Stamford Library

Stamford Library sits in the heart of this handsome stone town, and it's far more interesting than you might expect from a local library. The building itself is rather lovely - all Victorian solidity - and inside you'll find a proper collection that reflects the town's literary heritage alongside the usual contemporary stock. Local history buffs will appreciate the Stamford archives tucked away in the reference section; there's enough material here to keep you occupied for an afternoon if you're into that sort of thing.

It's the sort of place where a rainy afternoon won't feel wasted. You can settle in with a book from the shelves, or dig into the local studies collection if you're curious about Stamford's Georgian streets and the surrounding Northamptonshire countryside. The staff know what they're talking about, which makes a difference.

Really, though, this works best as a pit stop rather than a main event. If you're based at Stamford Meadows Glamping just down the road, it's worth knowing the library exists on a wet day. The town centre itself is the real draw - the architecture, the independent shops, the cafes. The library complements that rather than replacing it. Allow an hour or so if you do venture in. It's free entry, naturally, and the quiet makes a pleasant change from holiday activity.