Rich Heritage

The Lincolnshire Wolds and market towns are bursting with rich heritage.

Towering above the Wolds the market town of Louth, the iconic spire of St James' Church is the tallest medieval parish church spire in the country. The town is also rich in Georgian architecture and a visit to Louth Museum will give you a fantastic insight into the history of this important market town.

At the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds stands the beautiful market town of Alford. For those with a keen interest in history then plan a visit to Alford Manor House. The house, dating from 1611, is reputed to be the largest thatched manor house in the country and is a splendid example of Georgian and Victorian design. No trip to Alford is complete without a visit to the Five Sailed Windmill, which is considered to be the finest in England and still in use today.

The pretty market town of Horncastle boasts a great selection of antique shops, galleries, coffee houses, fantastic award winning restaurants and traditional pubs. From cobbled streets and thatched houses to the old Roman ruins and a 13th century church, this market town is a gem to explore.

The quaint market town of Spilsby is full of history and charm and home to the famous arctic explorer, Sir John Franklin, who disappeared in 1847 trying to navigate a section of the North West Passage in the Canadian Arctic. For those wanting to explore a little more of the town's history then a visit to St James' Church is worthwhile, displaying valuables from the Willoughby de Eresby family, who used to own the entire town.

Step back in time at the Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum, created to preserve the rich history of the village. Visitors can also visit the Petwood Hotel, originally the home of the famous 617 Dambusters Squadron, where memorabilia from the squadron is on display in the Dambusters Bar. Set deep in the pine forest is the 'Kinema in the Woods', the UK's only full-time cinema still using rear projection.

Surrounded by miles of open countryside the small village of Tattershall is full of charm, from the dramatic Tattershall Castle, an impressive and rare red brick castle built by Ralph Cromwell, to the Church of Holy Trinity and the history of the folk legend Tom Thumb. In the neighbouring village of Coningsby take time to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, home to the only fully operational Lancaster Bomber in the country.

A wealth of history and charm can be found in the market towns of Caistor and Market Rasen.

Caistor is a lovely Georgian town that dates back to Roman times, it has 56 listed buildings and a very active Civic Society organise walks around the town giving fascinating information about the town's history and pointing out things of special interest.

A small attractive market town on the western fringe of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Market Rasen is composed mainly of red brick buildings, with the historic centre of town being largely Georgian and Victorian. The parish church is medieval, but was much restored in the Victorian period. Rase Heritage organise walks around the town pointing out the history and various buildings.

Lincolnshire is well known for its aviation heritage and the Wolds has its share, particularly on the former RAF Binbrook site at Brookenby with its spectacular views over the Wolds countryside.

The highest point in Lincolnshire is marked by a Trig Pillar, close to the village of Normanby le Wold.

Churches also play a large part in the heritage of the Wolds and West Lindsey Churches Group organise a festival every May, during which a number of Wolds churches including: Brookenby, St Michael and All Angels, Caistor, St Peter and St Pauls, Market Rasen, St Thomas and Walesby, All Saints 'Ramblers' to name just a few. Full details on the Churches Festival can be found at: http://www.churchesfestival.info