destinations
Spilsby
quaint market town full of history and charm
Spilsby is a market town in the middle of countryside immortalised by the Victorian Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson. Spilsby has three marketplaces, a lot for such a small town, there is the East, Middle and West. The town’s market charter was granted by Edward III in 1302. More unusual ‘goods’ were occasionally on offer, for it is said that even up to the early 1800s a wife could be bought for around 10 shillings. There is an impressive former courthouse and jail with massive Greek Doric columns, it is now the town theatre.
SPECIAL TO SPILSBY
- Sir John Franklin
HOUSES & CASTLES
Gunby Hall
Gunby Hall (NT) just east of Spilsby is a charming early 18th century house of red brick with stone dressings. Gunby is a must for any heritage enthusiast with lovely gardens including a walled garden.
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Bolingbroke Castle
Three miles from Spilsby is Bolingbroke Castle. The remains of a 13th century hexagonal castle, owned by John of Gaunt and birthplace of his son, the future Henry IV. Besieged and taken by Cromwell’s Parliamentarians in 1643.
Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve
Also nearby is Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve. The steep sided valleys of Snipe Dales, fretted by streams and with wonderful views across the southern Wolds. An attractive mix of wet valleys, grassland and woodland supports a wide range of birds throughout the year, as well as butterflies and dragonflies. There are three waymarked trails. The Battle of Winceby 1643 was close by. The Royalists were beaten by the Parliamentarians although Cromwell had his horse shot from under him.
Nearby
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
A memorial to the 55,500 troops from Bomber Command who lost their lives during World War II. The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is home to some of the rarest aircraft and wartime vehicles and offers unique hands-on and authentic aviation experiences.
did you know?
Sir John Franklin was born here, he joined the navy aged 14 and fought with Nelson’s fleet at the battle of Trafalgar. He followed this with a voyage to Australia with his cousin Matthew Flinders, the explorer. His most famous expedition was a tragic attempt to discover the North West Passage in the Arctic. Two ships equipped with enough food to last three years left in 1845. The full story of their fate – that every man had perished of cold or starvation did not emerge for more than ten years. There is a memorial to Franklin in 14th century St James’ Church and a statue of him in the Market Place.
food & drink highlights in the Spilsby area
places to stay in the Spilsby area
more about the Wolds
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