With us both being Lincolnshire lads originally, how could we not give prime-position in our Staycation blog series to Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire is the perfect staycation destination; God’s own County (sorry Yorkshire, that title is ours!) really does have it all. From the beaches and classic seaside towns of Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness, inland to the Lincolnshire Wolds and stunning rolling hills and picturesque scenery, to the City of Lincoln which in recent years has gained quite a buzz with the expansion of the University of Lincoln, to old-fashioned market towns such as Market Rasen, Louth, Stamford and Grantham which of course was home to two very famous exports – Sir Isaac Newton and Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven (aka Maggie).
As Lincolnshire is so vast, there is so much to see and do.
A day at the beach
Thomas Cook began trips from Leicester to Skegness as the original Staycation, with daytrips becoming affordable and accessible thanks to the railways. Billy Butlin set up his first holiday camp in Skegness in 1936. The town has a long history as an attraction, and among the stereotypical amusements, ice creams and sticks of rock, Skegness offers a very traditional British day out. On a good summer day the Blue Flag beach will invoke childhood memories.
For thrill-seekers, and dependent on the re-opening, nearby Ingoldmells offers the Fantasy Island attraction with some hair-raising rides. Bargain hunters may also enjoy the market.
Skegness might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so let’s jump further up the coast to Cleethorpes, and arguable the best fish and chips in the country. What visit to the coast is complete without fish and chips?!
Steels Cornerhouse has taken pride of place in Cleethorpes market square since 1946, and offers the full Great British fish and chip experience (although the origins of the dish are Italian). Steels serves over 41,250kg (6,500 stone in old money) of haddock per year, which proves they are getting it right!
Find out more about Steels and their amazing food here: http://steelscornerhouse.co.uk/our-story.php
Don’t fancy a day at the beach? Well how about a day in town?
The City of Lincoln dates back to Roman times, and was then known as Lindum Colonia and was the destination of the Fosse Way, linking Exeter to the Roman Garrison. At various sites in the City you can see Roman ruins, including Newport Arch, up towards the Cathedral quarter, which still has traffic flowing underneath – not bad for a structure dating from the 3rd Century.
Perhaps the highlight of Lincoln has to be the Cathedral. Growing up with it frequently in view it never seemed so special, but as an adult, having toured many of the great cathedrals of England, France, Germany, Italy and beyond, Lincoln has very much won the title of our favourite. With flying buttresses supporting the structure, towers soaring in to the sky and magnificent Gothic architecture including the Medieval Bishop’s Eye window which has been lovingly restored and showcasing the best of stained glass, Lincoln Cathedral is not to be missed.
Of course this stunning piece of history, whose Chapter House was once used as Parliament, is at the top of a very big hill (I hope your pre-conceptions that Linconshire is flat have been booted!). This means that if arriving by train or parking in the ‘lower’ areas of the city such as the Brayford, that if you walk, you will need to stop for libations on the way up to the Bailgate area which is home to the Cathedral and the Castle. I’ll just quickly mention here that Lincoln Castle is the only place in the world where the 1215 Magna Carter and the 1217 Charter of the Forest can be seen on public display, and was also used for filming Mr Bates’ incarceration in the TV series Downton Abbey.
So, on the way from the centre of the city up to the Cathedral, where to stop for refreshment? Firstly, Stokes of Lincoln is a must for tea or coffee. The High Bridge Cafe is a Tudor master-piece, although the bridge itself dates back to around 1160 and is the only Medieval bridge with houses still on it.
Under the Stonebow, part of the old city walls and gates, and up The Strait and Steep Hill towards the Cathedral, you’ll come across a delightful range of places to enjoy, from the 12th Century Jews House Restaurant, to Browns Pie Shop and the Wig and Mitre as you reach the top of the hill – there really is a lot of choice.
So what about those market towns?
Stamford is stunning, with magnificent architecture, with nearby 16th Century Burleigh House being the jewel in the crown.
Other traditional towns in the Lincolnshire area offer various experiences. Tattershall’s towering castle is somewhat unique, and local accommodation includes chic lodges with hot tubs. The town is also particularly well known for it’s antique trade.
Further south in Lincolnshire is the market town of Spalding. The town is small, but when we visited earlier in 2020 we got a vibe that “The Ding” as our friends call it is on it’s way up, with a couple of trendy bars, coffee shops and a beautiful ladies boutique “Coocumber” (that’s how we say cucumber as yellerbellies) – see facebook.com/coocumber
So, where should you stay for your trip to Lincolnshire?
This is REALLY difficult to say. Being a sprawling county, with a different feel to each area, as you’ll have read above there is so much to offer!
Skegness – well why not Butlins.
Cleethorpes – Andy’s mum and dad’s (just kidding, I hope his dad doesn’t have palpitations reading this!)
Lincoln – The White Hart Hotel is a firm favourite
Further afield: 5* B&B accommodation near Spilsby, the Elm Tree – see http://www.elmtree.co.uk/
Tim Thorpe Travels 
Don’t forgot the historical market town of Brigg 😉 but does have a fantastic garden centre just outside of the town.
LikeLike