The Vale of Belvoir (pronounced locally as "beaver") forms part of the counties of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and is right in the heart of the English countryside. The name Belvoir dates back to Norman times and means "beautiful view".
The Vale itself is the home of Melton Mowbray pork pies, Stilton cheese, superb pubs, fine local ales and fruit cordials. More and more people are discovering the Vale of Belvoir, enjoying the beautiful countryside and discovering the fantastic food the region has to offer.
We thought you might like to find out more about our beautiful area on some of the websites below.
Please Note: By using these links, you leave this website. Dickinson & Morris is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Melton Facts
In February 1645, Sir Marmaduke Langdale commanding a Royalist force of 1,500 men inflicted severe losses on the Roundhead garrison at Melton Mowbray. Around 300 men were said to have been killed. Legend has it that Ankle Hill derives its name from the depth of blood spilt!
Melton Mowbray & Vale of Belvoir Visitor Guide
http://www.porkpie.co.uk/melton-visitorguide.pdf
Places to visit in the town and surrounding area.
Stapleford Park
http://www.staplefordpark.com
Secluded in the heart of some of England's most attractive and enjoyable countryside, Stapleford Park Country House Hotel and Sporting Estate, provides standards of hospitality & elegance found in only a few hotels & resorts around the world. Steeped in history, the hotel boasts 55 unique individually designed bedrooms reflecting the style of their creators with such famous names as Crabtree & Evelyn, Mulberry and Savoir Beds.
Sysonby Knoll
http://www.sysonby.com
An Edwardian house set in 5 acres of grounds with river frontage. This friendly, family owned luxury hotel has 30 bedrooms offering a superb standard of accommodation and service, resulting in a number of awards over the past few years.
Vale of Belvoir
http://www.valeofbelvoir.co.uk
Information on accommodation, pubs / inns, places to eat, local attractions and food.
East Midlands Food & Drink Festival
http://www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk
The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2007 successfully transferred to the new venue at Brooksby Hall. Chairman Matthew O'Callaghan said "This year's Festival has confirmed the event as the largest Regional Food Festival in the UK." The theme for the 2008 Festival is 'Diversity: the Food and Cultures of the East Midlands' and takes place 4th - 5th October 2008 at Brooksby Hall.
Gourmet Trail
http://www.gourmettrail.co.uk
The finest food and drink establishments in Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire; from Michelin star restaurants and traditional inns to luxurious country hotels and gastro pubs.
Hidden England
http://www.hiddenengland.org/thingstodo.asp
Set in tranquil parklands and ornate English gardens, each of the five historic homes of Hidden England is unique and together they offer a thousand years of living English history and English heritage. All are within an hour's drive of both Melton Mowbray and one another, with picturesque towns, delightful villages and magnificent countryside in between.
Belvoir Castle
http://www.belvoircastle.com
The family home of the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. Magnificent views, glorious gardens, military treasures, stunning staterooms with impressive art, tapestries, furniture and sculpture all make for a great family day out.
Rockingham Castle
http://www.rockinghamcastle.com
450 years a Royal castle and 450 years a family home. A visit to Rockingham Castle is a fascinating journey through the evolution of a building from Norman fortress to English country home.
Hambleton Hall
http://www.hambletonhall.com
Hambleton Hall is one of Britain's finest country house hotels. The restaurant is a haven for gourmet and wine lovers and the rooms combine comfort and style.
Barnsdale Lodge
http://www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk/
Originally a 17th Century farmhouse, now converted to a superb 44 bedroom hotel and restaurant situated in its own graceful and tranquil gardens with splendid views of Rutland Water.
CAMRA
http://www.paint-the-town-red.org
The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. There are several small local breweries and lots of excellent pubs selling real ale in the Vale of Belvoir.
Melton Online
http://www.meltononline.co.uk
Melton Online is a community website supported by Melton Borough Council, providing information for Melton residents, businesses and visitors.
Go Leicestershire
http://www.goleicestershire.com
Explore further afield in Leicestershire - you'll be surprised about how much there is to see and do!