Market Towns

Villages

Attractions

Local Produce

Walking

Contacts

The market towns around the Wolds provide excellent starting bases and stopping-off places whilst exploring the area. There are six surrounding market towns that still have weekly markets. In traditional fashion they still draw everyone in from the surrounding area to meet and shop. Each still retains its individual character and on the whole their centres have been little changed over the years.

Louth Set on the eastern edge of the Wolds, Louth is a historic, bustling market town that still retains a natural charm, with its narrow, winding streets, market place, attractive architecture, shops and inns. The New Market Hall houses cafes, crafts, a children's play area as well as many local produce and speciality shops. Climb up the church spire - St James has the highest parish church spire in England - for fine views to the coast and Wolds. Gateway Walks, Louth Market days: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Early closing: Thursday Farmers market: 2nd Friday, 4th Wednesday

Market Rasen Market Rasen is still a traditional market town, with many individual shops. Horse racing has taken place here for as long as anyone can remember - it is still a great day out for all the family. Take a picnic to Willingham Woods or visit the town's most impressive building, the Centenary Wesleyan Chapel (1861). Gateway Walks, Market Rasen Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Fair: Saturday 27 September 2008 from 10am - 4.00pm Market days: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Early closing: Thursday Farmers market: 1st Tuesday

Horncastle Once known as Banovallum, Horncastle still has remains of its Roman walls within the town library. Today Horncastle is well known for its excellent choice of antiques available with lots of shops to wander around. Horncastle also has stunning 18th and 19th century architecture or take a walk along the Horncastle Canal or the Viking Way long distance footpath. Market days: Thursday and Saturday Framers Market: 2nd Thursday Early closing: Wednesday

Spilsby The town is host to a lively market where there is a range of produce from vegetables and game to household goods. A bronze statue of Sir John Franklin, the Arctic navigator and explorer who was born in Spilsby in 1787, stands in the Market Place. Spilsby also has a theatre and Gunby Hall is nearby. Market day: Monday Early closing: Tuesday

Alford Alford is famous for the popular craft markets that are held from July to September. There is a 19th century five sailed working windmill that produces organic flour and cereals. Alford also has the Manor House Museum, the 14th century St Wilfrid's Church, or take a look at the crafts at Alford Pottery. Market days: Tuesday and Friday Craft market: Tuesday, Friday (July - 1st week of September) Early closing: Thursday

Caistor Caistor is an attractive Roman walled town with remains visible near the church, on the Western escarpment of the Wolds. It has retained much of its Georgian character. The town pump (1891) is surmounted by a proud lion in the centre of town. Take a walk along the Viking Way long distance foot path or look for the Roman wall. Market day: Saturday Early closing: Wednesday