Several councillors and officers from South Kesteven District Council went to Grimsthorpe Castle to celebrate both its reopening and 'English Tourism Week' that took place between 22-31 May.

Council Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke and colleagues saw plans for various new developments at the venue, such as a new public art gallery, a refurbished dining area, a shop in the Old Stables, and a new entrance and expanded car park.

Sebastian Miller, Director of the Grimsthorpe and Drummond Castle Trust, said: "Our trustees have launched a transformational revitalisation of the visitor experience at Grimsthorpe Castle, notably by partnering with one of Great Britain's leading architects to create an exciting modern art gallery incorporating the latest energy efficient technologies."

Their visit also happened to coincide with a 'heavy horse weekend', co-ordinated by Fawcett Driving Horses from Great Ponton, who will be taking visitors on carriage rides at Grimsthorpe with their magnificent Clydesdale horses this summer.

Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, SKDC Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, said: "Our visitor economy businesses have had an incredibly difficult time during the pandemic.

"English Tourism Week highlights the importance, value and vast contribution the sector makes and we wanted to show our support for not only Grimsthorpe, but all our tourism businesses.

"We have been able to organise grant support for many tourism-related businesses through InvestSK, including Fawcett Driving Horses, so this really is a celebration of the sector throwing open its doors once more.

"It's exciting to hear how Grimsthorpe is developing and to see a brilliant example of our tourism businesses working together to enhance the visitor experience."