How To Do Burghley Horse Trials In Style: C&TH’s 2026 Guide

Each September, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials transforms the grounds of a magnificent 16th-century Lincolnshire stately home into a celebration of sport and style. One of only six CCI5* events worldwide, it attracts leading 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.

Marking 65 years since the competition was first held, the 2026 edition brings a refreshed event layout, a new Shopping Avenue, new course-side picnic parking and a busy programme of interviews, demonstrations and masterclasses. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, 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 for four days of world-class equestrian competition. As one of only six 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 the Marquess of Exeter offered the estate as an alternative venue after the event at Harewood was cancelled amid a suspected foot-and-mouth outbreak. Just 19 competitors and 12,000 spectators attended in the inaugural year, but fast forward 65 years and Burghley now attracts more than 170,000 visitors across four days and hosts many of the world’s best riders.

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 historic, the estate is certainly moving with the times. Burghley runs sustainability workshops, has created a Sustainability Champions group and diverts all its green and brown waste to compost. It has also 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, electric vehicles travel across the grounds, no waste goes to landfill, caterers avoid single-use plastics and surplus food is donated to local charities.

Oliver Townend Ballaghmor competing at Burghley Horse Trials in 2023.

What To Expect In 2026

Across four days, Burghley showcases the three phases of eventing: dressage, cross-country and showjumping. For 2026, the heart of the event site has been given a fresh look, with a new Shopping Avenue and a relocated Insights Stage, where visitors can catch interviews with some of the sport’s biggest names. The stage will sit alongside a food court and gardens beside the House Arena.

The extensive Shopping Village remains a destination in its own right, bringing together country fashion, interiors, equestrian brands and artisan food. Exhibitors this year will include Norfolk-founded Fairfax & Favor, known for its polished take on country style, and heritage footwear and clothing brand Le Chameau. Visitors can also find work by Burghley’s Artist in Residence Daniel Crane and its new Ceramicist in Residence, Nina Paloma, whose countryside-inspired pieces include her popular Burghley mugs.

There will be masterclasses in the Main Arena, including an appearance by leading jump jockey Harry Skelton, as well as a parade of Britain’s gold medallists. Another highlight will be the official retirement ceremony for Ballaghmor Class, whose four CCI5* victories with Oliver Townend include Burghley wins in 2017 and 2023. The ceremony will take place in the Main Arena on Sunday.

New for 2026 is reserved course-side picnic parking at Anniversary Splash, one of the most recognisable parts of Burghley’s cross-country course. The spot offers views across the Capability Brown-designed parkland towards Burghley House, as well as a close-up look at some of the course’s most exciting fences. The Lakeside Chalets, introduced in 2025, also return. Close to the Main Arena and overlooking the parkland and lake, the private tents offer indoor and outdoor space for groups looking for a more exclusive base during the event.

Visitors can also book expert-led walks around Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course on Thursday and Friday, with both short and extended options available. On Wednesday, Tea & the Trot-Up combines Champagne afternoon tea with a talk and Q&A with former Burghley course designer and winning rider Captain Mark Phillips, a view of the First Horse Inspection from the Main Arena and a tour of key cross-country fences.

As for the day-by-day action, 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 ordinarily a ticketed day for the public, but it marks the ceremonial beginning of the competition. 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. Alongside the top-level sport, visitors can watch masterclasses and explore the Shopping Village, Insights Stage and Family Zone.

Saturday is cross-country day and the dramatic highlight of the week. Horses and riders tackle Derek di Grazia’s formidable course, cheered on by vast crowds spread across the parkland. Then Sunday brings the final showjumping phase. After four days of competition, everything rests on accuracy and composure in the Main Arena. The Princess Royal will present the prizes, providing a suitably grand finale to the 65th-anniversary event.

World Horse Welfare is Defender Burghley’s supported charity for 2026.

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. Norfolk’s Fairfax & Favor and Le Chameau, both exhibiting in the Shopping Village this year, are also natural fits.

Smarter dress is often the order of the day in the Members’ Enclosure, although practicality still matters on the parkland.

When, Where & How To Get Tickets

Defender Burghley Horse Trials returns from Thursday 3 September to Sunday 6 September 2026. The event takes place in the magnificent parkland of Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, with the grand Elizabethan house providing a spectacular backdrop.

Tickets, memberships, hospitality packages and additional experiences are available through the Burghley Horse Trials website. These include restaurant dining, grandstand seating, Lakeside Chalets, course walks, Tea & the Trot-Up and reserved course-side picnic parking.

BOOK IT

Stamford and Peterborough are the nearest train stations. Stamford is about 1.5 miles from Burghley House, which is a five-minute drive or approximately a 25-minute walk. Peterborough is around 14 miles away and takes about 20 minutes by car or taxi. On-site parking is also available.

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. A 25-minute drive from Burghley House, Hambleton Hall is a sophisticated country house hotel overlooking Rutland Water, celebrated for its classic English interiors, impeccable service and locally-sourced cooking at its Michelin-starred restaurant, the longest-held star in the UK at 44 years. A swimming pool, tennis court, formal gardens and impeccable surrounding views are enjoyed by just 17 rooms worth of guests.

For something a bit more rustic-chic, check into The Barnsdale in Oakham, a centuries-old hunting lodge transformed into a 46-key hotel in 1990 and now part of The Signet Collection (which also owns The Mitre at Hampton Court and The Retreat at Elcot Park). Just a 20 minute drive from Burghley House, expect original sash windows, flagstone hallways and cast-iron stoves combined with up-to-date interiors, superb food and an enticing heated swimming pool backdropped by highland cattle grazing in the surrounding fields.