Things to see and do

We’re very proud of our big skies here in Lincolnshire. What better way to enjoy their stunning beauty than gazing at the horizon on a pleasant stroll in the countryside? A haven for ramblers, The Viking Way lends itself to many an adventurous hiker across the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds – one of the most unexpected yet beautiful features of the county’s diverse landscape.

Explore hidden valleys and soak up the views during the annual Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival. Follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous poetic voices of the 19th century on the Tennyson Trail weaving around Lincolnshire’s rolling landscapes that inspired Alfred Lord Tennyson, who was born and brought up in the county or try the Water Rail Way, a traffic-free path along the former Lincoln to Boston railway, brought to life with unique works of art, including Lincoln Red cows – as well as more inspiring sculpture celebrating Tennyson.

For woodland walks

• the Lincolnshire Limewoods, particularly Chambers Farm Wood, offer glorious walking throughout the year
• the ancient woods within Grimsthorpe Park are where King Henry VIII once hunted deer.
• Willingham Woods, situated just outside of Market Rasen, is a large woodland area with a number of trails to explore. Cyclists and horse-riders are allowed to visit the woods upon obtaining a permit. One trail is suitable for wheelchair users or anyone who may be less able.

Or how about a city tour? Join a Lincoln city guide on a Cathedral Quarter walking tour – or one with a twist, a Lincoln Ghost or Roman Walk.

For more information on walking and cycling routes in Lincolnshire and in the Wolds area, visit the Walking in Lincs Website and the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB Website.

Pedal power your way to relaxation! Take your pick from challenging trails for serious cyclists to fun easy-riding cycle routes, whether in the gently rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, coastal tracks and waterway trails.

And, of course, there are plenty of village pubs and traditional cafes for resting weary legs.

For a gentle, more leisurely ride stick to the flat country lanes and ancient bridleways, or try one of the less challenging Lincolnshire Wolds Cycle Routes, six trails suitable for cyclists of all abilities, from the beginner to the more advanced. For another cycle route that is on a flat surface try the Spa Trail that follows the mid section of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Junction railway line and part of the Horncastle Canal and also part of the Viking Way.

Or how about cycling past Lincoln Red cattle, Lincoln Longwool sheep and Curly Coatpigs and a Viking longship. Find them on the Water Rail Way, a traffic-free cycle path along the former Lincoln to Boston railway dotted with inspirational sculptures celebrating Lincolnshire wildlife as well as the words of Lincolnshire poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Lincolnshire is the perfect country for horse riders of all abilities. Our rural expanses and network of quiet lanes offer easy and safe horse riding trails. Bridleways have few gates and there’s very little traffic on the leafy country lanes, many of which are old drover roads with wide grass verges.

For Lincolnshire’s version of Big Country riding, it’s hard to beat horse trekking through the Lincolnshire Wolds with its rolling hills, wonderful countryside, ancient tracks and country lanes. Blast away those cobwebs with a dose of fresh air as you gallop along a deserted beach (day passes can be obtained to ride along many of the beaches of the Lincolnshire coastline).

Lincolnshire Rural Activities Centre at Kenwick Hill, on the south- eastern fringe of Louth has an equestrian centre and 

For a horse themed day out, try 

Northcote Heavy Horse Centre, a visitor attraction and animal sanctuary providing a permanent home for horses and ponies that have nowhere else to go. As well as meeting the horses, there’s also a chance to go on a day ride and special annual medieval pageants, with horses and riders dressed for the occasion!

Lincolnshire can also claim to have one of England’s most picturesque horse racing tracks. Set in its rural surroundings on the edge of the wolds, Market Rasen Racecourse offers a friendly family atmosphere, quality racing and amazing views unmatched anywhere in the country.

It has numerous horse racing weekends throughout the year as well as other events like concerts..

Here at Grange Farm we have many species of garden birds as well as woodpeckers, barn owls and kingfishers.

Across Lincolnshire there are over 100 nature reserves dedicated to conserving the wildlife and wild places of the county, with habitats ranging from grassland, heathland, scrub and woodland to coastland, marshes and wetlands.

Enjoy the wide variety of species thriving in their natural habitats along Lincolnshire’s 50 miles of coastline – from ospreys and rare birds to seals and even sharks. A pair of binoculars is a must! You can also visit:

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve covers three miles of coast from Skegness to The Wash. Major habitats include sandy and muddy seashore, sand dunes, saltmarsh and freshwater marsh with ponds and lagoons. You can enjoy bird watching from its observatory after a walk on the beach, and relax in the café at the visitor centre.

RSPB Freiston Shore Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot for bird watching throughout the seasons. Species at the reserve include avocets, redshanks, merlins and brent geese.

Far Ings National Nature Reserve at Barton upon Humber was reclaimed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in the 1980’s. Since then the Trust has developed the reed beds into a thriving reserve where species such as bitterns and kingfishers can be seen. Also the nearby is RSPB at Frampton Marsh 

Donna Nook is internationally renowned for its large and very accessible Grey Seal breeding colonies. They can be seen calving in October to December each year and there are excellent public viewing areas that allow you to get a fantastic view of the seal pups.

Golfers may wish to visit The National Golf Centre in nearby Woodhall Spa which is considered a world class golf course and is ranked 25th in Golf World magazine’s World Top 100 Golf Courses. You could also have a round at;

• The Horncastle Golf & Country Club. 
• Kenwick Park Golf Club or 
• The Louth Golf Club

For a more comprehensive list of the many golf courses in Lincolnshire please view the Golf Today website.

Those keen on fishing will find several parks for coarse fishing as well as Withern Mill Trout Farm for fly fishing.  

For a more complete lists of fishing sites in Lincolnshire visit the Go-Fish.co.uk website

If you are a fitness enthusiast or just want to have a swim,, there are several local gyms in the area, including the brand new Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth and the local Horncastle Swimming Pool and Lifestyle Fitness Suite.

For outdoor swimming and coastal swimming enthusiast, look no further than our long cost of beaches.

Those with an interest in motor sports will enjoy Cadwell Park, a circuit that is especially popular with bikers nationwide.

There are numerous stunning country properties and museums to explore. There are many leaflets displayed in our Tourist Information room – please help yourselves.

Belvoir Castle

Is a mock castle built on the site of an historic castle and stately home. In addition to its gardens and lakes, it offers country pursuits and has a unique retail village restored from old estate buildings. 

Lincoln Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 it is one of the most impressive Norman castles in the UK and home to one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Recently work has developed many attractions, including Victorian and Edwardian prison buildings plus a fantastic accessible wall walk for everyone. There are various exciting events throughout the year including jousting tournaments.

Lincoln Cathedral, a short walk from the castle, towering majestically over the city from whichever direction you approach, is one of the finest gothic buildings in Europe. Along with its rich and varied history, it has been a place of worship for over 1000 years.  Several visitor tours are available to tell you more about Lincoln Cathedral. The Floor Tour lasts about an hour and incorporates all aspects, from architecture to the history of the building. The Roof Tour lasts about 90 minutes. Visitors can see the inside of one of the cathedral roofs, as well as a close-up view of the stained glass windows. The Tower Tour runs from March to November and visitors climb the cathedral’s highest tower. At the top is a 360 degree view of the city and beyond. Booking is recommended for the Roof or Tower Tours.

Tattershall Castle (National Trust)

A 15th century imposing brick castle, was built by Ralph Cromwell who at the time was one of the most powerful men in England. Far reaching views from the top.

Gunby Estate Hall & Gardens, (National Trust)

Is often described as a large doll’s house and sits within glorious grounds and lovely walled gardens.

-Gainsborough Old Hall, a medieval manor house with links to King Henry VIII and regular exhibitions and events.

-Alford Manor House is the largest thatched house in the country and has regular events and craft fairs.

-Doddington Hall and Gardens is an Elizabethan mansion near Lincoln designed by the famous architect Robert Smythson.

-Belton House, (National Trust) near Grantham, is a perfect example of an English country house with its deer park. New for 2015 is a children’s adventure playground.

-Woolsthorpe Manor, (National Trust) is the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton offers plenty to see and interactive science based activities.

-Burley House, is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan period. History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take a dog for a walk in the park, or take time over lunch in the Orangery.

-Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Burton Road in Lincoln tells its visitors of the culture of Lincolnshire and its people from 1750 to the present day..

-The Collection in Lincoln opened in 2005 to bring together the award-winning archaeology museum and the Usher Gallery in a £12.5m development. IIt holds a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts and stages temporary exhibitions supported by the Arts Council.

-The Cottage Museum in Woodhall Spa is packed with intriguing stories and displays about the local area and the Wield family, who lived in the building from 1887 until the 1960s.

-Louth Museum is an award-winning visitor attraction in the historic market town of Louth, nestling at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Modern America took root on the banks of the James River at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, a decade before the Pilgrim Fathers founded Plymouth in Massachusetts.

Follow in the steps of Lincolnshire soldier of fortune Capt John Smith who led the Jamestown settlers’ and became president of Virginia. Visit Willoughby, his birthplace, and Louth where he went to school or red-bricked Tattershall Castle, one of the earliest brick buildings in England, where Smith learnt horsemanship,

Alford
A lovely market town with a magnificent Manor House – has connections with not only Capt Smith, but also Anne Hutchinson, the famous female preacher and founder of Rhode Island, and Thomas Paine, author of the influential “Rights of Man” and who helped inspire the American revolution.

Boston,
Capital of the Fens, is the location of the first failed attempt by the Mayflower Pilgrim Fathers to flee England in 1602 and said to have been imprisoned at Boston Guildhall, now a museum. It was also home to preacher John Cotton who sought religious freedom in America – later founding the city of Boston, Massachusetts. A memorial in St Botolph’s Church celebrates the five men from the town who became early governors of Massachusetts

The Pilgrim Fathers finally fled England in 1608 from north Lincolnshire and as well as a memorial stone close to the actual departure spot, Immingham Museum also has a small exhibition on the Pilgrims.

Re-discover the roots of a nation by retracing the footsteps of men who helped put Australia on the map… literally.

Navigator and cartographer Matthew Flinders, who named Australia, was born and brought up here, one reason why the city of Lincoln is twinned with Port Lincoln, Australia.

Fellow early settlers – such as explorers Flinders and George Bass and colonial administrator John Franklin – all came from Lincolnshire, as did Horncastle explorer and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks who joined Captain James Cook on a voyage around the world in 1768.

St Marys’ Church in Donington hosts a display dedicated to Flinders while the market place of Franklin’s hometown of Spilsby is dominated by a statue of the explorer.

Each year Australia is commemorated by local folk with the annual Great Australian Breakfast held each January while in March a service for Flinders’ birthday is staged in Lincoln Cathedral. While in Lincoln, visit the Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory, a tropical conservatory commemorating the species collected by him on Cook’s voyage to Australia.

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”…

These were words from Lincolnshire-born Alfred Lord Tennyson, one of England’s most popular poets, engraved at the London 2012 Olympic village.

Follow in his footsteps on the Tennyson Trail and be inspired by countryside landscapes including Somersby, where Tennyson was born and raised.

Try out The Water Rail Way walk with innovative sculptures dotted along its path, including some inspired by Tennyson’s words, or visit 18th century Gunby Hall near to Burgh le Marsh, said to be Tennyson’s ‘haunt of ancient peace’,

Find out more at The Tennyson Research Centre at Lincoln Central Library, the most significant collection relating to Tennyson in the world.

And the art of science? Lincolnshire has close connections to the greatest scientist of his era, a great British inventor and the man who discovered gravity.

Sir Isaac Newton was born and brought up at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham and today visitors can discover more about Newton and his discoveries at this 17th-century farmhouse – including mathematical graffiti that he scribbled on walls. In the grounds see the famous apple tree that inspired his thoughts on gravity.

Whether Hollywood blockbuster or classic TV oldie, Lincolnshire is where movie producers head off to find great locations.

Burghley House and neighbouring Stamford were given the star treatment when Keira Knightley, Dame Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland and Matthew Macfadyen filmed a movie remake of Pride and Prejudice there in summer 2004. And double Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks enjoyed a Lincolnshire stay after Hollywood returned to the county in summer 2005 to shoot a big budget film version of best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code.

Lincoln Cathedral was used as a double for London’s Westminster Abbey in that movie and again when Emily Blunt filmed scenes for 2009 movie The Young Victoria at the Cathedral – with Princess Beatrice in a cameo role. The cathedral and the steep paths leading to it were used during the filming of Peterloo in 2018 and The King in 2019.

Lincoln Castle was also used for the prison scenes in the 2012 series, Downton Abbey.

But Lincolnshire offers plenty more big screen and TV locations.

Stamford still proves a draw for fans of the 1994 BBC TV costume drama Middlemarch, the TV adaptation of George Eliot’s story, which was filmed largely there and at Grimsthorpe Castle.

Much of wartime movie Memphis Belle (1990) was filmed at RAF Binbrook in north Lincolnshire plus Lapwing in 2021, while Helen Cresswell’s Moondial, a 1987 BBC TV children’s series, was set around Belton House. Victoria 2016-19 was partially filmed in Grantham.

More recently, in 2022 Boston was used as part of the Obi-Wan Kenobi scene locations.

We are very fortunate to have blue flag beaches on the Lincolnshire Coast, many of which are dog friendly at certain times of the year.

Skegness, Mablethorpe, Cleethorpes and Sutton on Sea offer clean and safe sandy beaches…. perfect for cherished holiday memories.Miles of golden sand, beachside amusements, indoor attractions and good old-fashioned fun make Lincolnshire a firm family favourite, come rain or shine.

Skegness is one of England’s favourite seaside resorts, Mablethorpe has blue flag beaches stretching for miles and Cleethorpes offers endless fun and excitement.

Stroll the boardwalk at Skegness Pier, one of the east coast’s largest family entertainment centres. Feed the seals and have a great day out at Natureland Seal Sanctuary. Brave a white-knuckle ride at Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes or grab a seat on the Mablethorpe Sand Train. And no trip to the seaside would be complete without a donkey ride on the beach.

Join in the annual Skegness SO Festival held in June or enjoy Europe’s largest linear coastal arts festival, based around uniquely designed ‘Bathing Beauties’ beach huts at Mablethorpe during September.

But this is also a coast for nature lovers, birdwatchers and dog walkers.

Lincolnshire’s Natural Coast attracts around a million migrating birds each year and the curved ‘Round & Round House’, at Anderby, offers a perfect vantage point.

At unspoilt Anderby Creek beach, grab a new perspective on nature – at the UK’s first purpose-built cloud viewing platform nestling amidst sand dunes. Anderby Creek Beach, Sea Road, PE24 5XW. Free parking, toilets, café. Left side of beach is dog friendly all year.

Step out into a different world at Huttoft – where you can park your car almost at the water’s edge – or at the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve boasting striking summer displays of sea lavender. Huttoft Beach, Alford LN13 9RR. Park on Huttoft car terrace. Dog friendly all year.

Near Skegness lies Gibraltar Point, a 1,300-acre wildlife reserve hosting many breeding colonies of birds, while to the north Donna Nook Reserve has one of the UK’s most accessible breeding colonies of grey seals during November and December.

Mablethorpe Beach. Dogs are allowed on the North and South ends of the beach all year but are not allowed on the busiest section between 1st May and 30th September. You can still walk your dogs on the prom to access the North and South ends.

North Sea Observatory, Chapel Point, Chapel St Leonards PE24 5XA Seascape Café, dog friendly, fabulous views across the sea. Parking charges.

For other beach and costal ideas visit http://visitlincolnshire.com/blog/best-beaches-in-lincolnshire/

As you approach the City of Lincoln, from any direction, you are drawn to the magnificent silhouette of the Cathedral stretching to the sky. As one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral towers above the city as a prominent landmark visible up to 25 miles away. The Cathedral has a rich and varied history, with two very different love stories commemorated there and visitors are encouraged to try and spy the famous Lincoln Imp while visiting. All scheduled tours are free with entry tickets.

William the Conqueror ordered a Castle to be built in 1068, closely followed in 1072 by the Cathedral. Experience nearly one thousand years of jaw-dropping history at Lincoln Castle from battles, to the hangings of criminals and ghostly tales. 

On your visit to Lincoln Castle discover a site steeped in history spanning the centuries from 60 AD to the present day. View the Magna Carta – one of the four surviving originals sealed by King John in 1215 and experience the only Victorian prison chapel of its kind, providing a haunting reminder of its past.There are amazing plans for the Castle over the next few years and new areas will be opened up to tell more stories of its battles and prisoners held captive.

Heritage

Lincoln’s heritage dates back to Roman times and there are many fascinating buildings to discover:

Guildhall and Stonebow
An early 16th century town building which forms an archway over the main High Street.

Jew’s House
One of the oldest town houses in England, located on Steep Hill and just below the Jew’s Court

Jew’s Court
A 14th century building on Steep Hill, located beside Jew’s House and thought to be on the site of a Medieval Synagogue.

Leigh Pemberton House
Located between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, this half-timbered, 16th century house is now the Visitor Information Centre for Lincoln.

St. Mary’s Guildhall
A major residence, one of the oldest buildings in the city and possibly the property of Henry II.  Constructed for the crown wearing ceremonies of Christmas 1157.

Norman House;
This stone building, on Steep Hill, dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest surviving, domestic buildings in the UK.

High Bridge, Lincoln
Is the oldest UK bridge which still has buildings in use on it.

Newport Arch
A surviving jewel of Roman Britain, Newport Arch is the oldest arch in the UK and still actively used by traffic.

Medieval Bishops’ Palace
Built in the 12th century, these ruins lie close to Lincoln Cathedral.

Roman Lower West Gate
This lower city wall of Roman Lindum Colonia was built from the 2nd century onwards to defend the settlement on the hillside, below the original upper city.

Roman Posterngate
Part of Lincoln’s Roman South Wall is now hidden under a bank and can be seen during tours on selected dates through the year.

Roman East Gate
The north tower and adjacent city wall of the Upper Roman City which can be seen in the forecourt of the Lincoln Hotel.

With so much to see you may feel a guided walking tour is for you, which provides a fun and factual guided walking tour around the City’s Cathedral Quarter.

Shopping

Visit the Museum of Lincolnshire Life for a hands-on experience and learn about the people of Lincolnshire and see displays of art and archaeology at The Collection.

Shopping is great too, with lots of quirky, individual shops, particularly in the Bailgate area, but head down the aptly named Steep Hill to discover Brayford Pool. Here you can take a leisurely boat trip or ride your bike on one of the new riverside paths.

As a county famous for food and farming, Lincolnshire was once home to many impressive working windmills.

Only a few remain, including the only left-handed sail windmill in England at Burgh Le Marsh. To witness the magic of making flour head to Ellis Mill, Alford Five Sailed Windmill or Mount Pleasant Windmill.

Or, if you want to see a working water mill visit Cogglesford Mill where millers have been producing flour on site for over 1000 years.

The LWR is situated in a beautiful part of the Lincolnshire countryside between the Wolds and the coast, and is only a short distance from Grimsby, the seaside resort of Cleethorpes and the historic market town of Louth.

The railway operates on a stretch of line that used to be part of the Great Northern route from Boston to Grimsby.

After the last section of line was closed by BR in 1980, a preservation society was formed with the aim of restoring it. Heritage steam trains once again run between Ludborough and North Thoresby and work is now in progress to extend the line southwards towards Louth.

What visitors to the railway see today is a result of all the time and effort that a small, but dedicated band of volunteers have put in over many years.

This is our closest town. It is well known as a centre for antique shops and bric-a-brac stores, and this quaint town has a good array of venues (many of which are dog friendly) serving tea, coffees and some amazing homemade cakes.

The Horncastle Antique Trail Map can be found on the attached link https://lovelincolnshirewolds.com/admin/resources/downloads/horncastle-antiques-trail-002.pdf

The Romans built a fort at Horncastle which possibly became a Saxon Shore Fort. Although fortified, Horncastle was not on any important Roman roads which suggests that the River Bain was the principal route of access.

Roman Horncastle became known as Banovallum (ie “Wall on the River Bain”) – this name has been adopted by several local businesses and by the town’s secondary modern school – but in fact the actual Roman name for the settlement is not definitely known. Banovallum was suggested in the 19th century through an interpretation of the Ravenna Cosmography, a 7th century list of Roman towns and road stations – Banovallum may in fact have been Caistor.

The walls of the Roman fort remain in places – one section is on display in the town’s library, which is built over the top of the wall. The Saxons called the town Hymecastre from whence its modern name arose.

Horncastle is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was listed as consisting of 41 households including 29 villagers and 12 smallholders and had 100 acres of meadow and two mills, all belonging to King William

Dating from the 13th century, the parish church is dedicated to Saint Mary. It is a grade II listed building which was heavily restored between 1859 and 1861 by Ewan Christian.

Horncastle was given its market charter in the 13th century. It was formerly known for its great August Horse Fair – an internationally famous annual trading event which lasted until the early 20th century.

A bustling town with markets, independent shops, thriving cafes, bars, bistros, supermarkets and a cattle market. Recreational facilities include the Meridian Centre with swimming pool and playing field, the Louth golf course and a further golf course and a swimming pool, gym, etc. can be found at the Kenwick Park leisure centre.

Known as the “capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds” it is situated where the ancient trackway Barton Street crosses the River Lud. The Greenwich Meridian crosses Eastgate and this point is marked with a plaque on the north side of the street, just east of the junction with Northgate.

Historically, the town is most noted as the origin of the Lincolnshire Rising, the forerunner of Pilgrimage of Grace on 1st October 1536, starting in St James Church, Louth. A flood occurred in the town on 29th May 1920, causing 23 deaths. Several stone plaques in the town show the high water level reached. The town’s skyline is dominated by St James Church the spire of which is 295 feet (90m) tall, though shorter than both Norwich Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral, in terms of spire height it is reputedly the tallest Anglican parish church in the United Kingdom. The church was built in 1515.

Louth museum has a Panorama Gallery which features two back-lit replicas of William Brown’s Panorama of Louth viewed from the top of St James spire in 1844. The two original paintings that together form the panorama hang side-by- side in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall on Little Eastgate. The panorama gives a unique and vivid representation of the streets, businesses, homes and people of the town and the landscape as far as the North Sea to the east and northwards to the Humber estuary and beyond.

Much of the town centre is lined with brick buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alfred, Lord Tennyson was educated at King Edward VI Grammer School and a stone inscription to commemorate this forms part of a wall on Schoolhouse Lane.

Louth is noted for the wide selection of independent retailers in the town, in particular specialist grocers. Louth is also home to The Cheese Shop which has gained nationwide recognition with features in newspapers, The Hairy Bikers Food Tour of Britain, BBC Lincolnshire and BBC Look North and in works by Mary Portas.

Just off the Market Place is the department store Eve and Ranshaw, whose history can be traced back to 1781, whilst Eastgate is noted for its range of local shops including award winning butchers and an independent chain of “Dragonfly” shops.

Market Rasen is a small market town on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Originally “Rasen”, as it is known locally, was called “East Rasen”, “Rasen Parva” or “Little Rasen”. The town centre has a homogeneous 19th-century red-brick appearance of mainly Georgian and Victorian architecture centred around a market place with a medieval church restored in the 19th century.

The River Rase flows through the town and is crossed by Jameson Bridge, Caistor Road Bridge and Crane Bridge.

Market Rasen’s community fire and police station opened December 2005. It is one of the first purpose-built combined fire and police stations in the UK.

Market Rasen racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse and stages a year round programme of racing.

Visitors can immerse themselves in history, heritage and culture including the town’s famous large traditional markets, established for more than 450 years.

The market place has a bright, airy open space great for pedestrians, the markets and craft fairs. It is surrounded by a medieval network of lanes with many independent shops, cafes and eateries and many national retailers in the more prominent shopping areas such as Pescod Square. Visit the Boston ‘Stump’, the lantern shaped tower of St Botolph’s church which is visible for miles around.

The Pilgrim Fathers were famously imprisoned at the Guildhall, now a visitor attraction, and made their first attempt to escape from England from nearby Fishtoft.

Why not visit on a market day to sample local produce and really take in the atmosphere of these charming towns, (market days are likely to changes please check closer to your visit):

Horncastle:
Thursdays and Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every 2nd Thursday of the month).

Louth:
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every 4th Wednesday of the month, a Food Friday market on every second Friday of the month and a live stock market/auction is held each Monday at the Louth Livestock Centre.

Spilsby:
Mondays.

Alford:
Tuesday, Friday (Craft Markets: Tuesday, Friday July to Sept).

Market Rasen: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On each Tuesday there is an auction of goods and produce, and on Saturdays there is also a monthly themed event.

Boston:
Wednesdays and Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every Wednesday).

Mablethorpe:
Thursday.

Wainfleet All Saints:
Friday

Lincoln:
Monday to Saturday (Farmer’s Markets on every Friday, 1st Friday in month at City Square, 2nd Friday in month at Cornhill, 3rd Saturday in month at Castle Hill and 4th Friday in month at St. Mark’s Centre.

Located on a former bomber airfield, the centre includes Avro Lancaster “Just Jane” which performs taxy runs regularly in the summer months (check website for details) and a veteran Dakota. New for 2019 taxy runs in a newly renovated Mosquito bomber from WWII.

The original WWII control tower has been restored and forms part of the museum which holds many exhibits focusing on Bomber Command, a Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb, Home Front exhibition, a Hampden restoration project and the Royal Air Forces’ Escaping Society Museum.

This Centre hosts displays describing the history of the airfield and the squadrons which operated from it, civilian life during the Second World War, the Royal Observer Corps and Air Training Corps.

At RAF Coningsby. Operates the only airworthy Lancaster in Britain, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Dakota and two Chipmunks.

The Memorial Flight is a living tribute to all RAF air and ground crews who gave their lives in the Second World War.

This venue recalls life on an operational airfield, and honours those who served there. Nearby are the remains of runways and taxiways, and a memorial to 106 Squadron, special events occur throughout the year.

The original operations room bunker of this former Fighter Command airfield has been restored, complete with plotting table, state boards and equipment. Other rooms include items related to the many bomber squadrons that were based in the county and the history of RAF Digby.

Located in the control tower of this former Lancaster base, the Museum is small but very interesting, it records the history of the station. Near the tower is a memorial to 12 and 626 Squadrons.  The airfield remains operational, used by light aircraft.

Offers a unique attraction of being able to view all aircraft (E3-D Sentry, Sentinel and Shadow R1) as well as visiting military aircraft.

Travel back in time to RAF Waddington’s history within Bomber Command and the Augsburg raid; learn about the V-Force during the days of the Cold War and the Black Buck raid on the Falkland Islands.

Discover the science of radar and other modern technologies used in the Combat ISTAR platforms flown from Waddington today.

The Centre traces the history of RAF Cranwell from its Royal Navy years and the Royal Air Force College to the present day.

The experience includes interactive exhibits including a Jet Provost flight simulator, displays, various exhibits and artefacts, storyboards and courtyard area with Jet Provost aircraft