Belvoir Castle is preparing to launch its new season with a packed visitor programme for the castle and gardens near Grantham including a celebration of its role in the Netflix worldwide blockbuster, The Crown.

The Regency Castle, which stands in for Windsor Castle, has greatly increased its opening days over the last three years with 2020 seeing it gear up to welcome more visitors than ever before from March onwards.

Its 2020 programme includes the introduction of Royal Afternoon Tea inspired by The Crown, including a guided tour with exclusive access to the private Tapestry Room and Wellington Room featured in the Netflix hit, as well as welcoming back family favourite events Belvoir Knights and Firework Champions.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland said: "We are delighted to once again welcome everybody back to Belvoir for what will be a thoroughly exciting season of events. We feel so very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir's many centuries and we are humbled to share experiences and memories of Belvoir Castle with all of our visitors."

Castle events include:

Royal Afternoon Tea inspired by The Crown: March 21-22; August 10-16

New for 2020, fans of The Crown can enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea inspired by the worldwide blockbuster served in the State Dining Room. Available to enjoy for Mother's Day and during Afternoon Tea Week, this unique experience also includes access to The Crown guided tour. Visitors can experience a behind the scenes look at some of the filming locations around Belvoir used in the popular Netflix series, including private rooms previously unseen by the public such as the Wellington and Tapestry bedrooms.

Capability Brown Garden Tours: April 10 - August 31

Visitors can discover Capability Brown's spectacular 'lost landscape' design for Belvoir Castle onboard the new eco-friendly bus. The English landscape architect's original plans lay largely forgotten for almost 200 years, thought to have been lost in the 1816 fire, until being rediscovered in 2014. A subsequent two-year restoration by the 11th Duchess has brought his designs to life.

Easter Eggstravaganza: April 10-13

Have an eggcellent time at Belvoir Castle and the Engine Yard this Easter, with exciting activities for all the family. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of past Dukes and Duchesses as they search for chocolate treats in Belvoir landmarks such as Hermit's Hut and the Rose Garden.

VE Day: May 8

Belvoir Castle will be marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a performance from The Blighty Belles who will be presenting a tribute to the music of the 1940s. Visitors can also enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Castle and visit the Engine Yard where there will be live music and festive refreshments.

Jousting: June 13-14

The Belvoir Knights return this summer for the much-loved jousting weekend . See the majestic horses and knights dressed in all their glory and meet and greet with Belvoir's firesome Birds of Prey.

Belvoir Flower and Garden Show: July 18-19

The Belvoir Flower and Garden Show returns in 2020 bigger and better than ever. An expansion on previous years, the show will be packed with specialist plant growers, garden furniture, sculpture artists, show gardens, border displays, tools and crafts, as well as expert horticulturists on hand to answer gardening questions. Special guests include author and TV personality Toby Buckland and BBC Radio's gardening expert John Stirland.

Firework Champions: August 8

Returning for its seventh year, the Firework Champions will once again light up the skies over the Vale of Belvoir in spectacular fashion. The popular event sees three of the UK's best firework companies battle it out in 10-minute displays choreographed to music followed by a finale display from the organiser MLE Pyrotechnics.

Halloween: October 18-31

Join Belvoir Castle for scarily good celebrations this Halloween with the wicked Vampires of the Vale. Visitors who dare enter the Castle can join the Vampire Quest, explore the deep dark underground dooms and carve creepy pumpkins in the Castle kitchens.

Christmas: November-December Once again Belvoir Castle will be transformed into a winter wonderland with spectacular Christmas trees, twinkling lights and a host of festive activities. Christmas Fairs and a Santa's Grotto in the Engine Yard, just a stone's throw from the Regency Castle, add to the festive fun. Friends of Belvoir Regular visitors can take advantage of Belvoir's annual 'Friends of Belvoir' pass which provides an affordable way for children, adults and families to visit the Castle and Gardens throughout the year, as well as helping the conservation of the castle and grounds for future generations to enjoy. Friends of Belvoir tickets start at £60 for individuals, £100 for two and £125 for a family (two adults, three children). Belvoir Castle is open on selected dates from March - check its website for the up-to-date opening schedule. Ticket prices for the Castle and Gardens start from £18 adult, £9 children (under 4s free) for a free flow. Family tickets are £50. Discounts are available for online advance bookings. Details of the castle and its Engine Yard of stores can be found at www.belvoircastle.com and www.engineyardbelvoir.com.