Lincolnshire's towns and villages
Lincolnshire’s towns and villages are home to remarkable heritage gems, each with a story to tell. Medieval churches, historic market squares, grand country houses, and centuries-old cottages reflect a past shaped by trade, industry, and rural life. Explore Norman stonework, Georgian elegance, and architectural details that reveal the region’s rich history. Visit for research, admire the craftsmanship, or take a peaceful walk through streets that have stood for generations.
Alford
Alford is a charming town known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town is home to Alford Manor House, one of the largest thatched manor houses in England, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.
Anderby Creek
Anderby Creek is a peaceful coastal spot on the Lincolnshire coast, known for its unspoiled sandy beach and tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing walks, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Lincolnshire's coast.
Barton-upon-Humber
Barton-Upon-Humber is steeped in history, with iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Church, a site with roots tracing back over 1,000 years. Visit Waters' Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre, a fantastic spot for learning about the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Boston
Boston is known for its strong maritime heritage, with landmarks such as St. Botolph's Church (The Stump) dominating the skyline. The town played a vital role in the Pilgrim Fathers' journey to America and is rich in cultural heritage.
Bourne
Bourne is known for its motor racing heritage, notably linked to Raymond Mays and BRM, and its striking 12th-century Abbey Church, a testament to its rich past.
Brigg
Brigg's heritage is tied to the River Ancholme, with its iconic 19th-century Buttercross and a wealth of Georgian architecture lining the streets.
Caistor
A historic town with Roman origins, Caistor is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Wolds and features a number of listed buildings, including the impressive St Peter and St Paul Church.
Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes is a picturesque seaside town on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire. Full of family friendly activities.
Crowland
The town is home to the striking Crowland Abbey, an architectural gem that reflects centuries of religious significance and local history.
Epworth
Known as the birthplace of John Wesley, Epworth is steeped in Methodist heritage, with the Old Rectory serving as a key historical site.
Gainsborough
Gainsborough Old Hall, a well-preserved medieval manor, stands as a testament to the town's rich past, once visited by Henry VIII.
Grantham
Grantham is best known as the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and the childhood home of Margaret Thatcher. The town boasts stunning architecture, including St. Wulfram's Church, the town also has great transport links with direct train lines to London and offers a range of cultural events throughout the year.
Grimsby
The historic port town of Grimsby has a rich fishing heritage, high street stores, two fresh produce markets and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Holbeach
A historic town with deep agricultural roots, impressive medieval landmarks like All Saints' Church, and scenic green spaces like Carter’s Park, offering a glimpse into its rural heritage and community spirit.
Horncastle
Plenty to explore in this historic town, known for its well-preserved Roman walls and connections to poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, alongside its fascinating architecture and heritage sites.
Immingham
A must-visit for Pilgrim history enthusiasts and researchers, Immingham played a key role in the Pilgrim Fathers' journey to America, commemorated by the town’s Pilgrim Memorial.
Kirton in Lindsey
Kirton in Lindsey, a historic market town, was once home to Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII. Highlights include the Saxon-era St Andrew’s Church and one of England’s smallest listed buildings, an 18th-century whipping post.
Lincoln
The historic city of Lincoln is renowned for its stunning cathedral, medieval castle, and charming cobbled streets. With a blend of rich heritage, independent shops, and vibrant culture, it's a captivating destination for visitors exploring the heart of Lincolnshire.
Long Sutton
Long Sutton's centrepiece, St Mary’s Church (1170), boasts England’s oldest lead-covered timber spire. The town’s past holds intrigue as a former hideout for the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who lived here under the alias John Palmer.
Louth
Discover the historic charm of Louth, often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’. Nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds, this picturesque market town boasts stunning Georgian architecture, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of walking trails.
Mablethorpe
Mablethorpe is a popular, traditional seaside resort on the Lincolnshire Coast. Enjoy award-winning sandy beaches and fun for all the family.
Market Deeping
The Deepings is the collective name given to a delightful group of historic villages in South Kesteven comprising Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Deeping Gate, West Deeping and Deeping St Nicholas.
Market Rasen
Market Rasen is famed for its racecourse, Lincolnshire’s only National Hunt venue, hosting top events. St Thomas’ Church, with its Victorian Gothic architecture, stained glass, and stonework, is a must-see, along with the town’s scenic heritage trails.
Scunthorpe
Visit Scunthorpe for highlight attractions such as Normanby Hall Country Park and nearby Alkborough Flats Nature Reserve.
Skegness
Skegness is an award-winning, vibrant, family-friendly seaside resort with golden sands, traditional seaside attractions and activities.
Sleaford
Sleaford is home to the stunning St Denys’ Church, a medieval landmark with one of England’s oldest stone broach spires. The town’s waterways tell their own story at Navigation House, bringing Lincolnshire’s river trade heritage to life.
Spalding
Spalding is known for its connection to the historic tulip industry and hosts the annual Flower Parade, a vibrant celebration of color and culture. The town's picturesque riverside walks and impressive Ayscoughfee Hall Museum provide insight into its storied past.
Spilsby
Spilsby is packed with history, best known as the birthplace of Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, whose statue stands proudly in the town centre. With its traditional buildings and historic streets, it’s a great place to wander, uncover stories of the past, and experience a real slice of Lincolnshire heritage.
Stamford
Stamford is famed for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, making it a popular filming location for period dramas. The town's cultural highlights include Stamford Arts Centre and Burghley House, a stunning stately home with rich historic roots.
Sutton On Sea
Sutton On Sea is a small coastal village with an excellent well-kept, golden sandy beach, the perfect traditional seaside destination.
Tealby
Tealby is a picturesque classic, picture-postcard English village in Lincolnshire, nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Wainfleet
Wainfleet's medieval layout and heritage buildings, such as Magdalen College School and Batemans Brewery, which offers tours and tastings, provide a fascinating glimpse into England’s past.
Woodhall Spa
Woodhall Spa is a thriving village situated in the middle of rural Lincolnshire.
Wragby
Wragby, rich in history, is home to All Saints Church, remnants of a medieval manor, and a conservation area with Grade II listed buildings like the Old Grammar School and a windmill, making it a must-visit for heritage lovers.
Lincolnshire’s Towns and Villages Built on History and Heritage
Some places race towards the future - Lincolnshire holds onto its past, but in a good way. Time moves gently here and history is etched into every church spire, cobbled street, and country house. From medieval villages to grand estates, its landscape is shaped by centuries of trade, faith, and rural life.
A County with Deep Roots
Lincolnshire’s story stretches back over 2,000 years, and you can still see and feel its past wherever you go. The Romans left their mark in Caistor and Ancaster, their ancient roads and ruins a quiet reminder of an empire that once stretched across Britain. Then came the Normans, who built towering castles and mighty churches that still shape the landscape today. Lincoln Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world, Tattershall Castle and Bolingbroke Castle tell a story of medieval power struggles and shifting fortunes.
In Boston and Gainsborough, the Pilgrim Fathers set out on the journey that would take them to America, carrying hopes of a new life across the ocean.
Centuries later, Lincolnshire found itself at the heart of another great moment in history. Known as ‘Bomber County’ due to its RAF heritage, commemorated at the International Bomber Command Centre and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum.
Architectural Treasures
Here you can find some of England’s most impressive architecture. Crowland Abbey stands as a striking reminder of the county’s religious past, while Alford Manor House, one of the country’s largest thatched manor houses, offers a glimpse into rural life centuries ago.
The Georgian elegance of Louth and Spilsby, the medieval charm of Long Sutton, and the picturesque stone cottages of Tealby each tell their own story. Many villages are home to stunning churches, including St Mary’s in Stow, one of England’s oldest parish churches, and St Botolph’s in Boston, known as the "Boston Stump."
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Lincolnshire is a county of traditions. Its farming heritage runs deep, with rural fairs, flower festivals, and harvest celebrations still held in villages across the region. The Spalding Flower Parade, a legacy of the county’s tulip-growing past, brings bursts of colour each year.
Local food is just as much a part of the culture. Lincolnshire sausages, haslet, plum bread, and Lincolnshire Poacher cheese are staples of village cafés, country pubs, and farmers’ markets.
The connection to literature and legend is just as strong. Epworth is known as the birthplace of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, while Kirton in Lindsey was once home to Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. In Long Sutton, the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin found refuge under an assumed name.
Explore Our Towns and Villages
From medieval abbeys and Elizabethan halls to ancient churches and cobbled streets, our county offers incredible opportunities for history lovers, nature fans and heritage explorers.
Here, history lingers in weathered stone, uneven brickwork, and the quiet hush of an ancient church. Every doorway, every worn step, and every carved timber of our villages and towns carries the weight of those who came before.
So, come and explore! Trace your family roots, uncover stories of kings and pilgrims, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of our peaceful and rich land.
