Further Afield

Plenty more to explore in Lincolnshire

Lincoln

There is so much to see and do in Lincoln and a warm welcome awaits you on a city break, including Cathedral view hotels and rural escapes just outside the city.

Lincoln offers a unique, heritage city experience. The city is crowned by Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, which sits across a picturesque cobbled square from Lincoln Castle. The building of the Castle, as with the Cathedral, was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, so there is a wealth of history and heritage to discover there.

Lincoln Cathedral is the owner of one of only four remaining original copies of Magna Carta. You can see it for yourself in the underground vault in Lincoln Castle, which will also tell you its story and its impact on society still today.

You can explore the area's history in museums and attractions across the city – most of which are free – including The Collection, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life and Lincoln Guildhall. The best way for an overview of the city is from the top deck of the sightseeing open-top bus, where live commentary from friendly guides will let you in to all of Lincoln’s secrets and stories.

Lincoln isn’t all about heritage though – there is a vibrant food and drink scene in the city, including locally sourced fine-dining, real ale and craft beers, along with quaint tea rooms and cafes. The Brayford Waterfront is a sure stop for a meal or drink with a great selection of bars, pubs and restaurants with stunning waterfront views.

You will enjoy a unique shopping experience in Lincoln, from global brands on the High Street to the unique independent stores that line Steep Hill and Bailgate.

Gainsborough

This market town, steeped in rich history and heritage, has origins as a river crossing place, and later an inland port, miles from the sea but on the banks of the River Trent, which runs through the west of the town marking the border with Nottinghamshire. The town boasts of being the capital of England when Sweyn Forkbeard was King in 1014, and it flourished in the Middle Ages. In the Civil War it was a frontier town and later industry helped it prosper, wood was exported, whilst machinery and even submarines were built here.

It is also home to a fantastic Medieval Manor - Gainsborough Old Hall, built around 1460, and there is strong circumstantial evidence to show the 'Separatists' were allowed to worship there in secret. Eventually some of the Separatists in the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire areas became "Mayflower Pilgrims", and as religious dissenters sailed across the Atlantic in the Mayflower in 1620.

Famous visitors to the Old Hall include Richard III, Henry VII and John Wesley.

Today you can enjoy the town, by visiting the thriving markets which are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. An award-winning shopping centre, Marshall's Yard, now stands on the site of the former Marshall Sons and Company where, along with a range of fantastic shops, a Farmers' and Craft market is held on the second Saturday of the month.

Take a stroll along the river where George Eliot was inspired to write 'The Mill on the Floss', or just visit Reeds Coffee Shop on the riverside and watch the world go by.

For more information, please contact the Gainsborough Tourist Information Centre by email: tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk or phone 01427 676666.

Boston

Here you will find a wealth of fascinating history and heritage to discover, a great selection of shops and places to eat and a stunning market place with vibrant markets.

Even after 700 years travellers visiting the vibrant town of Boston can't fail to have been struck by the size and grandness of the Boston Stump. St Botolph's Tower reaches 272ft towards the heavens, an outstanding monument to medieval stone masons. Look inside at the memorials to some of Boston's famous sons, and its American connections. And for more American connections, visit the Boston Guildhall where the Pilgrim Fathers were imprisoned and the history of Boston is brought to life.

Boston has always been a great trading centre. From the 13th century a lively port, and today a thriving market town. Busy markets have been held here for more than 450 years, now twice weekly every Wednesday and Saturday - with fresh food auctions and sales of everything from bicycles and tools to plants and antiques. An excellent choice of family run and independent shops surround the market place.

Nearby, don't miss the RSPB Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh Nature Reserves – great for families and lovers of nature. The Maud Foster Mill is the country's tallest working windmill - see it at work and climb to the top for some wonderful views.

Stamford

Magnificent Georgian architecture, niche shopping, beautiful riverside meadows and a vibrant Arts Centre combine to make Stamford a visitor must.

Stamford is the most complete stone town in England; whole streets unchanged over the centuries and with 600 listed mellow limestone buildings. England’s first urban conservation area is the perfect setting for a bi-ennial Georgian Festival, with the next event due in September 2021.

Delight in a walk along the River Welland or relax on the town’s historic Meadows. Visitors will be enthralled by Stamford’s uniquely independent shops, its bustling Friday market and the town’s eating houses, pubs and food speciality shops. Rutland and the panorama of Rutland Water are on the doorstep, together with historic houses at Grimsthorpe Castle and Burghley House.

The town’s Arts Centre, built in 1768, is one of the oldest provincial theatres in England. Other visitor hot spots are the Steam Brewery, Browne’s Hospital and the 12th century ruins of St Leonard’s Priory. A popular Town Trail explores passageways, main thoroughfares and market squares and tours of the Town Hall on Fridays display one of the best collections of civic memorabilia in the UK, with rare and priceless artefacts.

Grantham

Its position as the gateway to Lincolnshire and a history celebrated the world over make Grantham an enticing destination and a perfect base for exploring Lincolnshire.

Recognised as the birthplace of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Grantham also boasts a famous earlier son whose discoveries and legacy are celebrated worldwide, Sir Isaac Newton. Both are commemorated in Grantham Museum, along with aviation history enriched by WWII milestones, including the town’s 1943 Bomber Command HQ during the Dambusters Raid and American co-ordination of 1944 allied airborne offensives such as D-Day.

Newton’s birthplace, Woolsthorpe Manor, is just south of the town, with a fascinating Discovery Centre illustrating his work and the biennial Gravity Fields Festival in his honour will take place again in September 2020.

Originally known for its engineering heritage, modern Grantham offers a better range of hotels than adjoining towns, plus a Saturday market and monthly Farmers’ Markets.

Landmarks include the soaring 282ft spire of St Wulfram’s Church, and the Victorian clock tower of the Guildhall Arts Centre. The River Witham flows through the town, enhanced by local attractions including Belvoir Castle and National Trust property Belton House.

Cleethorpes

The seaside town of Cleethorpes welcomes holidaymakers and families all year round, whether you are staying for the week, overnight or just visiting for the day.

Cleethorpes is a clean and modern resort with traditional appeal. It is the perfect getaway, offering breath-taking scenery, fabulous sandy beaches, mouth-watering food, top attractions and fascinating history.

In and around Cleethorpes you will find a great choice of places to stay to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for stunning sea views and fresh air, you’ll find plenty of accommodation close to the beach. Or if you prefer self-catering, you have the option of holiday cottages and caravans with sites scattered in and around the area.

A day at Cleethorpes beach is a day well spent with everything you can imagine in this traditional seaside town. With four-and-a-half miles of golden sands, visitors are spoilt for choice in this popular beach resort. Bring your bucket and spade and spend a day building sandcastles, or use the beach as a makeshift football or cricket pitch. Why not paddle in the sea or just have a relaxing picnic while you enjoy the sunshine. The beautiful clean beach is there for everyone to enjoy. The beach also remains home to a favourite traditional seaside pursuit – donkey rides along the sands.

Come onto dry land and try for a hole-in-one at Cleethorpes Crazy Golf course. Bring along your penny jar and find your winning streak in one of the many arcades or sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal views while taking a ride on the Lollipop Express Land Train.

Hull

The UK City of Culture.

The cobbled streets of the city's Old Town transports visitors back to days gone by. Visit the Museums Quarter, home to a number of free museums, and plot Hull's course through the history books. Take time to explore The Deep as it whisks you down to the bottom of the deep blue sea and introduces you to its many inhabitants.

Why not take a stroll along Hull Marina and head for the retro Fruit Market area, home to the UK's only Museum of Club Culture, Dinostar, Hull's only Dinosaur Exhibition, amongst many art galleries, quirky shops and places to eat.

If shopping is your bag then you have your pick of all the high street favourites plus vintage boutiques, monthly markets and quirky independent stores.

Steeped in history with an exciting nightlife, a visit provides the perfect opportunity to sample all that this great city has to offer.