House Talks and Tours

The Burghley Experience Guided Tour – £18 per person

Our experienced tour guides will transport your guests back in time, bringing to life the intricate history of the Cecil family and the Collections they have built over 500 years of Burghley history. Guided tours can be arranged at 10am or 2.30pm. Includes access to the Gardens. Duration: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Welcome Talk & Self-Guided Tour – £25.50 per person

A great way to begin your visit, with refreshments and an introductory talk from one of our guides. Gain insight to Burghley's history and the Cecil family before viewing the House. Tea and coffee will be served in the Loggia room, overlooking the beautiful Rose Gardens. Available for bookings before 11.30am. Includes access to the Gardens.

Duration: welcome talk 20 minutes; we recommend you allow a minimum of 1 hour for the House and 1 hour for the Gardens.

The Burghley Experience Self-Guided Visit – £16 per person

Explore at your leisure and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the House, the Cecil family and the impressive Collections. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are on hand in each of the State Rooms to answer any questions and can provide a wealth of information about the history of the room and the treasures it holds. Following your visit around the House, take in the annual Treasury Exhibition, Garden of Surprises, Sculpture Garden and beautiful Parklands.

Duration: we recommend you allow a minimum of 1 hour to view the House and 1 hour for the Gardens.

Twilight Tours – £25 per person

Great houses like Burghley were built for entertaining and are often at their best as the twilight seeps in through the windows and you are transported back in time to when the House would have seen endless evenings of supper parties and balls. A Twilight Tour offers exclusive evening access to Burghley House and allows you to experience the fantastic artworks brought to life by carefully positioned soft lighting. One of our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the State Rooms and bring to life the history and stories they hold.

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Beastly Boring Burghley (for ages 7 to 12 years) – £13 per person

A fun and fascinating tour at Burghley specifically for younger guests. A great way to introduce children to ‘horrible history’ in a beastly way! Our own Burghley Tudor lady or gentleman will lead you on an exciting journey through the House. The children can find turtle skulls in the Old Kitchen, secret animal code names in the Billiard Room, and English villains in the Pagoda Room. Includes a complimentary children’s Beastly Boring Guide Book.

Duration: 1 hour. Maximum capacity: 20 children per tour.