Belton House, Grantham

Having just joined the National Trust we were given the guide book and tried to decide where to visit first. When we found out that Belton House had the biggest adventure play park in Lincolnshire we knew it had to be there! It has a very nice house which dates back to the 17th Century and pretty grounds. We briefly looked in the house but although my history mad son loved it, my toddlers were not so keen. There is a coffee shop and gift shop in the house court yard. The best bit about the house is the adventure play park which stretches on for ages. Just when you think you have got to the end you find there is more. Slides, zip wires, swings and more slides its just so much fun for both younger and older children. There is also a little train that chugs up and down a little track. If you want to visit its definitely worth joining the Natioanl Trust, as its £21 for a family of 4 to visit the grounds, or free with a NT membership. Take a picnic, a ball to play with on the fields and you can spend a lazy summer day in the great outdoors!

Belton House As family members of The National Trust we have regularly visited Belton House over the last few years. Our visits have followed a very similar format. First availing ourselves of the magnificent outdoor adventure play area; which has features suitable for toddlers, big kids and adults who have an aversion to growing up gracefully and who enjoying showing up their kids. The zip wires seem to have a particular appeal to dads of a certain age! After that we usually set up our picnic in the beautiful grounds, sometimes watching the Sunday afternoon cricket match. This would be traditionally followed by a kick about with a ball or a little Frisbee throwing and maybe a chill out in the sunshine weather and children permitting. We had never until recently stepped inside the house itself. Our recent visit started in accordance with our usual pattern only to be curtailed by the wonderful British weather. With the onset of heavy rain we in desperation decided to drag our 3 reluctant children around the rather grand and imposing house. With some trepidation we went inside to be greeted by a friendly volunteer who offered to guide us around the house. Our 8 year old who enjoys history at school (and can name every Tudor monarch ever crowned along with their life story!) immediately launched himself into a rigorous interrogation of the unsuspecting guide. The house and its history were fascinating, the children soon lost their glum faces as the guides very knowledgeably and patiently dealt with their overzealous questioning. I was particularly impressed with the detailed information we were given, and the relaxed manner in which all the guides accommodated the children. This visit was a revelation and a far cry from the uncomfortable stuffy atmosphere we have encountered at similar venues. We all thoroughly enjoyed this visit and we learnt quite a lot too. For once the inclement British weather did us a favour.

Really is an amazing house, if I remember right it is used for filming movies as well

Belton House is just stunning. What a beautiful property and amazing grounds. I wish I could sit back and read here all day! Alas, someone smaller than me has been here before and knows of an adventure playground! (and that is when I can bring out my book!!) The adventure playground has everything you can possibily imagine and more! It is huge!, not just any huge, big time huge! After being told to 'go away' when helping my son climb a rope, I took his advice and sat back on a blanket under a tree and watched the kids have a great time. Running from swing to climbing frame, I want one of those playgrounds in my back garden! The staff here are very friendly too. My son left his hat in one of the rooms at the house and it was found and returned to us without hesitation. Thanks Belton House for making the family welcome each and every time. We will keep coming back as I'm never going to have a garden quite that size!