Marketed as 'The Perfect Day', the picturesque gardens and rooms filled with the finest furniture and fittings, the house is highly regarded by millions.

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age, and has more than 80 rooms and numerous halls, corridors, bathrooms and service areas.

The cherry on top of the cake came when Burghley House was recognised as the nation's best wedding venue at a glittering awards ceremony held at Claridge's Hotel, London.

It was the grandeur of Burghley's Great Hall with its double hammer-beam roof, minstrel's gallery and handsome fireplace, which swung it for the voting panel.

It scooped the prize at the Wrapit Wedding Industry Awards, which recognise excellence within the wedding industry.

The award was collected by Burghley's events manager Holly Cammarata said "It is fantastic to be recognised as the nation's best venue and we feel it is a wonderful achievement for Burghley.

"It was a nice surprise, and for the views of our past clients to have been such a major part of the judging process makes this award incredibly special."

The win came after judges cast their eye over votes and reviews received from brides and grooms who had experienced excellent service throughout their wedding preparations, culminating in their dream wedding day.

Burghley House is the home of Miranda Rock and her young family, continuing longstanding family ties with the building after her mother, Lady Victoria Leatham retired last year.

Miss Cammarata added: "At the moment we have around 16 weddings booked, and we still have space for more. We have the facilities to feed a maximum of 110 guests, but because the Rocks still live in the house, we don't cater for accommodation.

"Some couples chose to have a civic ceremony inside the house as we are licensed to do so, but others get married in church and hold the reception in our grounds."

Burghley House reopens to the public March 21 and remains open daily (excluding Fridays, but including Good Friday) until October 30.

For more information on Burghley's wedding facilities, call Holly Cammarata on 01780 761992, or visit www.burghley.co.uk