@THEOLDBUILDING
AN INSIDERS GUIDE TO STAMFORD
NOTSWOLDS GUIDES_
STAMFORD WITH
@THEOLDBUILDING
Stamford is a town best explored on foot. Wander through its network of limestone streets, duck into independent shops, pause for coffee, and you'll quickly discover why it is so often described as one of England's finest market towns.
For this guide, we asked one of the town's best loved visual storytellers, Gary Curtis of The Old Building, to share some of his favourite places to eat, shop and walk. With his atmospheric photographs of Stamford and lifelong love of architecture, Gary sees the town differently to most. These are the places he returns to time and again.
The ‘finest views’ in Stamford on Barn Hill. (L) our visit with Gary and (R) image: @theoldbuilding.
FIRST_
Explore Stamford
Stamford felt different from the moment Gary first visited as a student. After finding work in the town and making the move here, his love of history and architecture gave him a new way of seeing the town.
"I wanted to understand why Stamford made me feel so good."
The more he learnt, the more he realised that Stamford's character isn't defined by a single view or building, but by the layers of history that shape every street.
Now, 18 years later, Gary shares the places, stories and everyday moments that make Stamford so special with his community of more than 100,000 followers.
We asked Gary to walk us around the places that first captured his imagination and continue to inspire him today.
Escaping the bustle of town at Browne’s Hospital: image @theoldbuilding (L). Gary takes us for a stroll through his beloved Stamford (R).
Barn Hill off Scotgate and Broad Street
"If I had to choose one view that sums up Stamford, it would be Barn Hill," says Gary. Looking down the cobbled street towards the church, with rows of elegant Georgian buildings beyond, it's the view he returns to time and again. "It's the quintessential Georgian street."
Browne's Hospital Broad Street
On Broad Street, Gary recommends taking the passage into Browne's Hospital. Founded in the medieval period as an almshouse for the poor, it's one of the town's quietest corners. "You can come here on a busy Friday when the town is full of people, walk through the passage and it feels completely separate from Stamford," he says. "It's a lovely place tstop for a few minutes."
St George's Square off St Mary’s Street
Many visitors will recognise St George's Square from Pride and Prejudice, but for Gary it's simply one of Stamford's most beautiful streets. Framed by grand Stamford townhouses and the parish church, it's a place where the town's architectural heritage is impossible to miss.
‘On location’ at St George’s Square: image @theoldbuilding (L). The Blonde Beet's hidden courtyard offers a peaceful pause (R).
NEXT_
Coffee at The Blonde Beet St Paul’s Street
Hidden away in Stamford's Green Quarter, The Blonde Beet is a welcoming plant-based café with excellent coffee and a peaceful courtyard that feels a world away from the high street. Friendly and community-minded, it's become a much loved place to gather for locals.
"It's got a real community feel. It's friendly, low-key, and it feels like part of a little tribe."
From lush greenery at Stamford Botanics (L) to the shelves of Ink & Ember (R),
THEN_
Shopping
From the award-winning St Mary's Street to the little lanes and tucked-away corners beyond the High Street, the town is full of businesses with real character. "The best shops in Stamford feel like an extension of the people who own them. Each owner brings something of themselves to their shop and that’s what gives them so much personality."
Thoughtful gifts at Murano Silver (R) and one of Gary’s favourite places to photograph, Ode to Joy: image @theoldbuilding (L).
Stamford Botanics St Paul’s Street
Set within one of the town’s oldest buildings, Stamford Botanics feels like stepping into another world. Filled with lush plants, pots and botanical treasures, it’s the sort of place it’s hard to leave without something to take home. “Leonie's created a bit of a haven, it’s a really calm place to be. I started collecting plants about two years ago and now I probably have hundreds of them.”
stamfordbotanics.co.uk | @stamfordbotanics
Ink & Ember Maiden Lane
One of Stamford's newer independent businesses, Ink & Ember has quickly become much more than a bookshop. "It's got an energy to it. Lauren is fantastically social and she's created somewhere people genuinely want to spend time." With regular talks, events and a lively atmosphere, owner Lauren has created a place where people come to spend time as much as they come to browse.
inkandember.store | @inkandemberbookseller
Murano Silver St Mary’s Street
Just down the street from Gary's home, Murano Silver is his first stop for gifts. Having known owner Molly since before she opened her Stamford shop, he's watched it grow into a beautifully curated space with jewellery, candles, diaries, incense and thoughtful gifts. "If I'm buying a gift, this is where I come. It's not just the jewellery, it's all the other little things that make a great gift too."
Ode to Joy Flowers Ironmonger Street
For Gary, Ode to Joy is one of Stamford's most beautiful shops. From the ever-changing window displays to the scent that greets you as you step inside, it's a place that delights the senses. "It's one of my favourite places to photograph. The way it's presented is so beautiful."
Thoughtful gifts at Murano Silver (R) and one of Gary’s favourite places to photograph, Ode to Joy: image @theoldbuilding (L).
LUNCH_
Lamberts Cheyne LaneWarm, busy and welcoming, Lambert's has become something of a Stamford institution. The staff know their regulars, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it's busy all day - the queue at the door is a good sign, but it moves quickly.
"Lambert's has the best breakfast in Stamford. I'll put my name to that. And the staff are second to none."
Heading through town to explore Burghley House and the surrounding parkland, just a short walk from the centre of Stamford. Image (L): @theoldbuilding.
AFTERNOON_
Walk to Burghley House London Road
For Gary, Burghley is woven into everyday life in Stamford. Around a 15-minute walk from the town centre, the approach takes you through ancient trees, grazing deer and sweeping lawns before the magnificent Elizabethan house slowly reveals itself through Lancelot 'Capability' Brown's landscape, exactly as it was intended to. It's one of England's great houses, yet it feels remarkably accessible as part of everyday life in the town.
"We sort of orbit Burghley in Stamford. We're incredibly lucky that all this beautiful parkland is open to everyone. It's one of the most special places."
Gary captures the grandeur of Burghley House. Image (R): @theoldbuilding
AND FINALLY_
Recharge at Central Cafe & Tea Rooms Red Lion Square
Occupying a pretty historic building at the heart of Stamford, and established at the turn of the 18th century, Central Tea Rooms feels like a step back in time. With creaking floorboards, winding staircase and very tempting display of generous cakes, it captures the charm of a traditional English tearoom. Upstairs, the windows overlook the square, making it a perfect place to pause and watch the town go by.
"It gives me a massive feeling of nostalgia. It's how I imagine England used to be. It still feels really authentic."
Rounding the day off with tea and cake at Central Tea Rooms. Image (L): @theoldbuilding
The more time you spend in Stamford, the more it reveals itself. Thank you to Gary for sharing his Stamford with us. To keep exploring, follow Gary at @theoldbuilding, where he shares the architecture, history and everyday beauty of the town he loves.
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