First trip to Burghley, coming from U.S.... I have questions!

Wassail

Wassail

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I have a few questions about Burghley if I can get some guidance it would be much appreciated.

The horse inspections -are they open to the public? If they are, where are they held?

I was thinking about renting an electric scooter for my dad who is in his 70's. We haven't made a reservation but I see on the vendor's website that they are still available. I may just wing it and hope that they're not all reserved on Saturday. But my question is, where are they allowed to go? At Rolex the shuttles took you on an abbreviated loop which was still really helpful for him given the size of the course.

The course walks - we would LOVE to do the one with Lucinda Green on Wednesday. Do they restrict the size of the group or is it a mob scene? We didn't make advance reservations - are we out of luck?

We're arriving on August 29 so we have some time to sight-see. Any not-to-be missed locations around Stamford? And we would love to dash into London for a day and do a package tour to see the highlights. Any advice on the best way to do this? We did rent a car so I thought we'd drive in, stash it somewhere and hop a tour bus. Bad idea?

Any tips for first-timers are welcome!

We're staying in Ryhall which looks to be a very easy distance from the Burghley estate. Yay.
 
I'm sure you will enjoy Burghley! let's hope the weather stays fair for us. Would be good to hear from you as to what you thought when your visit is over :)

If you think you need a mobility scooter on the Saturday then I urge you to book it in advance. I needed one a few years ago (leg in plaster) and they were fully booked even a few days before - they are an absolute godsend and can go everywhere that the general public can go - i.e all round the course (staying behind the ropes obviously). They also have useful baskets on the front for filling with your shopping!

Not sure about the Lucinda coursewalk - I had heard that she'd had a fall at Hartpury last weekend and was in hospital but I don't know how serious that is. She is a legend though and I'm sure she will be at Burghley if at all possible - so worth doing.

Go to London - get the train from Peterborough - takes 45 mins. If you hire a car leave it at Peterborough station don't drive into London ;) Oh and take your Dad to lunch at The George in Stamford - it's lovely and very 'English' :)

Hope you enjoy your trip!
 
Echo all that isz has said and just to add - the horse inspections are open to the public. They are held in the main arena on Wednesday afternoon (usually starts about 4pm) and on Sunday morning (usually about 8.30-9.00am).

Have a great time :)
 
Horse inspections take place in the main arena and they are open to the public.
First inspection is on Wednesday at 4pm and the final inspection is on Sunday at 9am, although I imagine you need to have grandstand tickets for the Sunday to see that one.

Mobility scooters are sold out for the XC day, and you are meant to advance book, this may be difficult for you as it has to be done by post. I think the scooters will be able to go anywhere (depending on ground conditions!)

I'm not too sure about the course walks, the Burghley website says that you hae to advance book, so you may have unfortunately missed out. Hopefully someone else can help you out with that one, or maybe contact Burghley through the website.

Also not sure about what to see in Stamford, I know that the town centre is gorgeous! So definitely take a wander round there. Maybe you could have a look round Burghley house?
No idea about London I'm afraid!


Hope this has helped a tiny bit!
And enjoy Burghley, you'll have a brilliant time!
 
I too echo ISZ and M_M, I also recommend you book a mobility scooter sooner rather than later as they do get book up.

Have a great time and yes let us know what you think....
 
Wow, you all are wonderful!

After reading your advice re: the scooters I just sent a groveling email to the vendor to see if they could pretty-please add one more. I didn't realize the scooters could go almost everywhere or I'd have booked one long ago. Dagnabbit!

Lucinda Green - I rode with her years ago in a clinic. She was ah-mazing. And last year I was outriding at Fair Hill*** on my horse who lost his left eye.. she came over to chat and had all sorts of questions about his abilities. She took such an interest! I was gobsmacked. Anyway, I thought I read on the website that you could sign up the day-off. I'll go back and read that bit again.

Great idea on taking the train into London - will do. And lunch at the George - consider it done!
 
You've had some great advice already - just some few things to add.

Driving into London - DON'T - not only will you have the hassle of the byzantine road layouts and congestion charges (basically an emissions tax), but you'll also have to deal with all the roadworks as London gets itself ready for next summer. Take the train from Peterborough to King's Cross and then either travel by underground, bus or cab. Also, book your open-topped bus ride now - the lines will be horrendous as it's the height of the tourist season.

Lunch/dinner at The George in Stamford - not sure if you can, but book. It's not a huge place and thousands (no exaggeration) descend on Stamford for Burghley.

Plan on getting to the grounds early on cross country day (and by early I mean when it opens) - the roads around Burghley are not large (often country lanes) and the traffic is very heavy and slow. If you time it right, you'll get a decent place to park and can then snaffle a bacon sandwich (British bacon is so different from American bacon and makes a fab sandwich) and mooch around the shops as they open (or watch the vet inspection - but you'll need to be early for that too - it's generally standing room only especially on Sunday).

If you do manage to get a scooter for your Dad, don't be afraid to get out on the course - there are licensed bars, food stalls and toilets stationed at strategic points so you really can spend all day out there watching the action. In addition, there are a couple of points on the course where you can see several jumps at once - most notably by the sunken road - ideal if your Dad gets a little tired and you want to hang for a bit.

Oh and enjoy!

P

P.S. As a transplated American (sort of) myself, I'm keen to hear how you think it compares with Kentucky . . . and here are a couple of pics from the last time we went ;).

Burghley House:
BurghleyHouse2.jpg


BurghleyHouse.jpg


William Fox-Pitt on Tamarillo (winners - he's won both times we've been so I'm hoping we'll be a lucky charm again this year!):
WilliamFPTam.jpg


WilliamFPTam2.jpg


Andrew Nicholson going across country:
AndrewNicholsonBurghley.jpg
 
Echo getting the train to London advice.

The George at Stamford does allow non residents to dine. Reservation recommended.

If you would like more "history" after Stamford, Cambridge and Warwick Castle are both easy drives from Stamford.
 
Train it is! I hadn't thought about booking the bus tour now so great suggestion.

Will contact the George straight away - it sounds divine.

It looks like the mantra for the entire event is "go early." So noted. My non-horsey husband and mom will be delighted when I boot them out of bed at the crack of dawn. :)

I'm stoked the horse inspections are public.

We will love the more historic sights so we'll add Cambridge and Warwick Castle to the 'must do' list. Thank you.

Thrilled to hear there is food and toilets along the course. At Rolex you had to leave the course if you wanted to eat anything.

Getting increasingly bummed about the scooters and that I didn't book one when I had the chance. Shoot! My dad is a real sport but I'd like to maximize his comfort if possible. I will see if I can persuade the vendor. Ugh.

PolarSkye those pictures are getting me juiced! I watched CMP's online course walk yesterday - the course looks technical and huge. I canNOT believe Cottesmore Leap! No seriously, my brain simply shut down.

I will absolutely check back in when we're home with a report but I can already tell it will be fabulous. :)
 
I had a thought re your Dad . . . see if you can get hold of a shooting stick - that way he can "sit" at regular intervals and you guys don't have something cumbersome to carry.

Basically you spike it into the ground, open the "seat" end and sort of prop your rear end up. Failing that you could try a portable folding seat.

http://www.gamebird.co.uk/acatalog/Conventional_Shooting_Sticks.html

http://www.gamebird.co.uk/acatalog/Folding_Seats.html

Not sure how infirm your Dad is, but these may help . . .

P
 
Oh, fabulous idea! Geez, why didn't I think of that?

We also got a membership package, mainly for the advantage of the forward car park.

I emailed the The George to see about reservations. It looks like coat and tie for gentlemen at dinner?

P.S. Have to admit I'm getting curious about those bacon sandwiches.
 
Thank you Teapot. I was just about to send off an email to them but... I don't think we can get one of them in our smallish rental car with four adults. And now I'm having a visual of my dad toodling down the road in a scooter with all the cars and causing all kinds of traffic snarls.

Where is everyone seeing that the scooters are booked for xc day? Not that I don't believe you! But clearly I'm missing it.
 
In addition to all the great suggestions here I would add:
If you get to Burghley by 8am (and you want a change from breakfast in your hotel), then head to the Members enclosure as its open to all for Breakfast. You get a great view of the house (providing it isn't shrouded by early morning mist) - they also have "proper" loos.

If you can't get in at the George, try the Olive Branch in Clipsham. Not too far away and its a fabulous country pub which serves amazing food.

Another lovely place to visit is Oakham - again not too far to drive and a lovely market town with great and quirky shops and restaurants.

Don't forget Rutland Water which has beautiful walks and f the weather is good you will be spoiled for good scenery

Echo the advice around not driving into London, trains are so much quicker and more comfortable.

Have a lovely time, I've been going for years and for many people here in the UK it really is an annual pilgrimage :))
 
Highly recommend early morning breakfast in the members area especially cross country day, its also a great place for tea in the afternoons or a drop of something a tad stronger, good for lunches too! They have Tv's with live action in there too. Cambridge is well worth a visit, steeped in history and very easy to get around, there is a park and ride scheme which is well worth using and drops you right into the centre. London, definitely take the train then hop on the tourist open topped bus, you will get to all the main sites, book in advance.
At Burghley there are also events going on in ring two, Thursday is pony club show jumping, Friday its the Burghley young event horse classes see if you can spot a future champion, then Sunday various different classes. During Saturday you can sit in the grandstand and watch the big screen action around the course and see live action in the arena. Have fun.
 
don't forget lots of money and a very large empty suitcase :) your'll find things that you have to have that you will never use...... - we always come back with a car full , and i second the olive branch super duper :D
 
Damn US companies and their stingy vacation policies - clearly we need to stay another full week.

I'm soaking all this advice up! I think we'll need to have several lovely meals so the Olive Branch must be tried too.

TarrSteps I love me an egg sandwich, I assumed the bacon sandwich had egg and cheese with it but now I realize that was a silly assumption. Really, just bacon and bread? Well, I'll give it a go anyway. :) When in Rome!

And tea, of course we must have tea! We'll be in England afterall and tea is not a concept that has caught fire in the U.S.

Cheeseandhorses - I am not a big shopper, not at all actually but even I was tempted by the shopping vendor list on the website. Some realllllly yummy stuff. It's only money, right?

My husband is a serious biker and found a high end bike shop nearby so he is hoping to rent a bike and do some training rides while we're there. Probably an excuse to get away from our incessant horse-chatter. Can't blame the poor man.

The more y'all contribute with your wonderful suggestions the less able my mind is able to focus on work. Sigh. You're so lucky to live in a country that has such a grand tradition of equestrian sport. In the US if you say that you ride you usually get a blank stare.
 
Wassail said:
TarrSteps I love me an egg sandwich, I assumed the bacon sandwich had egg and cheese with it but now I realize that was a silly assumption. Really, just bacon and bread? Well, I'll give it a go anyway. :) When in Rome!
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Yup, bacon, bread and usually ketchup. Tbf, lots of places will make you a bacon, egg and cheese if they have the fixings but they'll look at you funny.

And tea, of course we must have tea! We'll be in England afterall and tea is not a concept that has caught fire in the U.S.
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Just don't ask for "hot tea", then they really will look at you funny. (Don't do that in Canada, either - it's a totally American concept to have iced tea as the default tea setting.) But I would highly recommend a "cream tea", where the actual tea is by far the least exciting bit.


You're so lucky to live in a country that has such a grand tradition of equestrian sport.
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Well, it's going to look that way at Burghley. ;)
 
oodles of great advice already. all i'd add is: get Member's passes if you haven't already (the deadline has passed but if you ask nicely and explain that you're from the U.S. they may be kind and make an exception!) The pass allows you to park much closer to the tradestands, arena, etc.
if you want to watch the SJ you need to book stadium tickets. you can watch for free from the stands without seats (standing room only) but that might be a bit much for your dad? you can get into certain stands for the Dr and XC with member's tickets. there's always a xc combination fence in the main arena and a huge tv screen showing some of the other action so it's a great place to sit for a while and avoid the huge crowds imho. Saturday is BUSY!
most of the eateries are in a big U shape on the hill below the tradestands and arena, there's a huge screen there too so you can sit in the sunshine (hopefully) and watch the action. there's a few xc fences just below that area too, fences 5-7 ish usually (Discovery Valley i think it was called for the last couple of times.)
The atmosphere at Burghley is amazing, I have been lucky enough to be behind the scenes a bit here and there and the riders say that it has a more 'end of term' feel than Badminton. This year's is going to be particularly awesome though because of huge foreign contingent because of London 2012. I can't wait, it's going to be fantastic. :) :) :)
actually, we really do need to organise a bit of a HHO meet-up maybe...
 
Ooooh, I'm all over this like ketchup on a bacon butty ;)

Burghley is amazing. Are you coming over specifically for the event or for other reasons too? It is well worth it whatever!

Everyone has covered the main points - the members badge is a definate plus (the loos are much better!) and I can really recommend the dressage seats with the headsets as the commentary is informative and frequently hysterically funny!

It is also worth checking out the young event horse classes in the other ring on the Friday.

With respect to toher things to do whilst you're here - I may be a bit biased because I live pretty close - but Cambridge is well worth a visit. It is truely beautiful and you can go punting on the Cam which is delightful.

Enjoy :D

P.s Bacon and Egg and CHEESE?!?!:p
 
Agree with lots of what has already been said:)

I live in Oakham so am 'local' and go every year:)

Just a few things to add

The George - you maybe disappointed at getting in here for anything as it is booked year on year and they have the rider dinner there but there are lots of great places to eat in Stamford or drive to Oakham - if you want Michelen stars you can go to Hambleton Hall or Stapleford Park - otherwise there are plenty of other good options in the villages etc:)

If your OH like biking send him to Rutland Water - can hire bikes there of all sorts and spend his time riding round the lanes etc they are used for a big interntional road race so should keep him entertained:)

The pub in Ryhall used to do good food - haven't been for years though:o

London - deffo get the train - you can go from Stamford changing at Peterborough if you don't want to drive to Peterborough:)

As you have members tickets you will be able to see the screens from the enclosure so if it gets to much or no luck with the mobility scooter you will be able to see the action from there in comfort:) Shooting sticks and collapsible chairs can be bought from a choice of stands there:) SJ tickets will have sold out a long time ago:o but there is the public stand on the sunday - usually only have to stand to watch the final 15 or so:) as you have members tickets you get free access to the stands for dressage:)

If you want THE best bacon or sausage roll for breakfast head to the Grassmere stand in the food section - is locally grown pork and just the BEST:D:D:cool:

Other then that wear comfy shoes!:D:D:D

I hope you have a fabulous time:D happy to answer any more questions you have:)
 
Ooooh, yes I forgot about the Food Hall. You will get many "British" (and other cuisines) tastes there. Lots of freebie tipples and nibbles too so you can try before you buy :D Can recommend the Newmarket Sausages and the Cider... and the Ports... and the Cider... and the Whisky... and the Cider (are you begining to see a theme ;) )
 
Yes, we're coming over specifically for Burghley. My dad and I are the 'horsey ones' and basically mom and husband are indulging us.

And yes, we got the membership package and now I'm glad, listening to everyone here it seems like it was well worth it. My dad has been working out since the winter to get strong for the trip so hopefully we don't have to depend on the monitors too much, but it's great to know they're there. I ordered tickets the day they became available to the public so we have rockin' stadium seats for Sunday!

Slinkyunicorn -what is the name of the road race? And thank you for the alternatives to the George in case we're shut out there. The Green Dragon is the pub that is just a minutes walk from the house we rented but the only thing I could find online was a sad little review. My parents are getting there a few days ahead of me and I got them tickets to Stamford Shakespeare. They're seeing Hamlet, wish it could have been Pride and Prejudice- sorry Hamlet.

zxp - If I try the cider will you try a bacon, egg and CHEESE sandwich? :) I swear they're delicious. Actually I prefer alittle sliced ham in lieu of bacon...

And cream tea? Hello that sounds incredible. And I appreciate the tips on the cultural divide TarrSteps. :) We're looking forward to sampling the local fare.

Again, appreciate all the advice, it's invaluable. I'm raising a cyber-glass of wine (er, cider) to you all!
 
I think its called the Melton Road Race?:confused: It is held around May every year - it starts in Oakham and ends in Melton - my friend who road races competively rates it highly (although he does say its for mentalists as they do 30mph on country lanes which are full of hazards apparently :rolleyes:) - the guys at the bike shop on Rutland Water will know all the details as well as having all the routes etc :)

Tolethorpe Shakespeare is lovely :) - tell you parents to buy the Stamford Mercury when they arrive - its the local paper and will have whats going on and where etc around Rutland and Stamford - will have useful phone numbers etc :)
 
That's a deal Wassail. I am looking forward to my unusual sandwich now :D

If you see two blonde girls wandering around with cider in their hands, one tall and slim (not me!) one slightly shorter and slightly chubbier (that is me :p ), walking around with a mini black and tan daschund (who is probably sampling the newmarket saussages :D ) come and say "Hi"!
 
Wassail said:
TarrSteps I love me an egg sandwich, I assumed the bacon sandwich had egg and cheese with it but now I realize that was a silly assumption. Really, just bacon and bread? Well, I'll give it a go anyway. :) When in Rome!
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You've got to put sauce on it (brown sauce, tomato sauce on bacon is just weird, only put tomato sauce on a roll and sausage).
 
I really hope you enjoy yourself. Burghley is the best weekend of the year for me, so I'm sure you will :)

If you do come to Cambridge and want restaurant recommendations, let me know what sort of food you like. Also, some of the colleges are just beautiful and well worth a tour.
 
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