Things to do in Lincolnshire...

The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival takes place annually in and around the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, formally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The festival returns again this year, running between 10th and 30th May 2025.

You can come and have a go at all kinds of activities that help to make the Wolds such a fantastic place to be.  Have a go at fishing, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and sea-dipping to navigation, dancing, crafting, gliding, guided countryside walks and much more!

So why not book a stay in one of our luxury self-catering holiday properties or bring your touring caravan or motorhome to our CL site here at Greetham Retreat situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds and take part in the many activities on offer during this fabulous Outdoor Festival.

This nationally important and cherished landscape has so much to offer, so many great outdoor activities, things to do and places to explore and we want to celebrate it all!

During the Outdoor Festival you can come and discover some of the many activities that help make the Wolds such a wonderful place.  Many of the activities available are either free or at a reduced cost.

Over 200 events and activities will take place during the Festival, across a multitude of locations.  Some of the events available for you to participate in are Free of Charge.

For more details please view the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival website @ www.woldsoutdoorfestival.com

Stay at Greetham Retreat and enjoy all that this fantastic festival has to offer…  To find out more about staying at Greetham Retreat, please click below:-

>>>> Click here to View our self-catering holiday properties… <<<<

>>>> Click here to view our CL touring site… <<<<

These are all local places that we visit ourselves – and they’re all within a ten minute drive of Greetham Retreat, so make sure to enjoy a taste of Lincolnshire!

PUBS SERVING FOOD

• George & Dragon, High Street, Hagworthingham, PE23 4NA. Tel: 01507 588255
  Dog friendly and Child friendly pub with children’s play area and baby changing facilities. Good honest pub grub and excellent service. Only 5 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat. Open 6 days a week, lunchtimes and evenings (Closed on Mondays).
• The Blue Bell Inn, 1 Main Road, Belchford, Horncastle, LN9 6LQ Tel: 01507 533602
  Dog friendly pub with a reputation for top quality food. Booking is recommended over weekends and bank holidays.
  Only 5 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat. Open 5 days a week, lunchtimes and evenings. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
• The Red Lion Inn, Hagworthingham Road, Raithby-by-Spilsby, PE23 4DS Tel: 01790 753727
  Dog friendly pub offering good wholesome locally sourced, fresh, homemade food in a 17th century Inn and real ales. About 10 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat. (Closed Sunday evenings, all day Monday and Tuesday lunchtime.)
• West Ashby Arms, Main Street | West Ashby, Horncastle LN9 5PT Tel: 01507 201771
  Dog and family friendly/ Modern and contemporary pub with excellent choice of food including a children’s menu. Sky sport and BT sport available. About 10 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat. (Open Noon to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday & Noon to 6pm Sunday.)

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

• Shakesby’s, 3-5 West Street, Horncastle LN9 5JE. Tel: 01507 526626.
  Quality food and fine dining with attentive but unobtrusive service.  Very popular and booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Closed Sundays.
• Magpies, 71-75 East St, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6AA. Tel: 01507 527004.
  A family-run restaurant which is renowned widely for its fine dining experience, using high quality, locally sourced produce to create a wonderful menu. Lunches, afternoon teas and dinners. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Montebello Ristorante, 65, North Street, Horncastle LN9 5DX. Tel: 01507 522777.
  Located in the Old Angel pub, this is an atmospheric traditional Italian restaurant which is very popular and the food is authentic. Plenty of choice and a good wine menu too. Perfect for lunches and Dinner. Closed Mondays (all day) and Tuesday lunchtimes.
• Serendipity Asian Fusion & Thai Dining, 9-11 West Street, Horncastle LN9 5JF. Tel: 01507 525210.
  A lovely restaurant in an elegant and relaxed setting. Offering a selection of fresh home-cooked authentic mix of Asain Fusion options and Thai favourites and chef’s specials full of flavour to suit all tastes. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment. Open Tuesday to Saturdays from 5pm till 9pm. ALSO OFFERS TAKE AWAY SERVICE.

COFFEE SHOPS IN HORNCASTLE

• The Bridge, (known locally as ‘Tea at the Bridge’), 17 Bridge Street, Horncastle LN9 5HZ. Tel: 01507 522552
  A quaint tea room at the side of the river in Horncastle. Large courtyard area for al fresco eating. Dogs are most welcome and will often be served before you with a bowl of water and a biscuit! Interesting collectables and gifts also available for sale.
• School House Coffee Bar, (formally Captain and Cook), Church House Church Lane, Horncastle LN9 5HW. Tel: 01507 201340
  Just down past the church is this lovely contemporary coffee shop in the old schoolhouse. Gorgeous cakes, light bites and lunches on offer, with its own car park. Easily accessible via a ramp or steps and dog friendly too.
• Myers Cafe, 20, The Bullring, Horncastle LN9 5HU. Tel: 01507 522234
  Air conditioned café offering drinks, breakfasts, lunches and light bites. Situated next to their bakery and delicatessen and offering a lot of their own produce along with locally sourced food.
• Botts Coffee Shop at Horncastle Garden Centre, Lincoln Road, Horncastle LN9 5LZ. Tel: 01507 528610
  Select from mouth watering freshly baked cakes and scones, freshly brewed barista style coffees and teas, and a varied menu of lunches and light bites. Choose from our bistro style tables, soft seating sofa area, or a sunny rest in our conservatory overlooking the Garden Centre. Homemade, locally sourced food in a relaxed friendly ambience.

Lincolnshire has a great variety of market towns, each with its own unique character and attractions, but the following few are all within easy travelling distance of Greetham Retreat.

• The nearby market town of Horncastle, less than 3 miles away, has many classic Georgian or Victorian historical buildings and is renowned for its many antique collectors’ shops. Horncastle often hosts the various visiting antique experts ‘off the telly’ when filming for their programmes.  It has a good choice of independently owned shops including some great coffee shops, butchers, and bakers.
• Louth, about 8 miles away, is known as the capital of the Wolds and is an attractive Georgian market town. It has plenty of character and offers many independent and unique shops and cafes including a fantastic cheese shop and several outstanding butchers.
• Boston, where visitors can immerse themselves in history, heritage and culture including the town’s famous large traditional markets, established for more than 450 years. The marketplace has recently been enhanced and is a bright, airy open space great for pedestrians, the markets themselves and other activities such as craft fairs. It is surrounded by a medieval network of lanes with many independent shops, cafes and eateries and many national retailers in the more prominent shopping areas such as Pescod Square. Visit the Boston ‘Stump’, the lantern shaped tower of St Botolph’s church which is visible for miles around. The Pilgrim Fathers were famously imprisoned at the Guildhall, now a visitor attraction, and made their first attempt to escape from England from nearby Fishtoft.

MARKET DAYS

Why not visit on a market day to sample local produce and really take in the atmosphere of these charming towns:

• Horncastle: Thursdays and Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every 2nd Thursday of the month).
• Louth: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every 2nd Friday and 4th Wednesday of the month).
• Spilsby: Mondays.
• Alford: Tuesday, Friday (Craft Markets: Tuesday, Friday July to Sept).
• Boston: Wednesdays and Saturdays (Farmer’s Market every Wednesday).
• Skegness: Monday to Saturday (Summer), Friday, Saturday (Winter).
• Mablethorpe: Monday (Summer), Thursday.
• Lincoln: Monday to Saturday (Farmer’s Markets on every Friday, 1st Friday in month at City Square, 2nd Friday in month at Cornhill, 3rd Saturday in month at Castle Hill and 4th Friday in month at St. Mark’s Centre.

The scenic Lincolnshire Wolds have been designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The sprawling countryside with its beautiful scenery and historic sites is renowned for its walks and long distance paths.  In all our self-catering holiday properties here at Greetham Retreat we offer an Ordnance Survey map of the area specifically for guests to use during their stay, and also have a folder available with more than 100 different walks throughout Lincolnshire for you to borrow and try out.  In addition, we provided laminated sheets for several local walks for you to borrow and use.

Walkers Welcome at Greetham Retreat

• Willingham Woods, situated just outside of Market Rasen, is a large woodland area with a number of trails to explore. Cyclists and horse-riders are allowed to visit the woods upon obtaining a permit. One trail is suitable for wheeelchair users or anyone who maybe less able.
• Chambers Wood, near Wragby is also a popular limewood for visitors and has regular activities and is a lovely walk.
• For more information on walking and cycling routes in Lincolnshire and in the Wolds area, visit the Walking in Lincs Website and the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB Website.
• Further walking, cycle and riding routes can be found via this link to the Lincolnshire Wolds Countyside Service and Lincolnshire County Council which also has a route search facility, many walks can be dowloaded from both these website which really are worth investigating.
• The Lindsay Trail is a 69 mile circular way-marked trail throughout the Lincolnshire Wolds (22 miles off-road & 47 miles on quiet roads) suitable for horses riders, carriages, off-road cyclists or walkers and passes right by Greetham Retreat. Click here for leaflet about the Lindsay Trail.
• The Lincolnshire Wolds also hosts and annual Walking Festival around spring bank holiday for 2 weeks at the end of May and into early June each year. There are nearly 100 guided walks organised during the festival and many are free of charge. Find out more at the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival Website.

Outstanding Natural Wildlife

• Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is a three-mile stretch of unspoilt coastland famous for its outstanding wildlife, especially its birds. Enjoy bird watching from its observatory after a walk on the beach, and relax in the café at the visitors centre.
• The internationally renowned Donna Nook is a must for its large and very accessible Grey Seal breeding colonies. They can be seen calving in October to December each year and there are excellent public viewing areas that allow you to get a fantastic view of the seal pups.
• Visit the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for more information on Gibraltar Point and their other nearby nature reserves, including Snipe Dales, just 5 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat, Donna Nook and Far Ings.
• There are also two great birdwatching nature reserves managed by the RSPB at Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore on the edge of the Wash only about 30 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat.

CASTLES AND MANORS

• A must-see is Lincoln Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 it is one of the most impressive Norman castles in the UK and home to one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Recently work has developed many attractions, including Victorian and Edwardian prison buildings plus a fantastic accessible wall walk for everyone. There are various exciting events throughout the year including jousting tournaments.
• Lincoln Cathedral, a short walk from the castle, towering majestically over the city from whichever direction you approach, is one of the finest gothic buildings in Europe. Along with its rich and varied history, it has been a place of worship for over 1000 years.  Several visitor tours are available to tell you more about Lincoln Cathedral. The Floor Tour lasts about an hour and incorporates all aspects, from architecture to the history of the building. The Roof Tour lasts about 90 minutes. Visitors can see the inside of one of the cathedral roofs, as well as a close-up view of the stained glass windows. The Tower Tour runs from March to November and visitors climb the cathedral’s highest tower. At the top is a 360 degree view of the city and beyond.  Booking is recommended for the Roof or Tower Tours.
• Tattershall Castle (National Trust), a 15th century imposing brick castle, was built by Ralph Cromwell who at the time was one of the most powerful men in England. Far reaching views from the top.
• Gunby Estate Hall & Gardens, (National Trust) is often described as a large doll’s house and sits within glorious grounds and lovely walled gardens.
• Gainsborough Old Hall, a medieval manor house with links to King Henry VIII and regular exhibitions and events.
• Alford Manor House is the largest thatched house in the country and has regular events and craft fairs.
• Doddington Hall and Gardens is an Elizabethan mansion near Lincoln designed by the famous architect Robert Smythson.
• Belton House, (National Trust) near Grantham, is a perfect example of an English country house with its deer park. New for 2015 is a children’s adventure playground.
• Woolsthorpe Manor, (National Trust) is the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton offers plenty to see and interactive science based activities.
• Burley House, is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan period. History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take a dog for a walk in the park, or take time over lunch in the Orangery.

MUSEUMS

• Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Burton Road in Lincoln tells its visitors of the culture of Lincolnshire and its people from 1750 to the present day. One of the surviving First World War tanks made in the city, Flirt, is among the artifacts.  Admission is free.
• The Collection in Lincoln opened in 2005 to bring together the award-winning archaeology museum and the Usher Gallery in a £12.5m development. The museum is particularly appealing for younger visitors while the Usher Gallery holds a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts and stages temporary exhibitions supported by the Arts Council.
• The Cottage Museum in Woodhall Spa is a joy to explore and packed with intriguing stories and displays about the local area and the Wield family, who lived in the building from 1887 until the 1960s. The Museum building itself is an important Museum exhibit. It is a rare surviving example of a bungalow constructed of corrugated iron on a wooden frame that was erected in the late nineteenth century.
• Louth Museum is an award-winning visitor attraction in the historic market town of Louth, nestling at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. There are four galleries, a library, and a gift shop.

ANTIQUES

For those with an interest in antiques, the nearby market town of Horncastle is a must. Being only 10 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat it is famous for all its independent antique shops and is known as the ‘antique capital of Lincolnshire’, it has over 19 individual antiques and old book shops.

The Hemswell Antique Centre is also well worth a visit and has Europe’s largest selection of dealers who can offer you the widest possible range of antique furniture and vintage collectables. It is open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm.

LINCOLNSHIRE AVIATION PAST AND PRESENT

Why not come to Lincolnshire with its ‘big skies’ and experience the thrill and excitement of aviation, past and present. You’ll find a landscape crisscrossed by wartime airfields and reminders of Lincolnshire’s historic aviation role

Greetham Retreat Lincolnshire Holiday cottages are ideally located for explore all the following locations and attractions.

Lincolnshire is home to two of the last remaining Lancaster bombers left in Britain, the oldest military air academy in the world (RAF Cranwell), and the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Red Arrows display teams.

• LINCOLNSHIRE AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
  East Kirkby Airfield, East Kirkby, Spilsby, PE23 4DE | 01790 763207
  Open Easter to October Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm) and October to Easter Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm).
  Located on a former bomber airfield, the centre includes Avro Lancaster “Just Jane” which performs taxy runs regularly in the summer months (check website for details) and a veteran Dakota. New for 2019 taxy runs in a newly renovated Mosquito bomber from WWII. The original WWII control tower has been restored and forms part of the museum which holds many exhibits focusing on Bomber Command, a Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb, Home Front exhibition, a Hampden restoration project and the Royal Air Forces’ Escaping Society Museum.  Special events and scheduled throughout the summer.  At the entrance to the Centre is a memorial stone to 57 and 630 squadrons.
  Admission is charged and dogs are welcome.
• THORPE CAMP VISITOR CENTRE
  Woodhall Spa Road, Tattershall Thorpe, LN4 4PE | 01526 342249
  Open every Sunday and bank holiday Monday from Easter to the end of September and on Wednesdays during July and August from 1pm to 5pm. Occasional special weekend events during the summer.
  Situated on the former RAF Woodhall Spa bomber base, the Centre hosts displays describing the history of the airfield and the squadrons which operated from it, civilian life during the Second World War, the Royal Observer Corps and Air Training Corps.
  Admission Charged.
• BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT VISITOR CENTRE
  RAF Coningsby, Dogdyke Road, Coningsby, LN4 4SY | 01522 782040
  Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, and some weekends in Summer. Guided tours of the hanger take place from 10.30am to 3.30pm (3pm November to February).  The Visitor Centre is normally closed weekends, all public holidays and two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period.
  Located on an operational RAF airfield the BBMF operates the only airworthy Lancaster in Britain, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Dakota and two Chipmunks. The Memorial Flight is a living tribute to all RAF air and ground crews who gave their lives in the Second World War.  Commitments mean that the presence of particular aircraft cannot be guaranteed.
  Entrance to the visitor centre itself is free and there is no need to book to visit the centre. 

  Hangar Tours Charged.  Tickets for tours of the hangar where the planes are (noting that there is no guarantee of which planes are in the hangar at any time) can be purchased on arrival at the visitor centre though as places on tours are limited I’d recommend booking in advance here: – Lincolnshire Heritage Tickets – Buy Online (digitickets.co.uk)

• METHERINGHAM AIRFILD VISITOR CENTRE
  Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor, Metheringham, LN4 3BQ | 01526 378604
  Open Easter to October Wednesday 11am-4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11am-5pm. Group visits at other times by arrangement.
  Located on part of the former RAF Metheringham base, recalls life on an operational airfield, and honours those who served there. Nearby are the remains of runways and taxiways, and a memorial to 106 Squadron.  During the year a number of special events and lectures take place.
  Entry to the Visitor Centre is Free.
• RAF DIGBY SECTOR OPERATIONS ROOM MUSEUM
  Digby, Scopwick, LN4 3LH | digbymuseum@aol.com
  Open from 1st Sunday in May to the 1st Sunday in October at 11am for guided tours. Sundays only.
  The original operations room bunker of this former Fighter Command airfield has been restored, complete with plotting table, state boards and equipment. Other rooms include items related to the many bomber squadrons that were based in the county and the history of RAF Digby.
  Contact the Visits Coordinator at RAF Digby on 01526 327272, Monday – Friday service 01526 327272
  Admission free, but donations welcomed.
• RAF WICKENBY MEMORIAL MUSEUM
  The Old Control Tower, Wickenby Airfield, Langworth, Lincoln, LN£ 5AX | 01673 885000
  Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, except Christmas day and Boxing Day. 
  Located in the control tower of this former Lancaster base, the Museum records the history of the station. Near the tower is a memorial to 12 and 626 Squadrons.  The airfield remains operational, used by light aircraft.  Whilst enjoying your visit take the opportunity to have some light refreshments in the Watch Office café.
• RAF WADDINGTON VIEWING ENCLOSURE 
  Sleaford Road (A15), Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9FG | 07540 752432
  Open 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday
  The Waddington Viewing Area is situated south of Lincoln on the A15 overlooking RAF Waddington. This offers a unique attraction of being able to view all aircraft (E3-D Sentry, Sentinel and Shadow R1) as well as visiting military aircraft. A purpose built car park offers unrestricted views over the airfield with a snack bar and gift shop on site also.
• RAF WADDINGTON HERITAGE CENTRE
  RAF Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NB | 01522 728595
  Open every day, by appointment only.
  Visit RAF Waddington Heritage Centre and learn the history of the station. Travel back in time to RAF Waddington’s history within Bomber Command and the Augsburg raid; learn about the V-Force during the days of the Cold War and the Black Buck raid on the Falkland Islands.  Discover the science of radar and other modern technologies used in the Combat ISTAR platforms flown from Waddington today.
  Visits are free by appointment only and group visits can be arranged on request.
  
• RAF SCAMPTON HERITAGE CENTRE 
  RAF Scampton, Lincoln, LN1 2TR | 01522 683856 or 01522 500738
  Open every day, by appointment only.
  The Heritage Centre is located on this former bomber base, home of ‘The Red Arrows’, and covers the history of the station from the Great War.  Exhibits include many items about 617 Dam Busters Squadron, and the tour covers well known sites on the station.  Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, The Red Arrows are the public face of the Royal Air Force.  The team demonstrates professional excellence, and helps to promote recruitment to the RAF.  There are no facilities at RAF Scampton to view the Reds, but a small public viewpoint south of Scampton village by the A1500 gives an opportunity to watch the team practising over the airfield.
  Free admission, donations welcomed.
• SKELLINGTHORPE HERITAGE ROOM
  Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe LN6 5UU | 01522 683061
  Open daily April to October 10am to 5pm, November to March 10am to 4pm
  The Heritage Room has a permanent exhibition of photographs and information about the bomber airfield of RAF Skellingthorpe. Close by is a memorial to those who served at Skellingthorpe.
• CRANWELL AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE 
  Heath Farm, North Rauceby, Sleaford, NG34 8QR | 01529 488490 or 01529 308102 (out of hours information)
  Open April to October for 7 days a week, 10am – 4.30pm and November to March on Saturday and Sunday only from 10am – 4pm.
  The Centre traces the history of RAF Cranwell from its Royal Navy years and the Royal Air Force College to the present day. The experience includes interactive exhibits including a Jet Provost flight simulator, displays, various exhibits and artefacts, storyboards, courtyard area with Jet Provost aircraft, Vampire nose pod, video theatre, local tourist information and shop area.  Light refreshments available.  Group and school visits are most welcome by prior arrangement.  For information on special events please contact the centre.
  Admission is Free.
• NEWARK AIR MUSEUM
  Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, NG24 2NY | 01636 707170
  Open March to October 10am – 5pm and November to February 10am – 4pm. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
  Situated on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border with easy Access from the A1, the museum is proud to be associated with Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire and its aims. From just one aircraft, Newark Air Museum now displays 74 aircraft and cockpit sections.
  There is an admission charge with ample free parking, café and museum shop.

For those with an interest in antiques and collectables, the nearby market town of Horncastle is a must. Being only 10 minutes drive from Greetham Retreat it is famous for all its independent antique shops and is known as the ‘antiques capital of Lincolnshire’, it has well over a dozen individual antiques and old book shops for you to browse.

Horncastle;s Antiques & Collectables Trail

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The Hemswell Antique Centrein Lincolnshire, is also well worth a visit and has Europe’s largest selection of dealers who can offer you the widest possible range of antique furniture and vintage collectables.  It is open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm and is about a 50 minutes drive or 35 miles from Greetham Retreat.

Greetham Retreat self-catering holiday properties are perfectly located in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds near Horncastle to visit the many wildlife and farm parks nearby.  We have listed a few below which we are sure you will really enjoy during your stay with us.  Just click on the links to find out more about what they have to offer…

Wildlife and Farm Parks

• The Wolds Wildlife Park is only 3 miles away from Greetham Retreat.  It is a small privately own zoo offering a magical world where spotted hyena live alongside Bengal tigers and Eurasian brown bears frolicking in their very own pond!  It’s a place to explore & encounter some of the world’s most fascinating animals and all this just 10 minutes drive away from Greetham Retreat.
• For those wishing to see some more exotic animals, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park or The Woodside Wildife and Falconry Park make great fun days out.
• The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, incorporating the National Parrot Sanctuary, boasts the UK’s largest collection of parrots and is keen on conservation and research. Woodside Wildlife Park is home to owls and eagles as well as marmosets, butterflies, lizards and even has Tigers and Wolves, well worth a visit as the kids will love it and can get up close at feeding time!
• For animals that are a little more familiar, Rand Farm Park near Lincoln offers children a hands-on learning experience at a genuine working farm. You can also try Tattershall Farm Park and Rushmore Country Park near Louth – only 20 minutes’ drive from Greetham Retreat

FAMILY RESORTS

The famous seaside resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe are just a short drive (about 20 to 30 minutes) away from Greetham Retreat. Both are lively, traditional seaside holiday towns and have Blue Flag beaches. There is plenty to do for both young and old; Mablethorpe offers all the fun of the fair as well as an international circus in the summer, while Skegness has plenty of arcades, shops as well as the popular Natureland Seal Sanctuary and Skegnes Aquarium. Sutton-on-Sea is a quieter seaside resort which has Victorian architecture and a fantastic Blue Flag beach.

Endless stretches of sand lapped by a shallow tide, Lincolnshire’s beaches are the ideal playground for families and couples alike. Take a picnic, set up camp for the day and enjoy the vast expanses of beautiful sea and sand. Go beach combing, paddling or even have a swim. Explore the dunes, build sand castles or take the dog for a long walk as all our main seaside resorts have sog friendly beaches. Head to Skegness or Cleethorpes for the very best in family beaches and entertainment,  When in Cleethorpes you must vist Seaview Street with its many unique independant shops from furniture to fashion with bistos and tea rooms, whilst there, you must also go and see the fantastic renovated traditional Victorian Pier.  You can also book a beach hut for the day in Mablethorpe or Sutton on Sea via East Lindsey District Council.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Stretching more than thirty miles from Cleethorpes to Gibraltar Point at The Wash, Lincolnshire’s golden beaches are rated among some of the best sandy beaches in the world. Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park is located between Sandilands and Chapel Point. It has several more peaceful and unspoilt beaches. These include Huttoft Car Terrace (where you can park up to the beach), Moggs Eye, and Anderby Creek, an old family favourite at Chapel Point. All have their own car parks including disabled spaces and public toilets. There are cafes at Chapel Point and Anderby Creek too.

Click here to view a Leaflet and Map of The Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.  The Fat Seagull bistro in Sandilands near to Sutton-on-Sea is very popular and worth a visit.

THEME PARKS

To find out more about these east coast seaside resorts please see the website Visit the Seaside which has a comprehensive ‘Whats on’ diary detailing special events taking place throughout the year and offers many ‘Discount vouchers’ for attractions along the coast. There are also theme parks along the coast. Fantasy Island near Skegness offer kids’ rides and family shows as well as ‘white-knuckle’ rides for the thrill seekers!

There are plenty of opportunities for evening entertainment.

• The Embassy Theatre in Skegness has a variety of performances from tribute bands and concerts to comedians and pantomimes.
• The Grimsby Auditorium is a large, modern theatre that offers a variety of shows and entertainment.
• There are plenty of cinemas to choose from, but
• The Kinema in the Woods is a cinema in the village of Woodhall Spa, about a 15 minute drive from Greetham Retreat. It dates from 1922, and it is the only fully functioning cinema in the UK to employ back projection anywhere in the UK.  A visit to the Kinema in the Woods can be wonderfully romantic with its quirky charm and 1940s atmosphere but showing the current films of today. Visit the Kinema in the Woods’ website for show times.
• The city of Lincoln has entertainment aplenty at a variety of venues which include New Lincoln Theatre Royal, Lincoln Drill Hall with its famous Red Herring Comedy Club, and The Engine Shed offering live music and entertainment.
• A modern Odeon multiplex Cinema can be found in the bustling Brayford Waterfront Marina, just off the High Street.

GOLF

Golfers may wish to visit The National Golf Centre in nearby Woodhall Spa which is considered a world class golf course and is ranked 25th in Golf World magazine’s World Top 100 Golf Courses. You could also have a round at the Horncastle Golf & Country Club which is the nearest golf club to Greetham Retreat being only 10 minutes drive away. Kenwick Park Golf Club and the Louth Golf Club are also both very popular choices nearby. For a more comprehensive list of the many golf courses in Lincolnshire please view the Golf Today website.

FISHING

Those keen on fishing will find several parks for coarse fishing as well as Withern Mill Trout Farm for fly fishing.  For a more complete lists of fishing sites in Lincolnshire visit the Go-Fish.co.uk website

FITNESS AND SWIMMING

If you are a fitness enthusiast or just want to take the kids swimming, there are several local gyms in the area, including the brand new Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth and the local Horncastle Swimming Pool and Lifestyle Fitness Suite.

MOTORSPORTS

Those with an interest in motor sports will enjoy Cadwell Park, a circuit that is especially popular with bikers nationwide.

HORSE RACING

If you like to spend a day at the races, why not consider a visit to Market Rasen racecourse, it has numerous horse racing weekends throughout the year as well as other events like concerts held at the race ground.

TENNIS

Horncastle Tennis Club is only 3 miles away from Greetham Retreat and welcomes everyone who wants to play or learn this wonderful sport.