destinations
Gainsborough
one of the county's larger market towns with fantastic medieval heritage
On the banks of the River Trent, Gainsborough is a market town and inland port, although over 55 miles from the North Sea.
The medieval All Saints Church fell into disrepair after the Civil War. It was demolished in 1736 to make way for a new church rebuilt in the Georgian classical style modelled on St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. All that remains of the medieval church is the west tower. Inside, the church retains its box pews and chandeliers.
In Gainsborough there is a perfect Medieval manor, Gainsborough Old Hall, which is a must for history lovers. Explore this historic market town through fascinating exhibitions at Gainsborough Heritage Centre. You can also discover arts and culture at Trinity Arts Centre, with an excellent programme of films and charming live performances.
There's a monthly Farmers’ and Craft Market held in the market place.
SPECIAL TO Gainsborough
Gainsborough Old Hall
- River Trent and riverside walks
Nearby RAF Ingham Heritage Centre
Nearby Hemswell Antiques
historic buildings
Gainsborough Old Hall
In the middle of Gainsborough and surrounded by Edwardian houses, it is something of a surprise to come upon a half-timbered, brick towered and immaculately preserved medieval manor house, known as the Old Hall. It has a magnificent Great Hall and complete medieval kitchen with two enormous open fireplaces. It is said that some of the Mayflower Pilgrims worshipped in secret at the Old Hall.
things to do in the Gainsborough area
Find a variety of things to do in Gainsborough and nearby including Gainsborough Old Hall, thriving markets and the award winning shopping centre, Marshall’s Yard.
fit for a king
Did you know? Gainsborough was thought to be the capital of England and Denmark for five weeks in 1013 when Sweyen Forkbeard – the King of Denmark conquered England for a brief period!
Other royal guests include Richard III in 1484 and later Henry VIII stayed with his sixth wife Catherine Parr.
a rich and unique heritage
Gainsborough had great importance during the Industrial Revolution and was a busy inland port with warehousing, breweries and large engineering firms.
The Gainsborough Heritage Centre is housed in the old telephone exchange and post office built in 1904 and it includes many displays about the town’s industrial heritage. Gainsborough was the manufacturing base of Marshall, Sons & Co.— a major boiler manufacturer founded by William Marshall in 1848 and employing around 5000 at the height of its success.
shopping
Marshall's Yard
Marshall’s Yard with its 35 stores, coffee shops and landscaped plaza was all created from the former Britannia Iron Works owned by the Marshall family. The Company built steam engines and agricultural machinery that were exported all over the world. During both World Wars they turned to the production of munitions including midget submarines in the Second World War.
Walking
Gainsborough's riverside walk
Grab your walking shoes and head over to the Gainsborough’s riverside walk to explore a much-welcomed and improved walkway.
Visitors can now enjoy an uninterrupted 1.7 mile stroll along the River bank from the historic Trent Bridge all the way to the picturesque village of Morton.
did you know?
It is told that it was the River Trent where Canute, the Danish King of England tried to stop the tidal bore or Aegir as it is known locally which sweeps up the river with the high tide.
This curious bore which comes up the river at springtime to a height of several feet is described in George Eliot’s novel The Mill on the Floss. Gainsborough is the basis for the fictional town of St Ogg’s and the Old Hall is described in detail - “but it is all so old that we look with loving pardon at its inconsistencies, and are well content that they who built the stone oriel, and they who built the Gothic façade and towers of finest small brickwork with the trefoil ornament, and the windows and battlements defined with stone, did not sacriligiously pull down the ancient half-timbered body with its oak-roofed banqueting-hall.” George Eliot visited Gainsborough in 1859.
delicious food & drink near Gainsborough
Nearby
RAF Ingham Heritage Centre
The RAF Ingham Heritage Centre which celebrates the remarkable lives of those from the Polish Air Force who flew alongside the RAF.
nearby
Hemswell Antiques
Hemswell Antiques is also on a former RAF base and is Europe’s largest antique centre in four enormous buildings. You can easily ‘lose’ a day here, so fortunately there are two cafes to keep you sustained!
places to stay near Gainsborough
more about the North of Lincoln
Discover more about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.