All you need to know about the Defender Burghley Horse Trials

​In addition to the thrilling sporting action there’s an exceptional shopping experience and outstanding array of food and drink in the spectacular grounds of Burghley House, just outside Stamford.

Here’s what to look forward to:

World-class sport - CCI5* competition (the very highest in the sport of eventing) with dressage, cross-country and showjumping from the very best horses and riders in the world, including Zara Tindall, Ros Canter and Tom McEwen, both part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics, and last year’s Defender Burghley champion Oliver Townend.

There’s also a packed programme of subsidiary classes, including the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals, the Pony Club Team Jumping competition and showing classes for ponies and former racehorses.

Star-studded Main Arena Masterclasses from equestrian heroes such as Olympic medallist Carl Hester, William and Alice Fox-Pitt, William and Pippa Funnell and three-times Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Henrietta Knight.

Sensational shopping - Defender Burghley is famous for its shopping, with more than 500 carefully chosen exhibitors on-site, ranging from high-end British brands to independent designers and artisan makers.

The Horse Village is a must for any horse-lover.

And the legendary Food Walk offers sumptuous food and drink to sample, eat or take home. Street food options are positioned across the site for delicious bites on the go. And there are a plethora of perfect picnic spots within the Burghley grounds to enjoy your purchases or for those packing up their own spread.

New for 2024 is the Avebury Restaurant, an exceptional dining experience in the heart of the showground serving breakfasts and lunch every day of the event.

Fun for all the family: discover the Family Zone at Defender Valley, packed with activities throughout the day for younger visitors to enjoy. These include miniature Defenders, hobby-horse riding, pottery painting, face-painting and more.

The Defender Experience offers visitors the chance to see for themselves the capabilities of the Defender vehicle when driven over dynamic display equipment on the South side of Burghley’s Lake.

•Tickets for Defender Burghley Horse Trials can be purchased online right up to the day of your visit, but book before 2 September and you’ll save money with an Advance Ticket. www.burghley-horse.co.uk.