Spalding

Spalding is a small market town deep in the heart of Lincolnshire. It isn’t the most famous place in the region, but if you are looking for a base from which to explore the beautiful fen lands of northeast Lincolnshire, Spalding is perfectly situated. Extensive waterways and wetlands characterise the area and the River Welland cuts right through the middle of Spalding. There are many historic links between Spalding and the Netherlands, mostly as a result of the thriving bulb and flower growing industry that remains a significant part of the local economy. For many years, the Spalding Flower Parade was a major festival event in the town, but the last one was held in 2013 and as yet there are no plans to revive the tradition. Spalding is also the birthplace of the famous Lincolnshire sausage, which is a good excuse as any to try some when you pay a visit to the town. And if you are a trivia buff, were you aware that Spalding Key Market was the first place in the UK to use a barcode?

Things to See and Do

Thanks to its prime location in the middle of the historic fens, Spalding is perfectly placed for a relaxing holiday spent cycling, walking or simply relaxing. Once you leave the town centre, you will be surrounded by vistas of rural tranquillity as far as the eye can see. It is a lovely part of the world, and great if you have a passion for art or photography. The River Welland is a major geographical feature in Spalding and the local ‘water taxi’ service is a fun local attraction to take advantage of. Use the water taxi to travel between Spalding high street and the local shopping outlet. The Springfield Shopping Outlet and Festival Gardens are well worth a visit, particularly in the warm summer months. Garden centres and flower stalls are common in the local area, so if you have a passion for all things horticultural, Spalding is a fabulous place to go shopping.

Places to Visit

Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens is probably the best-known attraction in the Spalding area. The Medieval Hall is a beautiful Grade I listed structure dating back to 1451 and it contains lots of interesting exhibits about the hall itself, as well as the local area. There are events at Ayscoughfee Hall all year round, plus a pretty café on site. If you are in the local area, a visit to the Gordon Boswell Romany Museum is an absolute must-do. You can find out what the Romany way of life is really like, plus enjoy a ride in a vintage Romany carriage. Moulton Windmill in nearby Moulton village is the tallest mill building in the UK, standing an impressive 24.4 metres high. The structure has been lovingly restored and visitors can enjoy a guided tour. If you have an interest in engineering, the Pinchbeck Engine Museum is well worth a visit. For those who are happy to travel a bit further, the Wash National Nature Reserve is on the coast and nearby Kings Lynn is not too far away.