Away from the bustling cities that make up large parts of the UK, there is a collection of charming towns and villages that offer an idyllic day out, and some have even been used as filming locations.

Most of us are familiar with the university city of Cambridge, and perhaps its neighbouring commuter city of Peterborough, but not far from these urban areas is the picturesque town of Stamford. Nestled in Lincolnshire, less than an hour from Cambridge, it offers cobbled streets, delightful independent shops, cosy bars, and a thriving food scene that adds to its enduring allure.

At a glance, Stamford is postcard-worthy with its 17th-century stone and Georgian architecture. It’s earned the nickname “mini Bath” – a city in Somerset known for similar characteristics. Stamford is packed with independent shops where you can pick up soy wax candles, ceramic vases, vintage furniture or a unique gift for a loved one – Nook is often a hit with visitors.

Additionally, it has a range of high street stores from Oliver Bonas, White Stuff, Mountain Warehouse, New Look and The White Company, for a spot of shopping, whatever your preference. Nestled among the shops is a catalogue of coffee shops that can’t go unmentioned.

From Fika serving up scrumptious brunch or coffee outside on warmer days, to the snug Scandimania Coffee House, which provides the perfect spot to people-watch, or to grab a coffee before a brisk autumnal walk. To the Cornish Bakery with an exquisite collection of savoury and sweet bites, to Freckleface Coffee Co for a croissant or pastel de nata.

When it comes to restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice; foodies won’t want to miss Paten & Co, where you can order a mouthwatering brisket of beef during their Sunday lunch service, with all the trimmings.

Or why not try the King’s Head, famed for their juicy burgers – we recommend the gravy dipping burger, or burger crumpet for something a little different! They also have an extensive selection of beers to enjoy in their cosy pub tucked behind a Stamford church.

The Slanted Door is another favourite, where you can order small plates, enjoyed on the terrace in summer, or opt for their fine dining option inside their trendy restaurant. Orbis Stamford is another great option with tapas dishes from “flavours around the world”, or the Turkish restaurant Zada, for lamb koftas or charcoal grilled chicken.

You can easily spend a day wandering the streets of Stamford with its gently bustling atmosphere, where locals catch up over coffee or with a stroll to Burghley House, just a short walk away. The stately home, which is referred to as “one of the grandest houses of the 16th century”, offers visitors the chance to take a tour inside the grand establishments, explore the stunning gardens, or simply walk around its surrounding grounds for free.

Burghley House is so spectacular that it has been used as a filming location on numerous occasions, for both television and film. Some credits to its name include Pride & Prejudice, The Da Vinci Code, The Flash and the 2025 movie Frankenstein.

It has also been featured on the hugely popular Netflix series The Crown and appeared on Top Gear. During the festive months, Burghley House hosts its Christmas Fair, with wooden cabins filled with artisanal and unique gifts adorning its grounds for a shopping experience like no other.

This year, Burghley Christmas Fair will run from November 27 to 30. But there’s plenty to admire in Stamford if you can’t make the festivities, even if that’s wandering along the cobbled streets before a cosy pint in their charming pubs, or a little pre-Christmas shopping spree to find those special gifts.