Burghley Horse Trials 2025: A Guide
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21 minutes ago
Elegance, excitement and elite sport
Each September, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials transforms the grounds of gorgeous 16th century stately Lincolnshire home into a spectacular celebration of sport and style. One of only seven CCI5 events worldwide, the event attracts top riders, passionate fans and lovers of the countryside alike. Expect world-class eventing, fine dining and plenty of British tradition, all set against an opulent and historic backdrop with royal connections. It’s very much a highlight of the equestrian calendar, and whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, 2025 promises an unmissable weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
Piggy March competing at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024.
Burghley Horse Trials: History, Dates, Tickets & More
The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is one of the crown jewels of the British sporting and social calendar, drawing more than 170,000 visitors each year for world-class equestrian competition. As one of only seven CCI5 horse trials in the world, it represents the pinnacle of the sport and a true test of horse and rider.
Defender has been part of the story since the early 1990s (becoming title sponsor in 2005), and its presence can be seen throughout the event, from vehicles stationed at the cross-country fences to the Defender Experience at Lion Bridge and the dedicated Owners’ hospitality area. Even the much-loved Tailgate Picnic competition, held each Saturday, is presided over by Defender.
Harry Meade competing at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024.
A Brief History Of The Event
Eventing first came to Burghley in 1961, almost by accident, when Marquess of Exeter offered the estate as an alternative venue after the event at Harewood was cancelled amid a suspected foot and mouth breakout. Just 19 competitors and 12,000 spectators attended in the inaugural year, but fast forward six decades and Burghley now attracts more than 173,000 visitors across four days, hosts around 80 of the world’s best riders, and offers a prize fund of more than £300,000.
Burghley has staged more major championships than any other horse trials, including two World Championships and six European Championships. Legends of the sport have left their mark here, including: William Fox-Pitt with a record six wins; Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, the only horse-and-rider combination ever to win three consecutive titles; and Princess Anne, who claimed the European crown at Burghley in 1971.
Royal visitors remain a regular feature of the Burghley Horse Trials, especially Zara Tindall, and while historical the estate is certainly moving with the times. Burghley runs sustainability workshops, has created a Sustainability Champions group, and diverts 100 percent of its green and brown waste to compost. It has planted orchards and woodland as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project and placed nearly 500 acres of woodland under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. At the Trials, you’ll spot electric vehicles zipping across the grounds, while advanced recycling methods ensure no waste ends up in landfill. Over in catering, there are no single-use plastics, while surplus food is donated to local charities.
Oliver Townend Ballaghmor competing at Burghley Horse Trials in 2023.
What To Expect In 2025
Across four days, Burghley showcases the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross-country and showjumping – alongside more than 600 exhibitors in the shopping village. From luxury country fashion to interiors and artisan food, the stalls are a destination in themselves, with the Tradestand Sustainability Award celebrating retailers who lead the way with eco practices. Fine dining, Members’ enclosures, and views across the sweeping parkland make Burghley as much a social occasion as a sporting one.
As for the day-by-day, Wednesday opens with the First Horse Inspection, or trot up, when immaculately turned-out horses and riders parade before the Ground Jury. This is not a ticketed day for the public, but it marks the ceremonial start of the event.
The gates open to visitors on Thursday and Friday, which are devoted to the elegance of Dressage. Riders and horses perform intricate tests in the Main Arena, judged on rhythm, precision and harmony. For keen spectators there are masterclasses and Pony Club competitions alongside the top-level sport.
Saturday is cross-country day, the highlight of the week. Horses and riders tackle a four-mile course with 30 formidable fences, cheered on by vast crowds spread across the parkland. This is Burghley at its most dramatic.
And finally Sunday brings the Showjumping. After four days of competition, everything rests on accuracy and composure in the Main Arena, with the Parade of Hounds and the Presentation of Prizes to follow, it is a fittingly grand finale.
Bella Innes Ker at Burghley Horse Trials in 2024.
What To Wear To The Burghley Horse Trials
Burghley is the perfect setting for polished country style. Holland & Holland tweed and Barbour wax jackets look right at home, while sturdy boots are essential for navigating the cross-country course. Smarter dress is often the order of the day in the Members’ Enclosure.
When, Where & How To Get Tickets
Burghley Horse Trials returns from Thursday 4 September to Sunday 7 September 2025. The event takes place in the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, with the grand Elizabethan house providing a spectacular backdrop.
Tickets for the 2025 Burghley Horse Trials are available online, with prices starting at £35pp. Hospitality Packages include restaurant dining and grandstand seats for a more spoiling experience.
Stamford and Peterborough are the nearest train stations. Stamford is about 1.5 miles from Burghley House, which is a five-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. Peterborough is around 14 miles away and takes about 20 minutes by car or taxi. For those who drive, there is on-site parking for £21 per day.
Address: Burghley House, Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY
Hambleton Hall, Rutland
Where To Stay Nearby
For those making a weekend of it, two addresses stand out. Hambleton Hall is a sophisticated country house hotel overlooking Rutland Water, celebrated for its Michelin-starred restaurant, utmost elegance and impeccable service. The George Hotel of Stamford meanwhile is a historic coaching inn in the heart of Stamford, beloved for its charm and Georgian grandeur.
