Things to do

Things to do and places to eat in the local area.

We can also prepare walking and cycling routes for guests to include lunch or refreshment stops,
with a little notice.

Lincolnshire Wolds

Here is found peace and tranquillity. For nearly 50 years, the Wolds have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with vistas of big skies over undulating landscapes, punctuated by picture postcard villages and the traditional market towns of Alford, Horncastle, Louth, Spilsby, Caistor and Market Rasen. There are historic sites and connections with famous sons of the past such as poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, botanist and explorer Sir Joseph Banks and explorer Sir John Franklin. Uncluttered roads and a wealth of sights, a lively calendar of events and a working landscape dotted with fertile farms, the fields changing in character and colour all year long characterise the area. This is a place where you can walk, cycle or drive to relax

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - RAF Coningsby

In 1986, under a unique arrangement between Lincolnshire County Council and the Royal Air Force, it became possible to view the historic aircraft of the BBMF at their home base at RAF Coningsby.

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National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa

The English Golf Union (EGU) acquired Woodhall Spa Golf Club in 1995 with a vision of creating a centre of excellence second to none, to be enjoyed by players of all standards, now known as Golf England.

With over a hundred years of history the Hotchkin Course sits amidst wonderful natural surroundings, offering an exquisite and memorable golfing experience and is one of the best inland courses in the UK.

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Antiques at Horncastle and Hemswell

Horncastle and Hemswell are magnets for those hunting for antiques, collectables and bric-a-brac. There are dozens of shops and stores to visit and Holly Cottage is within easy reach of these centres for an interesting day's shopping or browsing

Hemswell Antique Centres brings together Europe's largest selection of dealers who can offer you the widest possible range of antiques and collectable items here in the UK.

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The Viking Way

From the Humber Bridge this gentle route heads south along the Lincolnshire Wolds through territory once occupied by Vikings to Horncastle and Lincoln, finishing near Rutland Water. The full route covers over 150 miles but there are many shorter trails you can easily follow.

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The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

Relive a World War Two bomber airfield in nearby East Kirkby where you can experience the sights and sounds, smells and atmosphere. The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is the only place in the country to see a Lancaster Bomber on its original airfield, and you can even ride in it! Named 'Just Jane', money is being raised in the hope of getting her airborne in the future.

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Market Rasen Racecourse

Set in its rural surroundings Market Rasen is the only racecourse in Lincolnshire and offers a unique experience. The friendly family atmosphere and amazing views around the course are unmatched any where in the country. It really is the perfect place for a great day out!

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Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral is one of the finest medieval buildings in Europe, towering above Lincoln and being a prominent landmark for miles around.

The imposing West Front incorporates the surviving part of the first Romanesque Cathedral dating from 1072. Most of the Cathedral dates from the 13th century when, inspired by the leadership of St Hugh (Bishop from 1186-1200), the Cathedral was re-built in the new gothic style. Later generations added the wonderful carved screen, the 14th century misericords, the Wren Library and the Duncan Grant frescoes.

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Gunby Hall

Only 15 minutes drive from Holly Cottage and located on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Gunby Hall (National Trust), has an atmosphere redolent of many generations of family occupation. There are panelled rooms and a beautiful oak staircase, as well as many fine paintings and items of furniture and china. The exquisite walled gardens are planted with traditional English vegetables, fruit and flowers, with espaliered apples and pears, and contain a dovecote pre-dating the house.

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Cadwell Park

Cadwell Park is one of British motorsport's best-kept secrets, despite the fact it has hosted car, bike and kart races since its creation. The highlight of the calendar is undoubtedly the British Superbike Championship, held over the August Bank Holiday, which always attracts huge crowds to the Lincolnshire circuit. The BSB Championship is a firm favourite with fans who flock in their thousands to watch the riders get airborne over the Mountain. The annual Vintage Sports Car Club meeting is another popular event, as is the fast and furious British Superkart Grand Prix, but whatever the race meeting Cadwell always separates the men from the boys. Whether competing or spectating, Cadwell Park is only 20 minutes drive from Holly Cottage.

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Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve

Literally only a stone's throw from Holly Cottage is Snipe Dales ; the attractive valleys of Snipe Dales, fretted by streams, offer wonderful views of the southern Lincolnshire Wolds. The Nature Reserve has one of the few surviving semi-natural wet valley systems, while the Country Park offers mixed woodland walks. This diversity supports a wide range of birds and other wildlife including butterflies and dragonflies.

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Tattershall Castle

This vast fortified and moated tower was built for Ralph Cromwell, Lord Treasurer of England from 1433 to 1443 and is now in the protection of the National Trust. The building was restored by Lord Curzon between 1911 and 1914 and contains four great chambers with enormous Gothic fireplaces, tapestries and brick vaulting. There are spectacular views across the Fens from the battlements and a guardhouse with museum room.

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Lincoln Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and seat of justice. Discover 1000 years of history – where it happened. Scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk, follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison, and immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story.

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Pubs

Red Lion, Raithby by Spilsby https://www.redlioninn.pub/

Bluebell, Belchford https://www.bluebellbelchford.co.uk/

George & Dragon, Hagworthingham http://thegeorgehagworthingham.co.uk/

Red Lion, Revesby https://www.redlionrevesby.co.uk/

Red Lion, Partney http://redlioninnpartney.co.uk/

Restaurants

Shakesby’s, Horncastle https://www.shakesbys.co.uk/

Montebello, Horncastle https://montebelloristorante.co.uk/horncastle/

Magpies Restaurant, Horncastle https://www.magpiesrestaurant.co.uk/

Serendipity Thai Dining, Horncastle https://serendipitythaidining.co.uk/

Little Italy, Spilsby https://www.littleitalyspilsby.com/

There are many others in Woodhall Spa, Louth and Spilsby

Cafes

J Js Cafe, Hagworthingham

Rachel’s Cafe, Hagworthingham

Bar Unico, Horncastle

Claythorpe Watermill

Alford Manor House

Seascape Cafe, Chapel St Leonards

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Cafe (Pictured left)

The Boat Shed Cafe, Huttoft

Things to do and places to eat in the local area.

We can also prepare walking and cycling routes for guests to include lunch or refreshment stops, with a little notice.

Lincolnshire Wolds

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - RAF Coningsby

National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa

Antiques at Horncastle and Hemswell

The Viking Way

The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

Market Rasen Racecourse

Lincoln Cathedral

Gunby Hall

Cadwell Park

Snipe Dales Country Park and Nature Reserve

Tattershall Castle

Lincoln Castle

Pubs

Restaurants

Cafes

Further places of interest

We can also prepare walking and cycling routes for guests to include lunch or refreshment stops,
with a little notice.