North of Lincoln you'll find a wealth of lovely villages surrounded by countryside and the three market towns of Gainsborough, Caistor, and Market Rasen.

The countryside north of Lincoln has rich aviation heritage and is home to the famous ‘Red Arrows’, the RAF’s aerobatic team, who are based at RAF Scampton - where the famous Dambuster raid squadron were stationed. You can discover the area’s fascinating history in the West Lindsey Aviation Heritage Trail.

You’ll find a diverse landscape from historic market towns to the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from walking and cycling to spending the day shopping or sitting back and relaxing in the many eateries on offer.

GAINSBOROUGH

Just 30 minutes’ drive from Lincoln on the banks of the River Trent, lies the market town of Gainsborough; on the most westerly edge of Lincolnshire.

The town boasts a fantastic Medieval manor, Gainsborough Old Hall, which is a must-see for history hunters. The town’s history dates back to the late 18 th Century and is detailed through fascinating exhibitions at Gainsborough Heritage Centre. You can also find arts and entertainment at Trinity Arts Centre, the town’s unique theatre and picture house, located in a Grade II listed church built in 1841-3.

Thriving markets are held in the town centre and, in the award winning shopping centre Marshall’s Yard, there is a regular Farmers’ Market.

Gainsborough Town Centre weekly markets: Tuesday and Saturday.
Marshall's Yard Farmers' Market: 2nd Saturday of each month

You can find out more about Gainsborough on the Discover Gainsborough website.

CAISTOR

A 40 minute drive from Lincoln and nestling on a hillside at the northern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. This lovely Roman market town is one of three Lincolnshire Wolds ‘Walkers are Welcome’ towns and is also on the Viking Way. The town has 56 listed buildings in the centre, most dating from the Georgian and Victorian periods which would delight any architecture enthusiast.

Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday and is also the location of a renovated Methodist Chapel, now called Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre, where the local library and heritage timeline sit alongside a cafe where lovely food, cake and drinks are served daily.

Weekly Town Centre market: Saturdays.

Nearby you can find the villages of Nettleton, with its Ironstone mining history, Claxby, with its vineyard and Grasby with its lovely All Saints church.

MARKET RASEN

A 30 minute drive from Lincoln standing on the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds - a bustling market town with interesting independent shops for you to investigate.

Famous for having the only racecourse in Lincolnshire, it also has ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status with great walks and trails around the town and surrounding area - including Willingham Woods.

Market Rasen has rich heritage and stories surrounding the town which is brought to life in a virtual tour. Nearby the villages of Tealby, described as the most charming village, has the Kings Head pub, the oldest thatched pub in Lincolnshire; and Walesby, home of All Saints 'Ramblers' Church. This iconic medieval church stands in solitary dignity overlooking the village on the Viking Way. The view from the church is quite spectacular and inside is a beautiful stained glass window, depicting walkers and cyclists.

Weekly Town Centre Markets: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.