Destinations
Alford
beautiful market town at the foot of the Wolds and just 7 miles from the East Coast
Alford is a small, picturesque market town at the foot of the Wolds.
Built in 1611 Alford Manor House is reputed to be the largest thatched manor house in the country. Run by volunteers the house was restored in 2006, very timely as it revealed that many of the floor joists were no longer in contact with the walls. The House features a wooden frame with reed and plaster, all encased in brick. The rooms contain historic items, there are frequent temporary exhibitions, gardens, café and Museum of Rural Life.
Alford has a five sailed windmill that can be seen in operation, wind permitting, on open days. Built in 1837 this is the only windmill left in Alford. Over 30m high with six floors, it is in full working order, although currently undergoing some restorations.
SPECIAL TO Alford
- Working five-sailed windmill
- Connections to Captain John Smith
HOUSES & CASTLES
Alford Manor House
Visit Alford Manor House, dating from 1611. Visitors can also explore the Hackett Barn Museum, which houses over 300 years’ worth of Alford’s historic artefacts.
Did you know?
Willoughby is just 3 miles from Alford. It is the birthplace of Captain John Smith, one of the leaders of the Virginia colony in North America.
A window in St Helena’s Church commemorates his exploits. He went to school in Alford and later Louth, before leaving home at 15 to seek adventure. By 1606, when he joined a group sailing from England to establish a colony in Virginia, he was an experienced soldier. His skills weren’t entirely appreciated, and he arrived in the New World in irons – his helpful suggestions didn’t go down well in an age when deference was all. But life in Jamestown was tough with disease, starvation and Indian attacks. John Smith took over as president of the colony in 1608, enforced order, made everyone work and traded with the Indians for food. He was a good publicist and the colourful story of his rescue by Pocahontas, an Indian chief’s daughter, who married another settler Captain John Rolfe, is now folk history.
things to do near Alford
explore the coast
Alford is ideal for easy access to the coast
Alford is just 7 miles from Lincolnshire's East Coast making it the ideal location for visiting the popular seaside destinations of Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Chapel St Leonards and Skegness.
food & drink highlights near Alford
places to stay in the area
more about the Wolds
Discover more information about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.
