Grimsthorpe Castle has introduced a Smartify-powered digital visitor guide, offering audiences a new way to explore more than 800 years of history – bringing centuries of stories to life through a flexible, accessible experience.

A historic Lincolnshire landmark

Grimsthorpe began as a medieval watchtower around 1150, built for Gilbert de Gant to guard the surrounding fenland. Over time, it grew into a substantial Tudor courtyard house, traces of which still shape the layout of the castle and grounds today.

First gifted by Henry VIII as a wedding present in 1516, the estate has remained in the same Willoughby de Eresby family. One of the few English titles that can pass through the female line, this lineage connects the house to some of Britain's most prominent noble titles. The castle and its collections offer a window into centuries of political, social, and architectural change.

A new, customised way to explore the estate

The new digital guide has been designed to support visitors as they navigate the site, combining interpretation with practical information in a single, easy-to-use experience. Delivered through a custom-branded web app, the guide works across devices with no download required, allowing visitors to access content instantly on arrival. Available to purchase for £5, it also creates a revenue opportunity while enhancing the visitor experience.

Historical context and audio storytelling

At the heart of the experience is a bespoke audio tour, weaving together historical context and storytelling to help visitors engage more deeply with the castle, its interiors, and the people who have lived there. From its beginnings as a medieval watchtower to its grand Baroque transformation by Sir John Vanbrugh, the tour reveals the stories behind the rooms and objects that have defined the Willoughby de Eresby family home for generations.

The guide also features a welcome introduction from historian, author, and broadcaster Tracy Borman — a proud Lincolnshire lass — who shares her personal connection to Grimsthorpe Castle. Alongside the audio tour, visitors can access clear wayfinding, facilities information, and an interactive site map to help them plan their time on site.

A growing trend in heritage interpretation

Grimsthorpe Castle's decision reflects a wider shift across historic houses and heritage destinations: using technology to deepen interpretation without compromising the atmosphere of the physical space. By placing rich, layered content directly in visitors' hands, the castle is offering a more flexible, self-guided experience. One that allows audiences to explore at their own pace and connect more closely with the stories that define the site.

We're proud to support Grimsthorpe Castle in making its extraordinary history more accessible, engaging, and relevant for today's audiences.