Part of Burghley Park to be closed for seven weeks in preparation for Horse Trials event - full details
The route will be closed to pedestrians for more than a month
Part of Burghley Park will be closed to the public for seven weeks due to an annual horse-riding competition.
The central access route through Burghley Parkland will be closed to pedestrians from Monday, August 3 to Friday, September 18 to allow for the set-up and take-down of the 2026 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
In addition, the Lower Parkland will be fully closed from Tuesday, September 1 to Monday, September 7 while the event takes place.
An alternative pedestrian route will be in place to provide access through the Parkland between 7am and 8pm from Tuesday, August 4 to Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 8 to Friday, September 18.
Burghley House, Gardens, Adventure Play, and all visitor facilities will remain open as usual throughout this period, with the exception of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials event dates (Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 6) when the site will be closed to visitors.
Established in 1961, the annual event features elite equestrian sport across dressage, cross-country, and showjumping, alongside major shopping and social exhibitions.
Martyn Johnson, Event Director at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, said: “To keep everyone safe during the event build and breakdown period, and to meet Health and Safety requirements, access to some areas of Burghley Parkland will be restricted for pedestrians and unauthorised vehicles.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank local residents and visitors for their understanding during this time.”