Defender Burghley Horse Trials: World-Class 5* Eventing
Experience the pinnacle of equestrian sport from the comfort of our town-center holiday homes, located just minutes from the estate.
Experience the pinnacle of equestrian sport from the comfort of our town-center holiday homes, located just minutes from the estate.
Held annually in September across the stunning parkland of the Burghley Estate, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials is widely regarded as the ultimate test of horse and rider. As one of only seven prestigious CCI5*-L events in the world, this premier four-day eventing spectacle draws over 170,000 visitors, world-class riders, and passionate spectators to Stamford. Whether you are coming to witness the breathtaking Cross Country day, shop at the famous country shopping village, or soak up the incredible atmosphere, having a central, comfortable base makes all the difference.
World-Class Eventing
World-Class Competition
Watch the world's elite horse-and-rider combinations battle it out across three demanding phases: the precision of Dressage (Thursday & Friday), the heart-stopping spectacle of Cross Country (Saturday), and the high-stakes pressure of Showjumping (Sunday).
Captain Mark Phillips’ Cross Country Course
Walk the famed course through Capability Brown’s deer park and get up close to iconically formidable fences, including the Lion Bridge and the Trout Hatchery.
The Burghley Shopping Village
A paradise for country lifestyle lovers, featuring over 600 handpicked trade stands offering everything from luxury equestrian gear and tailored country fashion to fine art, homewares, and artisan artisan crafts.
Food, Drink & Pavilion Dining
Enjoy exceptional local food stalls, champagne bars, and casual dining spots dotted across the event site, ideal for refueling between rounds.
Dates: Annually in early September (Thursday to Sunday).
Location: Burghley House Grounds, Stamford, PE9 3JY (Just minutes from Stamford town center).
Gates Open: Planning Your Horse Trials Visit Daily from 7:30am (Trade stands open from 8:30am/9:00am).
Getting Around: Shuttle buses operate regularly between Stamford Railway Station and the event gates, making car-free travel simple.
Tickets & Passes: General admission, grandstand seats, and car passes should be booked in advance via the official event website.
With local accommodation booking up many months in advance for the eventing weekend, Stamford Holiday offers an unbeatable, high-end alternative to crowded hotels. Our three self-catering properties give you a calm, private space to relax after a long day on the course. Our properties feature secure, free off-street parking, allowing you to leave your car safely at home and enjoy the short, pleasant stroll into the event grounds or Stamford’s coaching inns for dinner.
Whether you're looking for a unique wedding venue in Stamford, a stunning event space, or a relaxing retreat for a family gathering, our beautifully restored property caters to all occasions.
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Discover the charm and comfort of Coach House Stamford, a beautifully designed holiday rental offering a luxurious yet homely escape in the heart of Stamford.
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Meadow House has living areas and garden offering views across the meadows in the centre of historic Stamford.
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