Boston to Pilgrim Fathers' Memorial Cycle Route
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Distance
- 10.1 ml
- Duration
- 1.00 hr
- Ascent
- 66 ft
- Descent
- 65 ft
Boston market town has a rich heritage and is known to many people as the home of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed from The Haven in 1620 and settled in what is now Boston, Massachusetts. With its historic buildings and dramatic coastline, this east Lincolnshire town has plenty of things to do, making it a great choice for a getaway and is ideally located just a short drive from Skegness and Lincolnshire’s southern countryside. Don’t forget to bring or hire a bike, as there are two cycle routes in this leaflet for you to explore.
Route Highlights
St Botolph’s Church
The magnificent and awe-inspiring St Botolph’s Church (known affectionately as “The Stump”) dates from 1309. It is one of the largest parish churches in England and its tower is one of the highest of any in the country. The building is as impressive inside as it is outside. You can climb the 209 steps for the Tower Experience, visit the coffee shop and gift shop, and reflect in the sacred space.
Boston Guildhall Museum
Built in the 1390s this wonderfully preserved building, with a wealth of original features, has survived the centuries and is one of Boston’s finest visitor attractions. Discover the Guildhall’s rich past and intriguing and complex tales of their connections with the Pilgrims and how the town of Boston had a significant influence on the foundation of the United States of America.
Country Parks and Pilgrim Fathers’ Memorial
Boston has two riverside country parks. Witham Way Country Park can be found just north of the Grand Sluice and the Marina. It is the start of the Water Rail Way cycle and walking route to Lincoln and has woodland, meadows and picnic areas to enjoy. Havenside Country Park is to the south of the town and expected to form part of the new England Coast Path route. The park leads to the Pilgrim Fathers’ Memorial, which marks the site where that group’s first attempt to escape to freedom, initially to Holland, was thwarted, leading to their arrest and subsequent trial and detention in Boston Guildhall.