If you've got kids and want to keep them entertained then Belton House isn't a bad idea. It actually does have something that could be described as an adventure playground. It has a little river, swings, slides and a train ride (prepare to queue). Costumes are also an option inside the House as well. The grounds feel terribly English with picnic baskets and cricket being played on the front lawn, however, this is counter-parted with the inside of the house, which is of many origins. Japanese wallpaper covers one of the rooms which is a novelty, even in this day and age! Staff stand in each room looking eager to recite the historical background of the delicate carpets in the room, among other things. The building housed Lords, Ladies and Major's, which can be seen from the chronological mess that the paintings appear in. A picture painted in the 17th century awkwardly sits beside a photograph that looks as if it was taken in the 1930's. An entire room of newspaper clippings and audio snippets are devoted to King Edward and 'Mrs Simpson'. "Edward Clings to His Thrown". The highlight of the house, for me, was the black and white chess board floor that is near the library. I've never seen one with my own eyes and it makes me want to play chess. The library gives you an insight to the characters that lived in the house and although the number of Latin and History books may make you want to yawn, there are some hidden treasures, such as, 'Music Composed By King Henry VIII' and 'Eton College Portraits'. History is interesting on the surface but once you dig deeper the novelty soon wears off. Once you've seen one majestic chandelier, you've seen them all. Belton House is open every day, 10:30-5:30, throughout August. | 
