ABOUT US
A warm welcome from The Duke & Duchess of Rutland
We feel very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir’s many centuries of history.
Belvoir’s story began when William the Conqueror gifted the land to his standard bearer Robert de Todeni, the first Baron of Belvoir. The castle you see today was built for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland between 1801 and 1832. Before this, three other castles stood here. The first was originally constructed to defend its Norman owners from attack.
The castle stands on the very nape of a high hill, steep up each way, partly by nature, partly by the working of men’s hands
Despite war, fire and family squabbles, Belvoir remains one of our country’s finest Regency castles. We are enormously privileged to call it home and enjoy sharing it with five children, many dogs and a few horses!
You are very welcome to explore the castle and estate. Throughout the year you can join our special tours including ‘what the butler saw’ and ‘above and below stairs’ – this gives you a glimpse into the life of the Manners family and what really happens beyond the walls.
For lovers of the outdoors, there are many new walks through our formal gardens on the castle terrace and into the woodland through the Japanese, Duchess’s and Hermit’s gardens. The Duke’s Walk is three miles and allows you to take in all the gardens with stunning views.
It’s a very special place. Belvoir Castle isn’t just our ancestral home, it is also somewhere to come together and share celebrations. The castle and surrounding parkland play host to a range of country pursuits, corporate events and wedding parties, as well as featuring in films including the Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria. There’s truly something for everyone here.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we still do.
HISTORY
Dating back to Norman times, Belvoir Castle has been an ancestral home for 36 successive generations.
STEP BACK IN TIME
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF RUTLAND
Custodians of the Castle, passionate about history and proud supporters of British traditions
INTRODUCING THEIR GRACES
THE ESTATE
Discover 16,000 acres of parkland, woods and lakes in the beautiful Belvoir Estate.
EXPLORE THE ESTATE
ART AT BELVOIR CASTLE
Marvel at paintings, sculptures and furnishings passed down through the generations.
DISCOVER OUR COLLECTION
CHARITIES WE SUPPORT
Across the globe and closer to home, the Duchess is patron of two very special charities.
FIND OUT MORE
COUNTRY PURSUITS
Choose from a range of traditional country pursuits in and around Belvoir Estate.
SEE WHAT’S ON OFFER