - 45

Stapleford Park is a very 'English country house' grand hotel http://www.staplefordpark.com/hotel-estate/location.html wouldn't be too far away google maps say 35 mins, but will obviously take longer with traffic
 
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Unfortunately you will find that the George is booked solid for YEARS in advance for Burghley week. They run a waiting list by the way! Would suggest therefore that you scour hotels now and if they have availability then book before they really all do go!

Look at http://www.hambletonhall.com/. This is a beautiful hotel not too far from Burghley. To make life even easier they could probably arrange car transport for you between the hotel and the event.

Unlikely that you will get a fully organised trip like the one you are looking for but you could try finding a Concierge company in the US/UK who I'm sure would pull something together (at a price).
 
There was an American company called Equestrian Tours that brought a group to Blair Castle (Scotland) this August, and I know they run tours to all sorts of events. No idea if they're doing Burghley 2012 but worth asking I'm sure. The gentleman in charge (Bob) was lovely and they all seemed to be having a whale of a time! I found these details:
Equestrian Tours
Post Office Box 251, Hinesburg, VT 05461
Toll free: 888 721 6421
 
Herts05 said:
Look at http://www.hambletonhall.com/. This is a beautiful hotel not too far from Burghley. To make life even easier they could probably arrange car transport for you between the hotel and the event.
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This hotel was originally set up by an ex of mine who had trained at the Savoy and in Paris so very much geared to that level of hospitality. We stayed a couple of times after he moved on and set up his own restaurant - it really is superb, both in terms of food, accommodation and hospitality - I would highly recommend.
 
Anyone have any thoughts about the Bull and Swan or the refurbished William Cecil? Both have the same owner and both are very close to Burghley House. Any thoughts on why we would pick one over the other?

Also, my people came from Whittlesey several generations ago. It looks to be fairly close to Stamford, is my geography correct? We thought it might be fun to drive over there and see where my family came from.
 
We drive from near Manchester every year, and its a nice drive - across the Pennines, through Sherwood Forest and down the A1.. Takes about two -two and a half hours (depending if you hit the queues to get in the horse trials!)
 
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