Make your Burghley day out the best yet
The summer sporting and social season is upon us, with Royal Ascot and Wimbledon only a couple of weeks away. And just over the horizon, equally colourful, competitive and captivating is Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
Each year we explore new ways to enhance the event for visitors to the autumn equestrian spectacular - one of only two CCI5* horse trials in the UK - with a growing suite of hospitality and exclusive experiences. The main hub of the Burghley Horse Trials’ site has had an upgrade and fresh look this year, with a new Shopping Avenue to improve the fabulous retail experience for which the event is so renowned.
And for 2026, we are delighted to offer brand-new reserved course-side parking at the Anniversary Splash, one of the most iconic parts of Defender Burghley’s legendary cross-country course. This exceptionally beautiful spot in Burghley’s Capability Brown-designed parkland has spectacular views of Burghley House and some of the most exciting fences on the cross-country course, and parking spots will be strictly limited.
Reserved picnic parking at the nearby Lion Bridge is already very popular and always sells out. These new course side spaces have been created after the introduction of similar ones on two other spots on the course last year proved incredibly popular. Don’t delay therefore if you’d like to secure a prime course-side picnic spot with a side-serving of premium cross-country action.
Other introductions from last year, the Lakeside Chalets, are also back this year having been an instant success in 2025. If you would like a private, premium place to entertain friends, family or guests during Defender Burghley, these elegant tents, complete with garden furniture and outdoor as well as indoor space, are perfect. They offer stunning views of Burghley’s parkland and lake, are very close to the Main Arena and a brilliant base at which to meet and entertain friends or clients. The Chalets have already sold out for Saturday, but there are a small number still available for Thursday, 3 September, Friday, 4 September and Sunday, 6 September.
It’s always fascinating to get a little “behind the scenes” access to a major event such as Burghley Horse Trials, and booking one of our official cross-country course-walks is a great way to gain insight into the intricacies of designer Derek di Grazia’s legendary track. Led by experts, these take place in small groups on Thursday, 3 September and Friday, 4 September, and both “long” (21/2-hour) and “short” (11/2-hour) options are available - and are an unbeatable way to discover more about this beautiful and challenging course before it is jumped on the Saturday.
And if you’d like to combine exclusive cross-country insight with a glamorous start to your Burghley experience, we recommend Wednesday afternoon's “Tea & the Trot-Up” on 2 September. This comprises a special Champagne afternoon tea, with a talk and Q&A with Burghley’s former long-serving course-designer - and winning rider - Capt Mark Phillips before, a view of the first horse inspection from the Main Arena (not accessible by the public) and a tour of key cross-country fences with Mark Phillips.
For full ticket information and to book visit Ticket Information.
