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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE

Belton's Moondial walk
Inspired by Moondial, the much-loved children's book by Helen Cresswell, this short walk through Belton’s grounds takes in many spots
that featured in the BBC TV version. In the story, Minty discovers that the sundial at the heart of Belton's formal gardens is a magic portal
to the past. A nostalgic favourite for followers of 1980s children's drama, Moondial was filmed on location at Belton House. Follow the
trail and read extracts from the book as you go.

Admittance
This walk is within Belton’s grounds and requires membership or payment for entry.

Information Total steps: 7

Address: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 Start point: The West Courtyard, Belton House, grid ref: SK929393
2LS.
1. Let your eyes wander over the courtyard to the wooden door in the corner. This used
OS map: Landranger 130 to be the entrance to the garden. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Now
Activity: Walking turn around and cross the courtyard, through the tall, decorative gates following the
Easy: Majority of walk on flat terrain, with one gate to path across the front of the mansion and through the new garden entrance.
pass through. 2. As you pass through the gate into the garden turn left, making your way towards the
Dog friendly: Dogs on short leads are welcome. north terrace of the mansion. Step onto the terrace and look out over the Dutch
Garden. Has this garden been waiting for you?
Full trail: Miles: 0.3 (km: 0.48)
Duration: 15 mins 3. Make your way down the steps into the sunken garden. At the bottom turn around and
look back at the house. Why might Minty think she was being watched?
Terrain 4. Walk on, taking steps that have already been measured for you. Lift your eyes to find
ahead, at the crossroads of the garden, another statue. Can you feel the power in the
Majority of the walk is on flat terrain, with one gate to air, so strong that Minty could hardly breathe? Why do you think the Gods of Time and
pass through. Love are important to Moondial?

5. Continue your way down the garden path and turn left at the end towards the church.
Find the churchyard gate to your right and look through. This 12th-century parish
church of St Peter and St Paul belongs to the Lincoln Diocese. What do you sense that
signifies a mystery? What churchyard smells are in the air today?

6. Make your way to the Orangery, which houses Belton's collection of lush foliage and
exotic blooms. Located at the top of the Italian Garden, Sir Jeffry Wyatville designed the
 Orangery with glass walls and stone pillars to create an illusion. What classic Roman
structure do you think Sir Jeffry was inspired by?

7. Look out over the Italian Garden to spot the watery pool of reflecting glass. Walk
towards the water fountain and sit quietly on its edge. What song reflects your feelings
at this special place?
End point: The Italian Garden, Belton House, grid ref: SK929394