Market Towns & Villages
Stunning locations, unique characters, charming towns, heritage and fabulous food quite simply sums up our picturesque historic market towns and village hamlets. Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure, a gastronomic holiday, a romantic getaway, or just to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the countryside our market towns and villages are the perfect retreat.
Louth
Also known as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’ this beautiful Georgian market town is a delight for foodie lovers!
Hailed by TV chef’s The Hairy Bikers as a “foodie Mecca”, Louth is one of the UK’s best-loved foodie hot-spots.
Whether you have a passion for shopping or an interest in history, this charming market town offers an array of attractions and activities: from the stunning St James’ Church sporting the tallest medieval parish spire in the country, to the shopping area dotted with countless independent retailers, inns and magnificent Georgian and Victorian houses.
Visit the bustling weekly markets and sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest produce, selling everything from speciality cheeses through to Lincolnshire Plum Loaf. Weekly markets are held on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Farmers’ markets are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month and Food Friday on the second Friday of each month. If you can’t visit on a market day, you won’t be disappointed as Louth has fabulous food shops including award-winning butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and a cheese shop.
Horncastle
Be captivated by the beauty of this thriving market town in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, nestled between the River Bain and River Waring.
This quintessentially English market town is brimming with a great selection of antique shops, galleries, award winning coffee houses and restaurants and cosy traditional pubs. There are also a growing number of artisan shops offering unique clothing and gifts.
Originating from Roman times, and claimed in the Doomsday Book of 1086 to be owned by King William, Horncastle is steeped in heritage and history. With its cobbled streets, thatched houses and 18th and 19th century architecture the town is a gem to explore.
Take time to see the remains of the Roman wall in the library, or follow in the footsteps of the famous Botanist explorer, Sir Joseph Banks, at the Joseph Banks Centre. Also find out what Horncastle has to do with the 'long drop'!
The town also welcomes visitors to its weekly markets on Thursdays and Saturdays and monthly Farmers Markets, held on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Alford
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. Weekly markets are held on a Tuesday and Friday and regular arts and crafts markets are held throughout the year.
Spilsby
A delightful market town on the southern Wolds, Spilsby was 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, which displays valuables from the Willoughby de Eresby family, who used to own the entire town. A traditional market is held every Monday.
Woodhall Spa
Once a Regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Lincolnshire, this delightful spa town still retains a feeling of Edwardian gentility. 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.
Woodhall Spa is often hailed as the home of English Golf following the establishment of the National Golf Centre in 1995. Budding golfers can tee off on its Championship level golf course, ranked 25th in the Golf World magazine’s World Top 100 Golf Courses. Set deep in the pine forest is the ‘Kinema in the Woods’, the UK’s only fulltime cinema still using rear projection.
Tattershall and Coningsby
On the edge of the Wolds lie the peaceful villages of Tattershall and Coningsby.
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 the 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.