destinations
Spalding
large picturesque market town, bursting with brightly coloured tulips in spring
Spalding is the largest town in the district of South Holland, situated on the wide, river Welland.
For 55 years the town was host to an annual Flower Parade in springtime. The parade celebrated Spalding's heritage as a centre for the South Holland area's tulip industry. The last parade was held in 2013 but the area has continued to be at the heart of bulb production and the town is excited to announce that the parade is set to recommence in 2023.
Spalding has an incredibly rich history. Long before tulips the landscape was occupied by Romans. The Romans used the land for salt production. Finds at Wygate Park indicate that a combination of climate change and flooding caused the salt industry to die out in the 3rd century.
In the 6th century, long after the departure of the Romans, the Spaldingas tribe settled in the area, and the town takes its name from the tribe. The town expanded on either side of the River Welland as it makes its way to The Wash. Due to its connections with The Wash, Spalding also acted as an international port for centuries.
Tulips at Spalding Festival Gardens
spalding
Festival Gardens
Springfields Festival Gardens are a beautifully landscaped area, featuring Chelsea-style celebrity showcase gardens, including designs by Charlie Dimmock. During Spring the Gardens feature a magnificent display of daffodils, tulips and other bulbs celebrating the gardens close links to the bulb industry.
Historic buildings
Ayscoughfee Hall
Ayscoughfee Hall is a grade I listed building over 550 years old. The Hall was primarily a family home from 1451 to 1902. Throughout the centuries the Hall changed, with each owner adapting the building to accommodate their needs and to reflect the fashions of the time. This is seen by the Gothic inspired Victorian frontage, the Georgian Adam style ceiling in the galleried Entrance Hall, and the many exposed Medieval features throughout the Hall.
Spalding Flower Parade
After a ten year absence, the world famous Flower Parade is back. Decorated floats and trailers make their way through the town supported by bands, local groups and more.
more about the South Countryside
Discover more information about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.
