Areas like the Cotswolds and the Lake District are perpetually popular year after year. But with the numerous things to do in the Lincolnshire Wolds, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty feels like a bit of a hidden gem!
The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB covers an area of 558km2 in the county of Lincolnshire and runs parallel to the coastline which is only about 20km east of the Wolds.
With the low hills of the Wolds, the beautiful surrounding Lincolnshire Wolds towns and the North Sea coast to the east, there are plenty of things to do in Lincolnshire Wolds and places to visit around the Lincolnshire Wolds.
This guide covers 20+ best things to do in Lincolnshire Wolds AONB and the best places to visit in the Lincolnshire Wolds, whether you’re planning a weekend away in the Lincolnshire countryside or if you’re a local looking for days out in the Lincolnshire Wolds (we’ve visited most of these places on day trips from our home town)
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How to get around the Lincolnshire Wolds?
The simple answer to this is, by car.
Yes there are buses and trains in the area but they are not regular so waiting times could be long which is especially if you’re only planning a day trip or a couple of days out, Lincolnshire Wolds is easiest to explore by car!
Of course, exploring by bike or foot is also the best way to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty when you arrive, so make sure you pack your walking boots or bike!
Accommodation in the Lincolnshire Wolds
For Lincolnshire Wolds places to stay, Louth is a great base for exploring the Wolds because it’s located fairly centrally on the east side of the AONB and is also a short drive to the coast. In terms of accommodation, Lincolnshire Wolds has plenty to offer, but having a good base with everything you want to see within driving distance will be really helpful.
Where to stay in Louth
Brackenborough Hotel is a great option for staying in Louth. It’s an award-winning boutique hotel, every room is individually designed, there’s an insite bistro, secure parking and free leisure passes. The rooms and décor are modern and just stunning, perfect for a base while you visit the Lincolnshire Wolds.
The Masons Arms Hotel is another great option that’s fairly budget friendly and has modern, industrial boutique rooms and common spaces. Breakfast is also included in the price.
If you’d prefer to stay somewhere more in nature in the Wolds, the log cabins at Parkwood Lodges might be for you. These stunning chalets can sleep up for 4 so they’re perfect for a family with plenty of kitchen and living space for a self-catered stay. There is also a restaurant on site too. The lodges are also located close to Cadwell Park If you’re planning on seeing an event there.
If the Parkwood Lodges are fully booked, another option to try is the iLodges which are also in a similar area.
Things to do in Lincolnshire Wolds: the ultimate guide from an (almost!) local
A reminder that this is a selection of things to do in the Wolds as well as things to do around the Lincolnshire Wolds. These are all places to visit that are worthy of adding to your Lincolnshire Wolds trip itinerary.
Discover more Lincolnshire Days out here.
Start at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds in Alford
Alford is a charming village lying on the southeast edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
With picturesque thatched cottages, Alford Manor House, cafes and pubs.
Plus you’ll also find the bizarre Askew’s Furniture Retailer store inside the most stunning converted church – definitely one of the stranger locations for a furniture store but quite interesting to see if you’re walking by!
Explore the things to do in Louth
Louth is the main town in the Lincolnshire Wolds and is a historic market town.
There really are a surprising number of things to do in Louth.
- Visit and wander around St James’ Church
- Louth Museum
- Walk along the river
- Go to Louth Market which takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
- Wander Cornmarket
- Try a locally brewed craft beer or ale at The Consortium
- Get some local cheese varieties from The Cheese Shop
- Walk through the beautiful building of the Old Market Hall
Walking in the Red Hill Nature Reserve
Of course there are so many walks in Lincolnshire Wolds, but Red Hill Nature Reserve is an underrated spot with amazing views across the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
There are a small number of parking spaces on the side of the road by the gate entrance to the public footpath.
Follow the path across the field and you’ll see beautiful views of the hills in every direction.
It’s especially beautiful early in the morning if you get low mist or at sunset.
Visit charming Spilsby
A hidden gem in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Spilsby was a wonderful surprise on a day trip to the Lincolnshire Wolds.
With quite a few antique shops, charity shops and vintage shops, you can spend an hour or two browsing here.
Check out the really interesting Antiques Militaria and Collectibles which has a huge amount of war time memorabilia and fascinating collectable items.
Don’t miss picking up some baked goods or pastries from Cooplands on the High Street, they’ve been selling baked goods since 1885!
The stunning column-fronted Spilsby Theatre was sadly closed for renovation in early 2022 but if you have a chance to even check out the front of this grand building it’s worth a quick walk by!
Visit Gunby Hall
Located at the southern tip of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this country house is owned by the National Trust.
The Gunby Hall Estate, House and Gardens have been owned by the same family for 250 years and dates back to 1700.
With 8 acres of garden, Victorian gardens and house tours available, this is a beautiful estate that feels genuinely loved, lived in and well-kept.
TIckets are £8.50 for adults, £4.25 for children or free for National Trust Members.
Go rambling on the famous Viking Way in the Lincolnshire Wolds
One of the most famous walking routes in the UK, called the Viking Way because it crosses through the area which was taken by Norse invaders in the Middle Ages.
The Viking Way is 147 miles or 237km long and runs from the Humber Bridge to Oakham in the county of Rutland.
Much of the route runs through the Wolds making it a great opportunity to walk this famous trail. Even more so because this trail is very easy, it only has an elevation change of 161m throughout the entire trail, meaning very few hill climbs or scrambles and you can instead enjoy a wonderful ramble through the Lincolnshire Wolds.
See the hundreds of deer at Revesby Abbey Deer Park
Another hidden gem in Lincolnshire Wolds that we stumbled on by accident.
Revesby Abbey is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Lincolnshire Wolds AONB mostly because the Abbey itself is not open to the public during the normal day-to-day.
The Estate hosts large events for the community and wider Lincolnshire including races, fairs and car shows. It’s also open for hire for weddings and various other events.
However the Abbey itself was a Cistercian monastery in the 1100s and now lies in ruins. The Abbey now hosts a series of paranormal events throughout the year.
So while you may not be able to enter the Estate on an average day, there is space to park on the side of the road at the entrance to the estate and see the thousands of deer roaming in the estate’s medieval deer park.
Ride the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
One of the best Lincolnshire Wolds things to do and also one of the best loved activities in the Lincolnshire Wolds for adults and children alike.
The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is a heritage steam standard gauge railway and the only one open to the public in Lincolnshire.
The line runs between Ludborough and North Thoresby and tickets are very budget friendly at £9 return for adults and £5 for children or half the price if you’re only going one way!
You can ride in the rail carriages, enjoy snacks from their buffet and refreshments cart and visit the Museum or go on Engine Shed tours.
This is a perfect open for fun, family friendly activities in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Learn the history of Tattershall Castle
The imposing red-brick facade of 15th Century Tattershall Castle is well-worth a visit if you’re in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area.
Although the Castle is not technically in the Wolds, it’s located 30 minutes west of the Wolds and is a National Trust property so it’s free to visit if you’re already a member.
The castle is a rare example of 15th century fortifications built in this style and it’s incredibly well-preserved.
Also located in Tattershall is the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight Visitors Centre, so the village is a great place to visit for history enthusiasts.
Have a unique cinema experience at Kinema in the Woods
Looking for things to do in the Lincolnshire Wolds in the rain?
Around 20 minutes west of the Lincolnshire Wolds is Woodhall Spa which is home to the only functioning back projection cinema still in existence in the UK.
Showing all the latest movies and with very affordable ticket prices, a visit to this unique cinema tucked into the woods is a great option if you’ve been hit with bad weather in the Wolds!
Explore picturesque villages
If you’re someone who just loves to explore the picturesque charm of English country villages then there’s plenty of options for you in the Wolds.
Check out some of the prettiest villages in Lincolnshire Wolds:
- Alford
- Tealby
- Walesby
- Spilsby
- Market Rasen
See the famous grey seals at Donna Nook
Did you know that Britain is home to 40% of the world’s grey seal population?
And a huge number of those are born at the Donna Nook Seal Colony every year during November and December.
This is of course a very seasonal recommendation but a truly fantastic experience to see on the coast, just a short 25 minute drive from Louth.
There’s a large amount of parking and you can walk down to the sand dunes, there is a viewing area so as not to disturb the seals and their pups, seal mothers can get aggressive or protective of their young if they feel threatened.
The parking is pay and display but seeing the seals is free.
Check their website for updates as the breeding season can start as early as late October or finish as late as early January.
See a race at Market Rasen racecourse
With afternoon race days starting from as little as £12 a ticket, a visit to the Market Rasen races and racecourse is a fun addition to your Lincolnshire Wolds trip.
With race afternoons, race weekends, Ladies’ Days and family days, there’s events throughout the year if you’re looking for things to do in Lincolnshire Wolds with a bit of a difference!
Check their website for upcoming events.
Walk in the South Ormsby Estate
Another gem tucked away in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
The South Ormsby Estate is a Country House and Parkland and has existed in some form for over 1000 years.
The Estate is home to several walking routes and many popular Wolds trails also pass through the Estate. View their walking routes here.
You can also visit the House if you Become a Friend of the Estate.
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Just 10 minutes from Spilsby is the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre which is one of the best things to do near the Lincolnshire Wolds for history and aviation enthusiasts.
The museum is home to exhibits on the WWII Bomber Command and they also host flying events, bike meet ups and other events throughout the year.
The exhibits are fascinating and adult tickets are only £10.
Take advantage of the Lincolnshire Wold cycling route
If you manage to get good weather on your trip to the Lincolnshire Wolds, taking advantage of the cycling trails is a must!
The 180km Lincolnshire Wold cycle route is a great option for all levels of fitness as you can just do small sections of the route to suit you and your group.
The route starts in Louth and takes you through market towns, villages, through Lincolnshire Wolds countryside, by castles and parkland and so much more.
Pub lunch and a pint at a country pub
Is there anything more British than a pub lunch?
Thankfully there are any number of village pubs and eateries to enjoy during your stay in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Whether you fancy a quick drink in Louth or Market Rasen, or some refreshment on a long walk or cycle, there are plenty of village pubs to enjoy.
Here are some great pub walks to try.
Visit Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary
Located not far from Alford, close to the coast, is the Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary.
Home to dozens and dozens of donkeys, the sanctuary is open every Saturday and Sunday. No booking is required and it’s free to visit although they do ask for a donation of £1 to help look after the donkeys.
These cute donkeys can also be adopted too for £25.
This is a really fun, quirky option for places to visit in Lincolnshire Wolds and you’ll be supporting the care of these lovely animals too!
Feel adventurous at Wild Pines Park
If you’re someone who loves adrenaline then make sure to add Wild Pines Park to your Lincolnshire Wolds itinerary.
Located on the edge of the Wolds, close to Market Rasen, the adventure park is one of the best things to do in Lincolnshire Wolds for older kids and adults.
There are 6 treetop courses, 22 ziplines and one of the largest rope courses in the UK.
They also offer other activities for younger children like bear hunts and activity rooms plus there’s a cafe on site and activities like archery too, so you could easily spend a day here!
Cadwell Park
Of course many people will know Louth and this area of the Lincolnshire countryside for the famous Cadwell Park circuit.
This motorcycle circuit hosts races, classic and heritage event days and demo events and is a popular place to visit for motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you’re a fan and you’re visiting for an event, staying in or near Louth is the location for reaching Cadwell Park.
Summary: Lincolnshire Wolds things to do
After living on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border for many years (read, decades!), this guide has hopefully revealed the true beauty of the Wolds and how many amazing places there are to visit in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Let us know which of these activities you add to your Lincolnshire Wolds itinerary!
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