Romance under the stars in a classic country setting - Burghley Film Festival

Burghley Film Festival

Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze have proved superstar soaraways in Stamford – with movie tickets for Top Gun and Dirty Dancing a sell-out at this summer’s Burghley Film Festival.

But while the Saturday night double bill might now be sold-out, there is still a chance to have a date under the stars with Audrey Hepburn or Ryan Gosling… with England’s greatest Elizabethan house providing the romantic backdrop.

One of the country’s most beautiful cinema locations is back this summer as the picturesque South Gardens at Lincolnshire’s Burghley House is transformed into a magical open-air venue.

Five nights and four days of fabulous films (30 July to 3 August 2014) offer the chance to watch everything from the acclaimed ‘War Horse’ to Monty Python comedy ‘The Holy Grail’.

But on the opening Great Romantics night (Wednesday, 30th July) where better to have ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, starring screen legend Audrey Hepburn and Hollywood leading man George Peppard, than in the classic setting of an English summer garden?

If that’s not enough, the second screening is ‘The Notebook’ with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. One of the ‘weepiest films in Hollywood’, it offers a chance to relive that sizzling onscreen romance – and banish recent behind the scenes talk of off-screen rows!

Even better, early bird tickets are still available, saving £2 on the gate price. Until 29 July, tickets are £10, while on the gate tickets cost £12. Child tickets are £4, in advance or on the day.

To go along with the fabulous films, Burghley will also be offering fabulous food.

During all screenings, the Great British Barbecue will have summer outdoor favourites, with all the meat sourced from local producers, while summer nights would not be complete without jugs of Pimms. Also on sale will be cold beer, wine and cocktails.

For full details of all the movies, and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Be a movie star at England’s greatest Elizabethan house - Burghley

Burghley Film Festival

Unleash your inner Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Garner or Tom Cruise and dress for the part to win a private tour of England’s greatest Elizabethan house – and watch smash-hit movie blockbusters in a spectacular outdoor setting.

One of the country’s most beautiful cinema locations is back this summer as the picturesque South Gardens at Lincolnshire’s Burghley House is transformed into a magical open-air venue.

Five nights and four days of fabulous films (30 July to 3 August 2014) offer the chance to watch everything from the acclaimed ‘War Horse’ to Monty Python comedy ‘The Holy Grail’.

Burghley Film Festival might launch with The Great Romantics (Wednesday, 30th July) - a chance to share a night under the stars with Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ or Ryan Gosling in ‘The Notebook’ - but for a chance at your own starring role, Retro Revival Night (Saturday 2nd August) must surely have top billing.

Come in costume for ‘Dirty Dancing’ or ‘Top Gun’ and you could win your very own private tour of Burghley plus a special afternoon tea for two in the Orangery Restaurant.

So, if you ever fancied being ‘Maverick’ or ‘Iceman’ from ‘Top Gun’ or keen to have the ‘The Time of My Life’ as ‘Baby’ from ‘Dirty Dancing’, then Retro Revival Night is the one for you!

Even better, early bird tickets are still available, saving £2 on the gate price. Until 29 July, tickets are £10, while on the gate tickets from 30th July cost £12. Child tickets are £4, in advance or on the day.

Double bill presentations will offer family-focussed shows during the day, including ‘Despicable Me 2’, while evening screenings also feature ‘Bourne Identity’ and ‘Argo’.

To go along with the fabulous films, Burghley will also be offering fabulous food. During all screenings, the Great British Barbecue will have all the summer outdoor favourites, with all the meat sourced from local producers.

Summer nights would not be complete without jugs of Pimms, and also on sale will be cold beer, wine and cocktails, while to keep the children happy, snacks, popcorn, ice-cream and new home-made fruit juice slushies are sure to prove popular.

Make a weekend of it and stay over to enjoy the Film Festival as well make the most of everything else the House and Gardens has to offer. The William Cecil (www.thewilliamcecil.co.uk), situated at the original entrance gates to Burghley, is only a 30-minute stroll through the parkland from the House and the Festival. The Bull and Swan (www.thebullandswan.co.uk), just down the road in Stamford, offers a more relaxed atmosphere and great pub food too.

Gates open for the daytime sessions at 10.30am and remain open until 4.30pm with daytime film tickets giving access to both screenings during the day. Gates for the evening session open at 5.30pm and tickets for the evening session give access to both evening screenings. Limited numbers of tickets are available for each session. The House and Gardens will also be open every day during the Festival and can be visited on a normal admission ticket.

For full details of all the movies, and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

The full Film Festival line-up: 
Wednesday, 30th July – The Great Romantics: 6.00pm Breakfast at Tiffany’s (PG); The Notebook (12A). Thursday, 31st July – 11.30am Monsters University (U); 2.15pm Despicable Me 2 (U). Python Night: 6.30pm Monty Python and The Holy Grail (12); 8.15pm Monty Python’s Life of Brian (15).  Friday 1st August – Action and Espionage: 11.30am Incredibles (U); 2.15pm Johnny English (PG); 6.30pm Bourne Identity (12); 8.40pm Argo (15). Saturday 2nd August – 11.30am Epic (U); 2.15pm Stardust (PG); Retro Revival Night: 6.30pm Dirty Dancing (12); 8.40pm Top Gun (PG). Sunday 3rd August – ‘Great’ Britain: 11.30am The Little Mermaid (U); 2.15pm Bedknobs and Broomsticks (U); 7.00pm War Horse (PG).

Burghley House is open until Sunday 2 November 2014, daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £13; children (3–15 years) £6.50; seniors/students £11.80; family (2 adults & 3 children) £35.

Beaulieu's Hunt For Car Stars of TV and Film

Mr Bean's Mini

The 'flying' Ford Anglia from 'Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets'

Reliant Regal van from Only Fools and Horses

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is on a mission searching for new vehicles to join its popular On Screen Cars exhibition. If you own or know of a vehicle that has starred in a television programme or film and you would like to see it displayed alongside other car stars in the exhibition, then Beaulieu wants to hear from you!

All vehicles which have been ‘on screen’ are welcome to be put forward for consideration, from TV cop cars, to children’s favourites. Any new vehicles added to the exhibition will be joining a famous cast of vehicles from a number of different television shows and films.
The family of Harry Potter star, Rupert Grint, have loaned the Harry Potter ‘flying’ Ford Anglia for the display, which was used during the making of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.In the film, the enchanted flying car is stolen a number of times by Ron Weasley, on one occasion to rescue his friend Harry Potter from the Dursleys’ house, and on another to return to Hogwarts after the gate to Platform 9¾ is sealed by house elf Dobby.

In real life, the car’s history has been almost as exciting! In 2005 the car was stolen, but was later recovered after being dumped by the thieves, probably due to the media interest surrounding it. The Grint family bought it after this incident and loaned it to Beaulieu for display.

Sharing the spotlight with the Anglia is TV favourite, Mr Bean’s lime green mini. This particular car was used in the character's third series and made its first television appearance on 1st January 1991.

Another TV favourite on display is Del Boy’s beloved Trotter Van. Possibly the nation's most famous three-wheel vehicle, this Regal van (mistakenly referred to as a Robin) featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. It was the sole transport for the Trotter family of Del, Rodney, Grandad and Uncle Albert, until Del Boy later went ‘upmarket’ and purchased a Capri Ghia.

To put a vehicle forward for consideration, please contact the PR Department, either by emailing pr@beaulieu.co.uk or calling 01590 614603.

On Screen Cars can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which also includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens. Visit www.beaulieu.co.ukfor further information.

Pack a picnic and tuck in to the popcorn… or treat yourself to a luxury foodie feast with fizz at Burghley’s summer film festival

Four days of fabulous films from Bond to children’s favourites will transform England’s greatest Elizabethan house into one of this summer’s best outdoor cinema settings.

But along with a film feast featuring 15 movies over four days and nights in August, Lincolnshire’s Burghley House aims to provide a food feast too, including luxury picnics - and the tasting of the final menu has just been completed!

Each day during the Festival at Burghley - on the edge of the Georgian stone town of Stamford - there will be two family films, while for a night at the movies an evening ticket will cover two additional films more geared to adult audiences.

Of course, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the spectacular outdoor setting, but during all film showings Burghley’s great British barbecue will offer perfect summer BBQ food, with all of the meat sourced from local producers, while in the evenings there will also be delicious Ottolenghi style salads as well as a host of other options available.

For an extra special movie treat, those who really want to celebrate in style - and let someone else do the work - can pre-order a special three course Burghley picnic for two.

It’s a chance to settle back to watch your chosen movie on the big screen while you tuck in to a three course feast that starts with a tantalising trailer including marinated lucques olives, organic crudités, pitta chips and bruschetta fingers with fresh tomato and basil salsa.

Followed by the main presentation of lemon marinated English goat’s cheese with chargrilled artichoke hearts, poached salmon with ribbons of cucumber and shaved fennel tossed with a lemon dressing and a superfood salad with crispy greens and pea shoots.

And the end credits of delicious homemade chocolate brownie and strawberries with Rodda’s clotted cream, all washed down with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine.

The Film Festival Luxury Picnic (serving two) costs £80 and must be booked online.

Burghley’s Great British BBQ will also be selling hot food during all performances as well as snacks, popcorn, ice-cream and homemade fruit juice slushies to keep the children happy, while no summer evening would be complete without Pimms as well as cold beer, wine and cocktails.

The big screen will be set up against the backdrop of the magnificent Elizabethan house overlooking the beautiful South Gardens, Capability Brown lake and the sweeping parkland beyond for the Film Festival, 1-4 August 2013.

Movies include A Night of Royal Entertainment (Thursday 1st August) featuring The Duchess and The King’s Speech; Bond Night Fever (Friday 2nd August) with Casino Royale and Skyfall; Sing-a-long-a-Sensation (Saturday 3rd August) showing Grease and Rocky Horror Picture Show; and Les Mis Under The Stars (Sunday 4th August) starring Les Miserables.

Daytime showings range from Disney blockbusters Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 to all time favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and smash-hit Shrek.
Early-bird buyers can still take advantage of specially priced tickets available online now from Burghley’s website - saving £4 per ticket before 30th June and £2 per ticket before 31 July, compared to the on-the-day price.

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults until 30th June; £8 until 31st July and £10 on the gates. Child tickets are priced at £4. For full details of opening times and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk

The House is open from Saturday 16th March to Sunday 3rd November 2013 daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £12.70; children (3–15 years) £6.50; seniors/students £11.50; family (2 adults & 2 children) £34.

‘You're The One That I Want’… Grease is the word for a night of movie sing-a-long sensations this summer

Get out your best party gear, brush-up on your lyrics and get set for a night of movie sing-a-long as a film feast transforms Lincolnshire’s Elizabethan Burghley House into a stunning outdoor cinema.

Film will take centre stage from the 1-4 August 2013 when a big screen will be set up against the backdrop of the magnificent Elizabethan house overlooking the beautiful South Gardens, Capability Brown lake and the sweeping parkland beyond.

Each day during the Festival at Burghley - on the edge of the Georgian stone town of Stamford - there will be two family films, while for a night at the movies an evening ticket will cover two more films more geared to adult audiences.

And the picturesque grounds are set to be alive with the sound of music on Film Night Saturday (3rd August) when “You're The One That I Want” and “Summer Nights” will bring some “Greased Lightnin'” – with a touch of “Time Warp” for good measure!

Offering the ultimate cinema party atmosphere will be those soundtrack favourites and more from sing-a-long greats Grease (PG) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15).

For those who really want to celebrate in style, filmgoers can dress for the occasion and pre-order a special three course Burghley picnic, which includes a bottle of fizz… so all you need to do is bring out the picnic blankets!

Along with the best of British – and international – movie entertainment in a beautiful British setting, there will be plenty of great food on offer too, freshly prepared by Burghley’s caterers Absolute Taste.

During all film showings Burghley’s great British barbecue will offer perfect summer BBQ food, with all of the meat sourced from local producers, while in the evenings there will also be delicious salads as well as a host of other treats available.

No summer evening would be complete without a jug of Pimms and there will also be cold beer, wine and cocktails.

Early bird buyers will be able to take advantage of specially priced tickets available online now from Burghley’s website - saving £4 per ticket compared to the on-the-day price.

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults until 30th June; £8 until 31st July and £10 on the gates. Child tickets are priced at £4. For full details of opening times and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk

The Treasure Houses Of England - As Seen On Screen

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

As well as being among the finest palaces, historic houses and castles in the country, the Treasure Houses of England have also provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable screen and television moments of the past quarter of a century.


From iconic television series like ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (Castle Howard) to blockbuster films like ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (Blenheim Palace) the Treasure Houses of England have become ‘stars’ in their own right.

Among the most familiar properties is Hatfield House in Hertfordshire which was used recently as a filming location for Anna Karenina with Kiera Knightly and Jude Law and the multi-Oscar-winning hit ‘The King’s Speech’ starring Colin Firth.   It’s many other credits include films from The Libertine, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, My Week with Marilyn to Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider, Batman to more traditional costume drama with Vanity Fair.

Visit Beaulieu for ‘On Screen Cars’ to view the actual ’Flying’ Ford Anglia that featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Also on display; Mr Bean’s notorious Mini and television’s most famous set of three wheels from Only Fools and Horses – Del Boy’s Reliant Regal.  Beaulieu is also extending its hugely popular and critically acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition for 2013, an exclusive, official showcase of 50 original James Bond vehicles including cars, boats, motorbikes and jets.

Blenheim Gulliver's Travels
® 2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Blenheim Palace’s impressive film credits include Harry Potter, The Young Victoria and Gulliver’s Travels. Discover how it becomes transformed by Hollywood’s finest in a brand new exhibition – “Lights, Camera, Action” opening on the 9th February until 1st April.  Talks, tours and special activities will explain how the palace has played out everything from murder to mayhem and action adventure.

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

From historical films to modern movies, Burghley brilliantly brings history to life on the big screen courtesy of its original Elizabethan buildings and inspiringly eclectic interiors. Wander in the starlit footsteps of the famous who have featured in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth: The Golden Age and relive various movie scenes for yourself.

Castle Howard is particularly famed for its role in Brideshead Revisited, in the acclaimed Granada TV production in 1981 and again in the 2008 movie by Ecosse Films.  A new exhibition brings together the story of restoration at Castle Howard and the filming Brideshead Revisited.  In this exhibition visitors can witness the extraordinary transformation of the High South, from derelict rooms to film set, learn about the great fire of 1940 and subsequent restoration in this part of the house, and discover how Evelyn Waugh’s famous novel came to be filmed not just once – but twice – at Castle Howard. Other notably movies filmed at Castle Howard include The Buccaneers and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties

Chatsworth recently aired a popular and prime time behind-the-scenes TV series giving the BBC authorised access to its 30,000 acre estate.  Affording a rare insight into the lives of the people who live and work there – including the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – ‘Chatsworth’ explores the real-life relationships and everyday events in the stately home, including the £14million Masterplan restoration project.  It’s also provided locations for films such as The Wolfman, The Duchess and Pride and Prejudice.

Continuing the Austen theme, Harewood House in West Yorkshire was the setting for the mini-series ‘Lost in Austen’ .  Its unsurpassed collection of Chippendale was also the subject of the recent BBC4 TV documentary about the famed furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale.  You can also spot scenes and settings from popular television series such as A Touch of Frost, The Royal, At Home with the Braithwaite’s and Emmerdale.
Leeds Castle in Kent was used as a film location for Elizabeth Golden Age and regularly appears on television productions including The Apprentice, Celebrity Masterchef to The Antiques Roadshow.

BBC’s Countryfile continues to favour the wonderful walled gardens and Victorian glasshouses of Holkham Hall, reporting on their Community Growers’ Scheme and ‘Hot Pepper Sauce’ creation with the beautiful backdrop of one of Norfolk’s most renowned country estates.  Holkham’s award winning beach was featured in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and the Hall as a location for ‘The Duchess’ which starred Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes.