destinations
Wainfleet
historic town with popular family-run brewery
Wainfleet is said to stand on the site of the old Roman town of Vainona. It is probably best known for its famous family-run brewery, Batemans Brewery.
Wainfleet is one of Lincolnshire’s lost ports. It was a significant one exporting wool from the Wolds. Its decline began in the early 16th century, mainly through the silting of the River Steeping and the rise of the port of Boston. The Market Place has a clock tower dating from 1899 and a medieval Buttercross, from which John Wesley preached.
The town's most historically significant building is William of Wayneflete’s Magdalen College School founded by him in 1484 and built of brick much like Tattershall Castle. William, who was Lord Chancellor to Henry IV, also founded Magdalen College, Oxford. Hidden away in a narrow back street it is now a museum.
SPECIAL TO Wainfleet
Batemans Brewery Tours
- Magdalen College School Museum
things to do in the Wainfleet area
Did you know?
Wainfleet St Mary dates from the 12th century and has been described as “lovely but lonely”.
Approached over fields containing the grassy earthworks of Old Wainfleet. It was on an old salt panning route and as salt was vital for preserving food the area was wealthy. But as the Port of Wainfleet grew, the population drifted away leaving the church behind. Barkham Street is well worth a look. Built in 1847 for Bethlem Hospital and designed by architect Sydney Smirke, who clearly recycled the plans from similar terraces in Southwark, London. It does seem quite odd to suddenly come across what appears to be a London street in the middle of a very small Lincolnshire town – incongruous but charming.
Breweries & Distilleries
Batemans Brewery
Batemans Brewery, established in 1874, remains a family business and is still run by fourth and fifth generation Batemans. The mill towering over the visitor centre dates from around 1820. They are noted for their award-winning craft beers, but also for their popular immersive brewery tours.
delicious food & drink near Wainfleet
places to stay near Wainfleet
more about the Coast
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