Just 30 minutes from Nottingham, Belvoir Castle is celebrating a record-breaking year in its vineyard while welcoming visitors to explore one of the UK’s most remarkable historic estates.

The estate’s vineyard, planted six years ago on a prime east–west slope beneath the castle, has rebounded strongly in 2025 after a weather-hit 2024.

Harvesting began three weeks early this year, with grapes ripening under hot summer conditions. Production is set to exceed expectations, building on the estate’s growing reputation for high-quality English wines.

But Belvoir Castle is more than a vineyard success story. Rising above the Vale of Belvoir, the Regency masterpiece has been home to the Duke of Rutland’s family for almost a thousand years. Today it offers an immersive visitor experience blending history, landscape, and leisure.

placeholder image — Belvoir Castle's vineyards

Gardens and walks The grounds feature formal gardens designed for every season, including the Duchess Garden and Rose Garden for colour and fragrance, and the Japanese Woodland for peace and seclusion.

Visitors can explore trails such as the Spiral Walk and Duke’s Walk, which open up sweeping views across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. On clear days, Lincoln Cathedral can even be spotted 30 miles away.

Events and experiences Belvoir has become a hub for year-round events. Seasonal highlights include open-air theatre, family trails, artisan markets, and Christmas festivities that transform the castle into a festive showpiece. Afternoon tea in the castle adds a refined touch to any visit, while the estate’s parkland and gardens offer space for family days out.

A Taste of Belvoir Alongside its wines, Belvoir produces honey, preserves, and premium rare breed beef, much of it available on site. The Duchess of Rutland has been central to developing these ventures, aiming to showcase the estate’s produce as part of its living heritage.

“People know Belvoir for its incredible castle, but it is also a working estate with so much to offer,” said the Duchess. “From exploring the gardens and walks to tasting our wine and local produce, we want visitors to experience the full story of Belvoir.”

Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland and the family have lived there in an unbroken line for almost one thousand years. The original site was gifted by William the Conqueror to Robert de Todeni in 1067, and the present structure was built between 1801 and 1832. | Kmtextor

A landmark destination Familiar from screen appearances in The Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria, Belvoir Castle remains one of the East Midlands’ most spectacular destinations.

Whether it’s history inside the castle walls, tranquillity in the gardens, or excitement at one of its many seasonal events, Belvoir offers a day out that blends heritage with contemporary appeal.

With its vineyard thriving and its visitor programme expanding, Belvoir Castle is cementing its place as a must-visit attraction—where history, landscape, and innovation meet in the heart of the English countryside.

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