We’ve spent years getting to know Lincolnshire, and no matter where else we go, we always find ourselves returning to Louth. While other places change with the tides, Louth stays true to itself – charming, down-to-earth, and full of character.
For spring, summer, and autumn 2025, we’re sharing our favourite ways to experience this beautiful market town – not the usual tourist stops, but some highlights that have kept us coming back. Think early mornings spent spotting butterflies, quieter afternoons exploring hidden gems, and evenings sipping pints in a 400-year-old pub.
If you’re ready to discover what makes this corner of Lincolnshire so special, dive into our handpicked guide to 2025’s standout events and our regularly updated calendar of things to do in Louth – perfect for planning your next visit, no matter the season.
Old-School Louth We Love
Climb the Tower
A great exercise and so worth the cardio - climbing St James' Church tower – all 199 steps of it. Oh my goodness, the view from the top!
If you can time your visit for early evening in June when the light turns golden across the town's rooftops, from up there, you can actually spot the silver thread of the North Sea on clear days - a view that William Brown spent 12 years painting in the 1840s.
Quick Tips: Open Monday-Saturday, 10am - 3:30pm. Just £2 to climb.
Get a (Sky-High) Sketch of Victorian Life with William Brown’s Epic Tower View
Imagine spending 12 years creating one continuous image – and then having it disappear for a century! That's what happened with William Brown's incredible 360-degree painting of Victorian Louth. In 1844, he climbed that same church tower and started sketching what would become one of England's most remarkable artistic time capsules.
The panorama vanished after his death in 1859 and turned up again in 1948.
It's strangely moving to spot streets you recognise, except with horse-drawn carriages and Victorian figures.
What makes it truly special are the little scenes of daily life Brown captured: a gentleman with a telescope atop St. James' Church, children playing with hoops outside the Grammar School (where poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson studied), and even a street performer with a monkey entertaining passersby near the Wheatsheaf Inn. You can see the George Inn where a startled horse rears up, ladies with parasols in the Vicarage Garden, and girls dancing around maypoles at the National School.
You can find the original in the Town Hall's courtroom (open Wednesday and Friday mornings), but Louth Museum has a digital version that lets you zoom in on all these amazing details.
Quick Tips: Town Hall viewing Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 - 13:00. Museum version Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 - 16:00 (£4 adult entry). The museum's digitised version is perfect for detail-hunters.
See Louth Grow Up – From Ration Books to Roller Skates
If you're in or around Louth this year, this is one not to miss. Running from April to October 2025, this year's headline exhibition at Louth Museum is all about childhood, community, and coming-of-age in a small Lincolnshire town – from the eve of World War II to the end of the Eighties.
Curated by Julie Gough, it brings together photographs, recorded memories, and social commentary that show what it meant to grow up in a changing world.
Think black-and-white photos from school sports days, tape recordings of local voices sharing memories, fashion from another era, and fascinating commentary on how social life evolved over those five fast-changing decades.
It’s part exhibition, part reunion. You might just spot yourself, your gran, or your old next-door neighbour on the wall. And if you didn’t grow up in Louth, it’s still a brilliant chance to peek into a slice of 20th-century life that feels both specific and strangely universal – think treasured bicycles and backyard games.
Quick Tips: The exhibition runs at Louth Museum from April to October, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 - 16:00. Entry is £5 for adults and free for under 16s. You’ll find it on Broadbank, just a short walk from the town centre.
Time-Travel with a Pint at the Olde Whyte Swanne
We've tried all of Louth's pubs, and nothing beats the Olde Whyte Swanne for sheer historical vibes. This whitewashed treasure has been serving thirsty travelers since 1612 - that's before the Mayflower even sailed!
The front bar hasn't changed much since Georgian times, which means your pint of local ale sits on the exact same wooden counter where people drank when George III was on the throne.
Quick Tips: Open daily from 11:00. Dog-friendly (they even have treats behind the bar). Live music some weekends.
Get Outside and Explore
Have a Picnic in Hubbard's Hills
If we had to pick just one spot to send you in Louth, it would be Hubbard's Hills. This dreamy little valley feels like it belongs in a storybook, not just a mile from a market town. Created by melting ice age glaciers, its steep green slopes funnel down to a shallow river perfect for paddling.
It is such a joy to spend a summer afternoon here, spreading blankets on the flat valley floor while watching braver souls (kids, mainly) splash in the River Lud.
The whole place exists because of a Victorian love story – a husband gifted the land to Louth in memory of his wife, Annie Pahud.
Quick Tips: Open year-round, free entry (donation box for parking). Enjoy an ice cream van in summer. Accessible main path, though side trails up the slopes are steep. Perfect for August picnics.
Chase Butterflies at Dawn
We'll be honest – waking up at 4am during our summer holidays wasn't initially appealing but it is so worth it for this spectacle!
Arrive at Red Hill just before sunrise on a warm June or July morning, and you'll witness something extraordinary. Hundreds of butterflies roost overnight on grass stems, wings closed to show their silvery undersides. As the rising sun warms the air, they open their wings in near-unison, transforming the hillside into a fluttering canvas of blues, whites, and browns.
If possible, plan your visit for mid-July 2025 - apparently that's when the rare Dark Green Fritillaries are at their peak.
Quick Tips: Always open. No facilities. Wear proper shoes - chalk paths get slippery when damp. Bring a camera with macro capabilities for butterfly close-ups.
Take a Walk Through the Ever-Changing Dunes
Situated just 15 minutes from Louth, the Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve (LCCNNR). A remarkable stretch of coastline that showcases the diverse and dynamic landscapes of the Lincolnshire coast. This expansive reserve encompasses 33 square kilometres along nearly 30 kilometres of coastline.
The reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Notable species include breeding and over-wintering birds such as redshank, whitethroat, golden plover, and grey seals.
Quick Tips: Free entry. Some areas may flood at high tide; check tide times before visiting. The area supports rare species like natterjack toads and the marsh moth so keep an eye out!
Watch Clouds Paint the Reservoir
If there's one thing Lincolnshire does better than anywhere else, it's big skies. And there's nowhere better to appreciate them than Covenham Reservoir, where 80 acres of water act as a mirror to the constantly changing cloudscapes above.
The 5km circular path around the perimeter makes for an easy walk with spectacular views. Summer evenings are our favourite time to visit – the sun setting over the water turns everything golden, then crimson, before darkness falls. Early mornings bring mist rising off the surface and the occasional splash of pike feeding.
We're excited for summer 2025 because the Water Sports Association is expanding their beginner paddle boarding sessions.
Quick Tips: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free entry. Toilet block open during summer months only. Dogs welcome but must be kept on leads (wildlife protection). Sunrise/sunset visits offer the most dramatic skyscapes.
Shop, Eat, Repeat (Our Favourite Louth Indulgences)
Feel the Market Day Buzz (Three times a week!)
There's something about a proper market town that just feels right, isn't there? Louth still hosts markets the old-fashioned way – three times weekly since 1551, when King Edward III granted the town its charter.
Don't miss the specialty markets coming up in 2025 – the second Friday of each month brings artisan food producers, third Saturdays feature local craftspeople, and fourth Wednesdays host a farmers' market with everything from rare-breed pork to honey still in the comb.
While exploring the market area, duck into Pawnshop Passage – a narrow cobbled alleyway off Mercer Row. This medieval trading spot feels like stepping into another century, with buildings leaning in overhead. The Wine Cellar here does fantastic Saturday tastings (book ahead!) www.thewinecellarlouth.co.uk.
Quick Tips: Markets run 10:00 - 14:00. Bring cash as not all stallholders take cards. Early birds get the best produce. Saturday parking fills quickly – use the Northgate lot.
Check Out Local Cheeses at The Cheese Shop
This small, unassuming storefront houses what The Telegraph named "Best Small Shop For Food in the UK" – and from the moment you step inside, the intoxicating aroma of over 100 varieties of cheese tells you you're somewhere special.
The Hairy Bikers featured The Cheese Shop on their Food Tour of Britain, but local foodies have known about this treasure for years. Beyond the incredible cheese selection (the Lincolnshire Poacher is our favourite), they bake incredible sourdough, tarts, and brownies that locals queue for.
The scones tend to disappear before midday. Worth planning your visit around if you’d like to try one but we highly recommend everything on offer!
Quick Tips: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 - 16:00. Takeaway coffee is available too. They make stunning cheese wedding "cakes" (actual stacked cheeses) if you're planning a 2025 celebration, order at least two weeks ahead.
Dig Into Louth’s Glorious Antique Haven
If you're the type who loves a good rummage for hidden treasures, block out at least two hours for The Old Maltings Antique Centre. This former grain warehouse houses over 30 independent dealers across two gloriously packed floors – everything from Georgian silverware to 1960s vinyl records and vintage clothing.
Quick Tips: Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 - 16:30. Dealers expect haggling – start at 10-15% below the ticketed price. Cash preferred for smaller purchases. Wheelchair access to ground floor only.
Start Your Day Like a Local at Tina's
If you want to experience authentic Louth life, set your alarm and head to Tina's Café by 7am. This is where the real town wakes up – market traders fuel up before setting out stalls, and locals gather for the delicious full English breakfast.
Tina's serves honest, delicious food served in generous portions by friendly people.
The Lincolnshire breakfast is our go-to – featuring Lincolnshire sausages, black pudding, and lots of toast. Keep some room for a slice of homemade fruit cake to finish.
Quick Tips: Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 - 16:00. No bookings.
Cool Off the Midday Heat with Local Gelato
Baci & Co serve delicious scoops of incredible gelato all made from local produce.
They produce hundreds of different flavour combinations but limit the display to just twelve at a time. So there's a good chance that every time you pop in, you'll be treated to something completely new.
Don't miss their cheesecake either – made with local cream cheese and served with a complementary scoop of gelato, it's developed an almost cult following among Louth foodies.
Quick Tips: Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 - 16:30. Close at 16:00 on Sunday. They are moving to 18 - 20 Cornmarket in 2025. Dairy-free and vegan options are always available. Expect to pay £3-4 for a two-scoop cup. Outdoor seating available when weather permits.
Taste What's Local at The Mansion House
Behind an unassuming Georgian façade on Upgate hides an exciting restaurant. The Mansion House has quietly revolutionised Louth's dining scene over the past few years.
Everything they use in cooking comes from within 30 miles and is transformed into dishes that would hold their own in any city restaurant. Spring brings Lincolnshire asparagus prepared three ways – raw in salads, chargrilled with locally cured ham, or blended into silky soups. Summer menus feature new potatoes so fresh they need nothing more than butter and mint from the restaurant's kitchen garden.
The surprise element of their tasting menu keeps drawing us back – five courses that showcase what's best that week, with zero food miles and 100% flavour.
Book now for autumn 2025 when they feature game from local estates.
Quick Tips: Open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner, plus Friday-Saturday for lunch. Booking essential, especially for weekend slots. Five-course tasting menu (£45) offers the best introduction to their philosophy. Wine pairing option includes several English vintages.
Get Into the Spirit(s)
Louth is a craft gin hotspot! Louth Distillery, housed in a converted Victorian warehouse on the edge of town, has put Lincolnshire firmly on the spirit-lover's map with their award-winning Pin Gin.
The name comes from the old description of Louth as "the pin in the map of Lincolnshire". Their signature gin combines traditional botanicals with ingredients foraged from the Wolds.
Take their distillery tour and you will be fascinated by many things including the copper alembic still named "Dotty" (after a grandmother). Enjoy the tasting room, where flights of different gins appear alongside stories of their creation.
For something truly special in 2025, book their gin school experience. You'll create your own custom recipe, distill a bottle to take home, and learn enough gin trivia to impress friends at your next dinner party.
Quick Tips: Tours run on Saturday, £25 per person including tasting. Gin school experiences £95, include a 70cl bottle of your creation. Book through their website – they often sell out weeks in advance, especially for summer sessions.
Catch a Movie in a Hundred-Year-Old Cinema
The Louth Playhouse has been showing films in the same converted Victorian chapel since 1921! While they've modernised with digital projection and comfy seating, the main auditorium still retains its curved ceiling and original decorative plasterwork.
Quick Tips: Open daily. Adult tickets £8.50, concessions available. The small bar serves local beers and spirits – arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy a pre-film drink. Check their website for their 2025 centenary special events.
Find Art That Makes You Think at NTKO
Housed in a former butcher's shop, the gallery's walls provide the perfect backdrop for rotating exhibitions that often feature artists from across Europe. The focus tends toward the conceptual and colourful – expect large-scale installations, video pieces, and bold paintings.
Quick Tips: Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 - 16:00. Exhibitions change monthly. Free entry. The small shop area offers affordable prints and artist-designed objects if you want a distinctive souvenir.
Watch the Drama Unfold at Riverhead Theatre
There's something genuinely heartwarming about community theatre, and Louth Playgoers Society does it better than most. They've been performing since 1922, making them one of Britain's oldest amateur dramatic groups. Their home at the Riverhead Theatre stands as testament to the town's commitment to grassroots culture – the venue was largely funded by community donations and runs almost entirely on volunteer power.
Don't let the "amateur" label fool you – their production values would put many professional theatres to shame. The 200-seat auditorium hosts everything from Shakespeare to pantomime, often with surprising technical ambition and talent.
For summer and autumn 2025, they’re planning an incredible line-up of productions and shows, to keep you thoroughly entertained.
Quick Tips: Box office open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 - 14:00. Productions typically run for 5-6 nights. Tickets £10-13. Bar opens 45 minutes before performances – perfect for a pre-show glass of wine.
Discover Jazz in the Most Unlikely Place
One of Louth's best-kept secrets is hidden above a shop on Queen Street. Despite its small size, Louth Jazz Club has built a reputation that attracts acclaimed musicians from across the UK and occasionally international performers touring Europe.
The club's 2025 program looks incredible, with a focus on female bandleaders and composers. Their bring-your-own-bottle policy keeps costs down and adds to the relaxed, house-party feel of events.
Quick Tips: Performances every Saturday of each month. Doors open 18:30 for 19:30 start. Book via the website – events often sell out weeks ahead.
Escape the Rain at Meridian Leisure Centre
The 25-metre swimming pool features a separate splash area with slides and water jets for younger children, while the main pool runs family-friendly inflatable obstacle course sessions on weekends.
Quick Tips: Open daily, hours vary by facility. Family swim sessions run on weekends and school holidays. Pre-booking recommended for busy periods, especially during school holidays. Parent and toddler sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Get Up Close with Animals at Mablethorpe Sanctuary
Just a 25-minute drive from Louth along the coastal road, Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre offers one of the most diverse and heart-warming wildlife experiences in Lincolnshire. This family-run rescue centre has been saving injured and orphaned animals since 1974, growing from its original focus on seals to become a haven for creatures from across the globe.
Here you can meet rescued primates, watch meerkats on sentry duty, admire majestic birds of prey, and coo over seal pups all in one afternoon.
Quick Tips: Open daily 10:00 - 17:00 throughout 2025. Adult £13, Child £9, Seniors £12, concession rates available. Small café on site for light refreshments. Mostly accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with some gravel paths. Best to visit during the scheduled feeding talks – check times at entrance.
Channel Your Inner Robin Hood at Back 2 Bear
Back 2 Bear, set in woodland just outside Louth at Kenwick Park, offers an impressive range of outdoor activities that go well beyond the archery and axe throwing we first tried.
Their activity menu has something for every age group and interest. Traditional target sports include standard archery (from age 7+), axe/knife throwing (8+), and even crossbow sessions (15+) for those wanting to try something more powerful. There's a variety of other options – from CQB paintball and laser tag to wilderness skills like shelterbuilding, whittling, and survival techniques.
Families with younger children aren't left out either. The "Bug Huts & Hunt" and soft archery sessions (suitable from age 3+) will keep your little ones captivated for the full hour. For older kids who love problem-solving challenges we recommend the "Maze of Keys".
For something truly special in 2025, look out for their BearFest Family Fun Day on 23rd August, which combines their regular activities with inflatable attractions for a festival atmosphere.
Quick Tips: Open Wednesday-Sunday. Booking essential. Archery from age 6+, axe throwing 12+. £26 per person per activity, family discounts available. Wear outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Feel the Speed at Cadwell Park
Known as the "Mini-Nürburgring," Cadwell Park's undulating 2.25-mile circuit has been testing drivers and thrilling spectators since 1934. We've been attending race days here for years, and there's simply nothing like the rush of seeing motorcycles and cars tackling challenging corners with evocative names like Hall Bends and The Mountain.
The track's natural amphitheatre layout means visitors can find perfect vantage points for viewing – our favorite spot is at the bottom of The Mountain, where superbikes actually leave the ground. The annual British Superbike Championship meeting in August creates a festival atmosphere with entertainment continuing long after the racing ends.
For families with younger children or those new to motorsport, we recommend the vintage meets in June and September 2025, offering a more relaxed introduction to racing. These events combine on-track action with displays of classic vehicles and family-friendly activities in the paddock area.
Quick Tips: Events run February-November. Check their 2025 calendar online. Ticket prices vary by meeting – from £12 for club races to £35+ for major championships. Bring ear protection for children (essential). Food trucks on site, but picnics permitted in most areas.
Dance to Country Tunes Under Open Skies
The annual Country Music Festival at Crowtree Lodge has become one of our summer highlights, transforming a corner of the Wolds into a slice of Tennessee for one glorious day. Mark your calendars now for Saturday July 26th, 2025 – this event sells out every year.
The 2025 lineup promises to be their best yet, featuring live country acts and a headline Dolly Parton tribute that previous attendees swear is uncannily convincing. The festival occupies outdoor space at Crowtree Lodge, with hay bales providing rustic seating and a covered stage ensuring the music continues whatever the weather decides to do.
Quick Tips: Tickets £25 adults, £10 under-16s, under-5s free. Gates open noon, music until 22:00. Parking on-site. Bring seating or blankets. Book early – last year sold out by May.
Experience the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival
If you're visiting Louth in late spring 2025, you're in for a treat. The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival (17th May - 1st June) transforms the surrounding countryside into a playground of discovery, with over 100 events spread across this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Unlike typical festivals confined to a single venue, this two-week celebration spans the entire Wolds region.
The festival's opening weekend at Gunby Estate promises to be particularly special in 2025, with archaeology walks, nature explorations, and the chance to discover the estate's historic ice house. For those seeking something more active, Cadwell Park's self-guided Vale Trail offers stunning views across the Wolds' rolling hills.
Quick Tips: 17th May-1st June 2025. Many events are free or low-cost. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities. Popular events fill quickly - book early to avoid disappointment.
Load Up, It’s Louth’s Annual Food Frenzy
For one September weekend, Louth's ancient market squares transform into a gastronomic playground during the annual Food and Drink Festival. Over 60 producers from across Lincolnshire showcase their wares, from traditional Lincolnshire sausages and plum bread to contemporary craft spirits and artisan chocolate.
Quick Tips: 28th September 2025. Free entry. Bring cash – not all stallholders accept cards. Come hungry or bring a cool bag for purchases. Allow at least 3 hours to properly explore all the stalls.
Challenge Yourself on the Golf Course
Set against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this 18-hole parkland course offers both challenging play and stunning scenery.
Established in 1965, the course borders Hubbard's Hills, creating a natural setting where wildlife frequently appears during rounds.
The clubhouse, housed in a period building with character-filled rooms, welcomes visitors for post-round refreshments, with the restaurant serving substantial meals that showcase local produce.
Quick Tips: Visitor booking from £25 per player depending on season. Dress code applies – collared shirts and no denim (they're not super strict, but best to follow the rules). Trolley and buggy hire available.
Ride the Wind at Covenham Reservoir
Covenham Reservoir offers the ideal conditions for board sports. This 80-acre expanse of water has become our go-to spot for everything from traditional sailing to the latest trending water activities.
The reservoir has become a hub for wing foilers in particular, with participants ranging from complete beginners to seasoned experts who are happy to share tips.
Windsurfing remains hugely popular here too, with the Covenham Sailing Club running courses throughout the year. Stand-up paddleboarding offers a calmer alternative on less windy days, with early mornings providing mirror-like conditions perfect for peaceful exploration.
For most regular activities, you'll need to be a member of the sailing club, but becoming one is straightforward - simply download and complete the membership form from their website.
If you are curious about sailing without the commitment, mark your calendars for 10th May 2025, when Covenham hosts their annual 'RYA Discover Sailing' event. It’s your chance to try sailing for free and see if you might enjoy taking it up as a hobby.
Quick Tips: Located near Louth, LN11 7PB. Membership required for regular use (forms available on covenhamsc.co.uk).
Pedal Through Perfect Cycling Country
The rolling landscape of the Wolds provides perfect terrain for cyclists seeking challenging climbs and exhilarating descents without the extreme gradients found in mountainous regions. A network of quiet country lanes connects picturesque villages, allowing riders to create routes tailored to their fitness and interests.
Why not try out the "Tennyson Trail," which passes through the poet's birthplace at Somersby and includes enough short, sharp climbs to satisfy your inner competitive cyclist. For a more challenging day out, the "Wolds Dasher" is a 40-mile loop featuring the area's steepest climbs around Nettleton and Normanby le Wold.
Several local cafés have embraced the cycling community, offering secure bike parking and energy-rich snacks. The Woollen Pig at Donington on Bain has become our favourite refueling stop for its homemade cakes and cyclist-friendly welcome.
Quick Tips: Downloadable route maps available from the Visit Lincolnshire website. Bring your own bike. Consider joining a Sunday morning ride with Louth Cycle Club (9am from the marketplace) for local guidance. The tourist information centre has paper maps of cycling routes.
Have a Go at Water Sports at Lincolnshire Aquapark
Just a short drive from Louth, Lincolnshire Aquapark offers one of our favourite ways to embrace the great outdoors – paddle boarding and kayaking on their peaceful waters.
There's something wonderfully serene about standing on a board, gently gliding across the water's surface while taking in views you simply can't get from land. The staff provide excellent instruction for first-timers.
The aquapark also offers kayaks which are an equally enjoyable alternative. The single kayaks are perfect for independent exploration, while doubles let you share the paddling effort with a friend or family member – ideal for chatting while you navigate the water together.
Quick Tips: Located at Grange Leisure, Mablethorpe (LN12 1NE). Paddle board hire £25/hour, kayak hire from £25-40/hour depending on type, or bring your own equipment for a £15 launch fee. Wetsuit hire available for £5. Complete the online waiver before arriving. Children 8+ welcome (8-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult).
Getting Here and Around
We strongly recommend travelling by car. While the compact town centre is easily walkable, the real magic of Louth is exploring the surrounding Wolds and coast. Don’t worry about parking – the town has several reasonably priced car parks.
Getting to Louth is easier than you might think. The nearest train stations are just a short distance away – Market Rasen (16 miles), Grimsby (14 miles), and Skegness (24 miles) all offering convenient connections. If you’re travelling by public transport, National Express coaches make it even simpler, with two well-connected routes: one running from Grimsby to Birmingham via Lincoln and Leicester, and another heading to London through Lincoln and Nottingham.
For cyclists, Louth makes a brilliant base – secure bike storage is available at several accommodation options, and the picturesque roads leading into the surrounding countryside offer perfect riding conditions, especially early mornings.
Why Louth Keeps Drawing Us Back
Louth is a place with a strong sense of itself, neither frozen in time nor surrendered to generic modernisation. The independent shops, the thriving markets, the passionate local producers and the warm community spirit create somewhere that feels real, where every visit offers something heartfelt and memorable – a true hidden gem in Lincolnshire.
