Stamford is a charming market town. It is known for its beautiful Georgian buildings and lively independent shops, bars, and restaurants. This town is often called the Notwolds, which compares it to the Cotswolds. Stamford has stunning buildings, impressive homes, and a warm, friendly community. You can enjoy the busy town centre or relax in the peaceful countryside nearby. This great place offers something for everyone, including good schools, easy access to nearby cities, and great transport links. In this article, we will explore the best areas to live in Stamford and the surrounding towns and villages. We’ll share our favourite local villages and answer your questions about the town so you can find the best spot for you.
The History of Stamford
Stamford has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. You can discover this history through the ancient ruins in the area. In medieval times, Stamford became an important centre for wool trading. The 16th century gave us stunning buildings, including the beautiful Burghley House.
Today, Stamford’s lovely old buildings and rich history draw many filmmakers. It is a popular place for filming period dramas like Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, and The Da Vinci Code.
For a detailed history of Stamford, please read our article: A History of Stamford.
Best Places to Live in Stamford and Surrounding Villages
Stamford is famous for its charming cobbled streets and beautiful stone Georgian buildings. The Sunday Times often ranks it as one of the best places to live in the UK. However, what makes this Lincolnshire town truly special goes beyond its old town walls.
The nearby villages offer peaceful living, and you can still get to Stamford’s shops and services easily. Whether you want to live in a lively town or a quaint village, Stamford has many choices. Let’s explore our top picks for the best places to live in Stamford and its surrounding towns and villages.
Stamford is close to Rutland, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire counties. Some of the villages mentioned might actually belong to these counties. We included them because they are near Stamford and very much part of life in Stamford.
Stamford
Stamford is often seen as one of the best places to live in the UK. It is a lovely market town with more than 600 listed buildings. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful Georgian architecture. The town centre has many independent shops and well-known brands. There is also a lively market to visit.
The Sunday Times calls Stamford “the East Midlands’ answer to the Cotswolds.” Because of this, it has the nickname the Notswolds. Stamford is home to Burghley House. This large estate is from the 16th century and was built by William Cecil. He was one of Queen Elizabeth I’s trusted advisors and served as Lord High Treasurer. Burghley House hosts many events each year. One of the most famous is the Burghley Horse Trials. This event attracts competitors and visitors from around the globe.
Stamford has excellent schools and a lively arts scene. You can find this at places like the Stamford Arts Centre and The Corn Exchange. Both venues attract famous tours. Stamford also provides easy access to big cities. This creates a nice balance in life that many people appreciate.
Stamford’s ‘St Mary’s Street’ was recently named the UK’s best high street for independent shops by American Express. Along with our fabulous shops, we also have many restaurants and bars. This lively scene draws many visitors to our area.
Wothorpe
Wothorpe is located just south of Stamford. It is a peaceful place with several beautiful mansions on the edge of the town. You can escape the busyness of Stamford here. Wothorpe is near Stamford Junior School and has a footpath leading to the town centre.
Best For: Families who want a wonderful community and seek a bigger property that has gardens and parking spaces. They also want to be near town.
Tinwell
Tinwell is like Wothorpe, with bigger houses at the edge of Stamford. You get to Tinwell from Tinwell Road, a popular street known for its beautiful Georgian mansions and views of the countryside. Tinwell is a small village that has no shops or services. Still, being close to Stamford means you won’t feel left out. You can enjoy a nice walk to Stamford on the path, or a cab will get you to the town centre in about five minutes.
Best For: People who want a peaceful life in the countryside. This is for those who need a bigger home with gardens and parking, but still want to be near town.
Easton on The Hill and Collyweston
Easton on the Hill and Collyweston are located on the eastern edge of North Northamptonshire. However, they feel very connected to Stamford, as they are only about 10 minutes (or around 3.5 miles) from the town centre. Both villages have active communities with many events and clubs. They are also surrounded by beautiful countryside with great walking trails. Collyweston features The Collyweston Slater, a charming pub and a shop run by the community.
There is a primary school in Ketton, which is close by. There are many more primary schools in Stamford. You can also find several secondary schools in Stamford and Rutland.
Best For: People who want a peaceful getaway in a charming village. It has a lively community and great transport options.
Uffington
Uffington is just 1 mile east of Stamford. The Telegraph calls it the ‘poshest’ village in Lincolnshire. They ranked it among the top 50 villages to live in Britain. Uffington is famous for its historic pub, The Bertie Arms, located right in the village centre. It also has a busy village hall filled with events and clubs. There is a historic church, a lively cricket club, and a great primary school. You can find walking trails and a play area for kids, too. All this beauty makes it a fantastic place to live.
Best For: People who want a lovely village with a lively community that is very close to Stamford.
Ketton
Ketton is a big village in Rutland County. It is located about 3.5 miles southwest of Stamford. This village is very popular in the area. It has several useful places like a primary school, a pub, a church, a library, a village shop with a post office, and a local vineyard. There are also many walking trails. Ketton includes two smaller areas called Aldgate and Geeston. A tall 150ft tower and spire from St Mary’s Church stands out in the village. There are 86 listed buildings here. Ketton also has a large sports complex and a nice playground for children.
Best For: People who want a bigger village that is close to Stamford and has amenities.
Ryhall
Ryhall is a charming village located just 2 miles north of Stamford. It is well-loved and offers many features. You will find two village pubs here, and if you walk a bit to Belmesthorpe, you can find a third one. The village also has a library, a shop with a post office, and tennis courts. There is a bowls club, a village hall, and walking trails. A primary school is available and there are sports fields where both youth and adult football teams play.
Ryhall has two distinct parts. One side has old homes full of character. The other side features developments from the 1970s, many of which have been updated and expanded by their owners.
Best For: Families looking for a safe village. This place has a lively community. It offers great value for money. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Other great villages to consider near Stamford
Every village around Stamford is great! Each one has its own feel and charm. They are all special in their own way. However, we can’t mention them all here. Some other wonderful villages to think about near Stamford are:
- Belmesthorpe
- Great Casterton
- Ufford
- Barnack
- Empingham
- Whitwell
- Exton
- Duddington
- Barrowden
- Greatford
- Tixover
- Morcott
- Liddington
What are the best shops and restaurants in Stamford?
Stamford has beautiful streets that are perfect for shopping. You will see a mix of small shops and well-known brands. If you want a special gift, look at antiques, or try local food, Stamford has everything you need. Don’t miss the markets on Friday and Saturday. You can find local cheeses, fresh bread, and much more.
Stamford has lots of dining choices for everyone. You can find cosy pubs serving filling meals and nice restaurants with unique menus. We are lucky to live in Stamford because we have so many great bars and restaurants. A few of our favourites are Spirits of Stamford, The Wine Bar, The Crown Hotel, Paten & Co, The Slanted Door, The George Hotel, Sushi & Salad, and Amore. This is just a small list. If you try any of them, you will not be disappointed!
What are the best schools in Stamford?
Stamford and the nearby villages are known for providing great education. There are several respected schools for kids of all ages. The primary schools in this area are especially popular. Many of them have received an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted.
For secondary education, you can choose from several good options. There is Casterton College Rutland, which is known for its strong performance. Another choice is Stamford Welland Academy. Stamford also has Stamford School. This school is independent and is well-known for its strong academics.
Great Casterton CofE Primary School has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.
Stamford School is an independent school. It has received an Excellent rating from Ofsted.
Casterton College Rutland Secondary School has a good Ofsted rating.
Stamford Welland Academy is a secondary school. It has received a Good rating from Ofsted.
There are several schools close to Stamford. They are easy to reach from the town and nearby villages. You can see the complete list of these schools by clicking here.
Where can I travel to?
One great thing about Stamford is its excellent transport links. Travelling is simple if you want to go to London for work or a fun day. You can get to the A1 by car in just a few minutes. The train station also has direct trains to London King’s Cross that take less than an hour.
You can reach Stansted Airport in around 90 minutes. You can go by car or take a train.
Peterborough is only 20 minutes away. You can also find Cambridge, Leicester, and Nottingham close by.
Stamford’s central location makes it easy to travel around the UK. You can easily get around by bus, train, or car. We have great connections to help you reach your destination without any hassle.
Commuting from Stamford to London
Commuting from Stamford to London is simpler than you expect. You can start by taking a train from Stamford Station to Peterborough. This ride takes about 13 minutes. Once you arrive in Peterborough, you can switch to a fast train that goes to London King’s Cross. This trip takes roughly 45 minutes.
The trip is easy and lets you work, relax, or check your emails while you travel. You can get flexible season tickets. With many people now working in a hybrid way, you can enjoy a calm life in Stamford and still find job options in London.
If you like to drive, the A1 is only a few minutes away from Stamford. The distance from Stamford town centre to London Kings Cross is about 88 miles when you take the A1.
How fast is the broadband?
In today’s world, having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial. Thankfully, Stamford offers this service. With strong fibre broadband available in most homes, you can stream, work, and connect easily. There will be no annoying delays.
Stamford has several broadband providers. This competition helps keep prices low and improves service quality. If you work from home, love watching movies, or simply want a smooth online experience, Stamford’s broadband can meet your needs.
What are the house prices in Stamford?
Stamford is a lovely town. It is popular and convenient for many people. However, being so desirable leads to higher home prices. In fact, house prices in Stamford are usually higher than the national average. This happens because lots of people want to live in this attractive town.
Nearby villages have cheaper homes. These homes still offer a good quality of life. Overall, living in Stamford is a good investment due to its great lifestyle, amenities, and strong community.
Here are some of the best places to live in Stamford and the nearby villages.
When you search for the best places to live near Stamford, you will find many options. Stamford has a lovely history and each area offers something unique to enjoy. You may like the shops, restaurants, or the excellent schools nearby. Stamford and its neighbouring villages cater to everyone’s needs. Travelling to London is simple. You will also find quick internet and homes at various prices to match your budget. Overall, Stamford is a great place to live.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stamford A Nice Place To Live?
Stamford is a wonderful market town. It has a lovely picturesque backdrop. The strong community and high quality of life make it an excellent place to live and invest.
What makes Stamford a desirable place to live?
Stamford has a cheerful high street filled with independent shops. It is the place to find the lovely Burghley House, where they hold annual horse trials. The town also has a lively arts scene.
Are there good schools in these areas around Stamford?
Yes, education standards are good. Along with respected state schools, there are choices like the well-known Oakham Schools. They also offer sixth-form programs.
How is the commute from these towns to Stamford?
Many villages can easily get to Stamford. Some people travel further to reach the Peterborough mainline station. This station connects to London and the Midlands.
What are the average property prices in these areas?
The property market is difficult right now. Stamford has higher average prices due to strong demand. Nearby villages have different prices.