National Trust - Belton Estate — Local services in South Kesteven

We visited Belton House yesterday and were unfortunately not too impressed to begin with. As a family, we love visiting national trust properties and it's rare theres a problem so I'm saddened to write a very mixed review. We parked up and after a rather long journey were desperate to find some toilets. We hadn't been given a map so we mentioned this at the nearest building and asked for directions to the toilets. We were again not given a map but sent toward the children's play area and told it was right at the back of the park. Thankfully we found someone else to ask and the toilets weren't as far as we thought. (Afterwards we found toilets near the estate which would've been an easier way to send us). The children loved the park though and went on everything they could. We then had to ask a family if we could look at their map to get our bearings. We also found that a lot of the nice picture opportunities that the property had stated to tag them in, were taken over by families having picnics. Also a few groups had rearranged deck chairs, taking them all so others couldn't sit. Personally, due to this, having heart problems and needing an area to sit often, the seats were few and far between. There were plenty of picnic tables to be used instead and maybe these could be better highlighted with signs in case others are unsure. We also noticed that there are a lack of bins around the picnic areas and had to find one en route. We do understand with it being the summer holidays, there were a lot of families and most of this isn't the issue of the property. We also went to the ice cream shop. When we were arrived their were two different queues inside. We went into one of the queues with the families that arrived just ahead of us. They served all the people in front of us in the queue and when it came to us, we were simply ignored. After a few minutes, they went to the other side and asked who was next. If they'd mentioned to begin with, there shouldn't have been two queues we wouldn't have waited there so long. We were eventually served after 10 minutes. However, the whole day wasn't a downer. The estate is lovely and the house was incredible. There are some talented volunteers working there who clearly love their job. We found a wonderful man who gave us a map and told us about the area. The gardens and conservatory are stunning and it was lovely to have so many games for the children to play. A nice lady, who let my son pet her dog, also gave us some good advice and the lady who works in the second hand book shop was really good with my son, helping him pick a book. Belton House is a stunning property and we do hope to visit again in the future now we have a better insight...

Almost perfect

What an amazing place this is. I spent Fathers day here with my boy on the most amazing outdoor play area. We had a couple of train rides and played together for hours.

There was a 30min queue due to numbers being limited to go in the house itself - as only the ground floor was open, and I was with a 3 Yr old we will do that next time so no biggie.

The queue due to covid precautions was fine and it was amazing to see a venue taking it seriously. They even had people going around the outdoor wooden play areas with sanitising spray and was cleaning through out the day. Most places struggle to donthis inside never mind out, so kudos to Belton House for covid precautions, this was 5 stars!!

Masses of outdoor indoor seating for food which brings me to why it didn't get 5 stars.

The cafe is where it fell down. Food quality is amazing, though it was pricey, very. Adult and a 3 Yr old lunch, £25! Wow!! The parsnip and apple soup that we were going to share was more like apple soup with a hint of parsnip, it could have been lovely with more parsnip and it being thicker, so almost £5 wasted there. That I could let slide.

Staff communication and making of hot drinks was terrible. Person one taking orders kept vanishing, the drink making person 2, maybe a team leader, was in a right flap! When it was my turn for my drink she ended up talking to another staff member about a voucher question, shouting into the kitchen to find disappearing staff member 1, and a 3rd one who popped in and out doing what I am not sure.

At least 10 minutes went by without ANY coffee being made, but she had time to text on her phone though. No apology, no explanation of why there was a delay. I just stood waiting and looking at the other waiting customers. My 3 Yr old by this point had been in this lunch then coffee queue for almost 30mins and he did well bless him.

When we got food it was hot and bar the soup, pretty amazing.

Hoping this one a one off, but more serving staff in the cafe defo needed and some customer service training badly needed. People need to be acknowledged and informed of why the long waits, it's basic and not covid related, even if a staff shortage was. There were plenty standing chatting in the kitchen though!

Having a customer service background this did annoy me!

Only drinks, chocolate, a few cakes, ice creams and crisps currently being served at the play area cafe, so for lunch you will need to use the cafe in the main house area courtyard. (June 2021)

Anyway, flapjack, Bakewell highly recommended, and the coffee when you get it is great too. Great varied menu too.

I will go back as it hasn't put me off, we have a...

Belton House – Small but Mighty, with a Dash of Downton 🏛️✨

If you like your stately homes with a side of grandeur, Belton Estate in Grantham delivers—compact but packed with charm. Built in the late 17th century, this beautiful Carolean mansion was home to the Brownlow family for over 300 years. It’s got all the essentials: sweeping staircases, impressive portraits, and just enough opulence to make you wonder why your ancestors weren’t a bit more ambitious 👑🎨.

And speaking of ambition, did you know Grantham is also the birthplace of the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher? Yes, this quirky town mixes aristocratic elegance with a dash of political pizzazz 🔥🏛️.

Sure, there’s a bit of restoration work happening in a few rooms 🔨, but that’s just an excuse to come back and see it in all its evolving glory. The art collection is a definite highlight—expect everything from Old Masters to portraits that might just give you a knowing wink 🖼️😉. The volunteers are as friendly as they come, always ready to share a fascinating tidbit or two about the estate’s storied past 🏰😊.

The only downside? The café feels a bit like an afterthought—functional yet uninspired 🥪☕. Compared to other National Trust spots nearby, the food options are rather limited. But hey, you’re here for the house and history, not a gourmet brunch!

All in all, Belton Estate is a solid visit with plenty to admire. Just maybe...