BELVOIR (Beaver) Castle

Our accommodation, Lodge Cottage, is owned by David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland who lives at Belvoir Castle just up the road.

There has been a castle on this site since 1066 but has been rebuilt three times, the latest taking place from 1801 to 1832. Should point out that Belvoir is pronounced ‘Beaver’ as the locals were unhappy with the French influence at some point. Belvoir Castle sits in 15,000 acres in the North East corner of Leicestershire. It is in the heart of England’s fox hunting terrain and whilst the countryside and shops all reflect this, when we were there it was a big Land-rover event that was taking place at the Castle estate. Land-rovers and Range Rovers everywhere.

Candice booked a tour of the castle and an ‘afternoon tea’ luncheon. We had a look about before the tour started at 11.00 am. The tour guide was so informative and entertaining. She had a background in fine art so was particularly good with the paintings. There is just so much history here.

Before we left Candice lent me a copy of ‘The Accidental Duchess’. The current Duchess of Rutland was a farmer’s daughter and it is her story. She has had five children to the Duke and although they are now separated she still lives at the castle and runs the commercial activities of the estate. Very much still the Duchess and no doubt keeping her children’s futures secure.

Whilst we were on the tour we were constantly interrupted by guests who had stayed overnight to celebrate the Duchess’s 60th birthday. Judging by the cases (circa 1960) awaiting collection at the entrance these English aristocrats are quite thrifty and not worried about the latest look in luggage trends. We even got to say hello to the Duchess as she rushed through to see her guests off.

After the interesting tour we headed down to The Avairy Cafe for our High Tea champagne luncheon. A delicious treat and a nod to the fact that it is thought afternoon tea was first conceived of here at Belvoir Castle.

After a good long walk around the grounds (where we saw the family enjoying time together by the pool) we called in at the Belvoir Farm shop complex for a cool drink and to purchase some cheeses to have with our leftover loaf for dinner. The shops here were a lot cheaper than those in London so might come back for a browse tomorrow.Read more