2025 Burghley | USET Foundation
 

Burghley Horse Trials

Stamford, England
September 4-7, 2025

Venue Address

Peterborough
Stamford PE9 3JY
United Kingdom

Competition Schedule

The full schedule for Burghley Horse Trials can be found HERE.

Accessibility

Accessibility information  can be found HERE.

The Disabled Car Park can be accessed via Gate 4: Station Gate, Barnack Road – to access this car park, you will need to clearly display your Blue Badge. 

A shuttle service will be in operation from the Disabled Car Park to the East Stand each day. This will be in operation between 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm on Thursday and Friday, 7:30 am – 10:30 am and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Saturday and 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm on Sunday.

Able to accommodate wheelchairs.

CLICK VENUE MAP TO ENLARGE

Venue

The Defender Burghley Horse Trials is located on the grounds of The Burghley Estate in Stamford, England. The venue will have the usual first-aid stations, a mixed zone where interviews can be held, a sports information desk, medical facilities, doping control facilities and Wi-Fi access. There are many shopping opportunities including the Shopping Village, Burghley Exhibition Village, and Pavilions. The venue address is Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY, United Kingdom

The Event is clearly sign-posted. Using satnav, the postcode PE9 3JY will direct you towards Burghley House. Once you see the temporary yellow road signs, please follow these and turn off your satnav.

In the UK, “satnav” typically refers to satellite navigation systems for vehicles, also known as GPS or car navigation. The UK relies on existing satellite navigation systems like GPS and the European Union’s Galileo. 

Tickets & Hospitality

To watch the competition in the stadium, you must buy Grandstand Seating in addition to admission tickets. Tickets can be purchased  HERE.

Thursday & Friday: Grandstand Seats may be reserved in the East Stand, close to the short end of the Dressage Arena at A.

Saturday: Grandstand Seats may be reserved in the East Stand, for a great view of cross country in case of inclement weather.

Sunday: Grandstand tickets are necessary in addition to car passes and personal admission to watch the Show Jumping in the arena.

Parking

Please note that all of the car parks are within the grounds of the event therefore car passes and admission tickets are required to enter. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Parking information can be found HERE.

Water & Food

While tap water is considered safe to drink in England, it is best practice to utilize bottled water instead. Stay away from raw foods and un-bottled drinks, unless in a reputable restaurant as a precaution.

Transport

Public Transport: There is public transportation in Stamford which utilizes both buses and trains. The closest bus stops are located within the center of Stamford, which is approximately 1.5 miles/2.4 km.

Taxi: Taxis use meters calculated by distance and time.

Rental Vehicles: For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to book a rental car with a large rental agency.

Ride-Sharing: There are apps that can be utilized to request a vehicle such as Uber and Lyft. The advised and safest method of travel is by taxi or car arranged by a hotel.

Weather

Average weather for September:

  • High Temperature: 64°F
  • Low Temperature: 51°F
  • Rainfall: 2.1”
  • Humidity: 79%

 

Suggested Clothing

England is known for its rainy weather. It is recommended to bring layers and at least one waterproof jacket.

Visas

Due to start in October 2025, U.S. citizens and non-E.U. nationals will need to complete The Entry/Exit System (EES) for all short-term stays to European countries. Registration and biometric data collection will be completed at a border control kiosk at the arrival airport. More information about EES can be found HERE.

It is the traveling individual’s responsibility to check any visa requirements.

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.

Airport

Birmingham Airport (BHX) – 70 miles/112 km

Heathrow Airport (LHR) – 101 miles/162 km

Vaccinations

In accordance with the CDC and USOPC recommendations, you may want to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. Please note it takes approximately two (2) weeks to maximize immunity.

About Stamford

Located on the East Coast of England, Stamford is a town in the district of Lincolnshire and is home to 19,701 people. Like much of England, the town has 17th and 18th century stone buildings and has a deep-rooted history. Stamford, like most of the United Kingdom, is a popular tourist destination and Stamford and surrounding areas saw 8.7 million visitors in 2023 alone. More information about Stamford can be found HERE.

Places to See

There are many things to do in and around Lincolnshire County including museums, tours, and experiences. CLICK HERE for more information.

Accommodations

There are many local accommodation options. Below is a non-extensive list of nearby hotels. For more options CLICK HERE.

HOTELSWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Bull and Swan Website 1.9 mi / 3 km
The George Hotel of Stamford Website 1.9 mi / 3 km
William Cecil Hotel Website 2.0 mi / 3.2 km
Burghley Boutique
The official boutique camping site for Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
Website Located in the Walled Garden on the Burghley Estate and approximately a 15-minute walk to the competition venue. Tickets are separate from the competition.

Hospital & Emergency Services

NAMEADDRESSWEBSITE
Peterborough City Hospital Edith Cavell Campus Bretton Gate, Peterborough PE3 9GZ, UK Website

Incident Management Guidelines

Security

In general, Stamford, GBR is a safe area for its residents and visitors. However, security perception changes greatly by district. If you have any doubts or need to report an incident, you can rely on the Police who are constantly patrolling the streets.

Responsible care should be exercised when traveling throughout Stamford. There is a normal level of crime, but it varies by district. In the higher-income areas frequented by tourists, petty theft is the most common concern. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and be aware of their surroundings.

Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. It is recommended to only use a trusted taxi or an app-based taxi service.

Do not hail a taxi on the street.

Assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

ATMs and Credit Cards

It is best to use ATMs inside banks instead of ATMs that are more accessible to passers-by and all banks advise customers to cover ATM keypads with their hands when entering codes.

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although many stores impose a minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply.

When making credit card transactions, travelers should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in their presence.

Security is the responsibility of everybody. Good security is the application of common sense. The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings. 

 

Safety List

The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings.

  • Make a copy of your passport or real ID and travel documents and leave the original in a safe place.
  • Always travel in groups.
  • Do not overtly wear expensive jewelry.
  • Keep your phone hidden.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or credit cards if you do not need them.
  • If you are in a vehicle in standstill traffic with the windows rolled down, keep phones and other possessions low and away from windows and be mindful of people walking through the traffic.
  • Do not approach unattended bags, cases or packages – report them.
  • Do not accept packages from anyone, the contents of which are unclear.
  • Do not advertise where you are staying.
  • If you are out in the evening and you become aware of increased police activity, leave the area immediately.

If you see an incident involving the police, do not get involved.

Local Business Hours

Office hours: are Monday through Friday from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Banks: are typically open Monday through Friday from 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Some branches stay open until 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. one day a week.

Shops: Open Monday through Saturday. Stores may be open on Sundays, however, only for six consecutive hours.

Shopping centers: tend to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with some staying open until 10:00 p.m.

 

Currency & Exchange

The pound sterling or Great British Pound (GBP) is the official currency of the United Kingdom. The symbol for the pound is £.
There are many different currency exchange services available in Stamford such as:

  • Post office
  • M & S Travel Money
  • Hays Travel Stamford


Currency slang includes but is not limited to:

  • One pound – “Quid”

Travelers Checks

While traveler’s checks are still accepted in some places in England, they are not as widely used as they once were. Many businesses and financial institutions prefer other forms of payment like credit cards, debit cards, or cash. However, you can still find places that will exchange or cash travelers checks, such as American Express branches and Travelex locations

 

Tipping

Tipping in England is not mandatory and is generally considered discretionary, but it is appreciated for good service. 

  • Restaurants: A 10-15% tip is generally considered appropriate, but some restaurants may add a service charge (often 12.5%), which you can ask to have removed if you’re unhappy with the service.
  • Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is standard practice in England. A common tip is 10% to 15%.
  • Hotels: Tipping for porters or other services is appreciated.

STEP

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

ABOUT THE SERVICE Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.

BENEFITS
  • Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
  • Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
  • Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
Time to complete: 20 minutes

Consulate

Should you need to contact the U.S. consulate, the nearest one is the U.S. Embassy in London.

S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London SW11 7US

02-7499-9000 (if dialing from the U.K.)

011-02-7499-9000 (if dialing from the U.S. on behalf of someone in the U.K.)

+44-02-7499-9000 (international code if dialing from elsewhere)

(After hours utilize the same phone numbers)
Hours:  Monday – Friday 8:30-5:00

Language

English is the official language and most widely spoken language in England, which 94.5% of the population speak.

 

Communications (phone, WiFi, and internet)

Cellphone reception is typically good. Most of the country is covered with 5G systems. Contact your phone provider for more information on Sim Cards and International Data Plans.

Electrical

Power in England operates on a 230-volt current and a 50 hertz frequency. Electricity will be supplied through a Type G (flat three-prong) plug.

Universal Power Adapters can easily be purchased before travel.

Food

English cuisine is known to be simple and made from high-quality local ingredients. Many of the traditional dishes include beef, seafood, and chicken.

Local Restaurants

Some examples of typical dishes:

  • Fish and Chips – Battered and fried fish served with chips (French fries).
  • Full English Breakfast – A substantial breakfast featuring bacon, sausage, eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached), baked beans, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, toast, and black pudding (blood sausage).
  • Sunday Roast – A traditional British meal consisting of roasted meat, roast potatoes, and various accompaniments like Yorkshire pudding, gravy, and vegetables
  • Yorkshire Pudding – A savory baked pudding made from a batter of eggs, flour, and milk, often served alongside roast beef.
  • Bangers and Mash – Sausages served with mashed potatoes, typically with onion gravy.
  • Shepherd’s Pie – A baked dish with a layer of minced lamb topped with mashed potatoes.
  • Cornish Pasty – A baked pastry filled with beef, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions.

This is just a sample of restaurants in the area. 

RESTAURANTWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
The Orangery - On Venue Website 1.4 mi / 2.25 km
Milly’s Bistro Website 1.9 mi / 3 km
Pizza Express Website 1.9 mi / 3 km
Zada Restaurant Website 2.0 mi / 3.21 km