A DAY IN STAMFORD WITH @THEOLDBUILDING
A Day in Stamford with Gary Curtis of The Old Building, whose atmospheric photographs and love of architecture have made him one of the town's best loved visual storytellers.
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 Gary Curtis of The Old Building to share some of his favourite places to eat, shop and walk. Known for his atmospheric photographs of Stamford and lifelong interest in architecture, Gary sees the town differently to most. These are the places he returns to time and again.
The antique campaign bed from Claire Langley Antiques, and the mini plant pot by Jess Ellis Ceramics.
Explore Stamford
The best way to experience Stamford is to walk without too much of a plan. The town reveals itself slowly through its architecture, details and unexpected views.
Coffee at The Blonde Beet
Tucked away down a narrow passage at the top of Stamford High Street, The Blonde Beet is the sort of place you could easily walk past if you didn't know it was there. Serving thoughtful vegetarian and vegan food alongside excellent coffee, it has become a favourite gathering place for the town's creative community. The interiors are as carefully considered as the menu, making it the perfect place to begin the day.
jessellisceramics.com | @jessellisceramics | jessellisceramics@gmail.com
Artichokes - Composition VI by Le Blanc Fine Art, part of the Le Manoir Collection. Dramatic boards in Blackened Oak and Walnut from Flavell Trading.
Shopping
One of Stamford's great strengths is the quality of its independent businesses. Rather than rushing from one end of town to the other, Gary recommends taking your time and exploring the streets around the High Street and St Mary's Street, where you'll find a collection of thoughtful, owner-run businesses that reflect the town's creative spirit.
Stamford Botanics
A beautifully curated plant shop offering everything from statement houseplants to pots, gifts and botanical inspiration.
Ink & Ember
An independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles, knowledgeable recommendations and the sort of atmosphere that encourages lingering.
Murano Silver
A long-established Stamford favourite known for its distinctive jewellery, gifts and collections from independent makers.
Ode to Joy Flowers
Part florist, part lifestyle store, offering seasonal flowers alongside a thoughtful selection of homewares, books and gifts.
leblancfineart.com | @leblancfineart | sculptures@leblancfineart.com
Lunch at Lamberts
Another of Stamford's hidden gems, Lamberts sits quietly down a small alley just off the High Street. Known for its warm welcome, excellent coffee and seasonal menu, it's the sort of independent café that locals return to again and again.
flavelltrading.com | @flavell.trading | info@flavelltrading.com
Bespoke handpainted dolls houses by Laura E Jekyll and the hugely popular faux bamboo fender with pleated upholstery by Sedere & Co.
Walk to Burghley House
No day in Stamford would be complete without a walk to Burghley House, one of Gary's favourite places in the area. Leaving the town behind, the route passes through parkland and opens onto one of England's greatest Elizabethan houses.
Whether you're drawn to the architecture, landscape, sculpture or simply the sense of scale, Burghley offers a striking contrast to the intimacy of Stamford's streets and is one of the region's defining landmarks.
laurajekyll.com | @laura.jekyll | laura.jekyll@gmail.com
Tea at Central
Back in town, finish the day at Central, a classic old-fashioned tea room that has been welcoming customers for generations. Unfussy, familiar and reassuringly traditional, it's the perfect place to pause with a pot of tea and reflect on a day spent exploring one of England's most beautiful market towns.
Malton Leaf from the Bruce Fine Papers x Notswolds collection. Antique egg prints given a modern twist, framed in charming art paper, from Hall & Wall.
Designs from the Notswolds x Bruce Fine Papers collab
Seeing the entire shed wrapped in the wallpapers was one of the moments the stand really came together. The collaboration between Bruce Fine Papers and Notswolds brought together traditional hand block printing with a palette inspired by the colours and landscape of the region, and people spent all week running their hands across the papers and asking for samples. By the end of the fair, samples were travelling as far afield as Australia.
The Bruce Fine Papers x Notswolds collection
The antique egg prints in art paper frames from Hall & Wall
These delightful antique prints from the 1890s were given a fresh new life in brightly coloured art paper frames drew people in all week. Lots of conversations about colour palettes, gallery walls and whether the frames could be matched to sitting rooms, kitchens and fabric schemes. For those asking about bespoke colours, watch this space.
DISCOVER CHELSEA’S FAVOURITES IN STAMFORD THIS JUNE
You’ll find these pieces, along with many more from makers, artists and craftspeople across the region, at the Notswolds Summer Makers Market this June at Claire Langley Antiques in Stamford.
The Notswolds Summer Makers Market | 19-28 June 2026
Claire Langley Antiques, Hallidays Yard, Radcliffe Road, Stamford PE9 1ED
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