Market Rasen Horse Racing

And they’re off! The Market Rasen Racecourse calendar offers lots of opportunity to enjoy the sport of kings. What can be better than a day at the races. Just 15 miles from Willow Lakes, it is a day out you can bet on. For race meeting dates check their website  www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/marketrasen

Horncastle

This quintessentially English market town is brimming with a great selection of antique shops, galleries, award winning coffee houses, restaurants and cosy traditional pubs. There are also a growing number of artisan shops offering unique clothing and gifts.

With over 20 different outlets specialising in antiques and bygones, such as furniture, porcelain, jewellery and books, it really is the antiques hub of Lincolnshire.

The town welcomes visitors to its weekly markets on Thursdays and Saturdays and monthly Farmers Markets, held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. The Tourist Information centre is based at the Joseph Banks Centre.

Please note it is early closing in the town on a Wednesday.

Lincoln

Less than an hour’s drive from Willow Lakes, with a plethora of restaurants, bars and boutique shops, why not take on the challenge of a walk up the country’s third steepest street, aptly know as Steep Hill! Soak up Lincoln’s amazing architecture and cobbled streets, coupled with a visit to Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle to see one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta. It’s a popular and full day out for our guests, and it seems, one never to be forgotten.

Over 250,000 people descend on Lincoln over four days to attend its world-famous Christmas Market. With over 200 stalls lining Lincoln’s uphill area, the local authority say it will take place this year between 2nd – 5th December, where you can capture a well- deserved break at Willow Lakes and create some pre-Christmas magic.

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is a great day out for everyone. Ride on the train, visit the museum, enjoy some great food in the Steaming Kettle Buffet and find out more about the locos from our experts in the engine shed.

The heritage steam trains run between Ludborough and North Thoresby and work is now in progress to extend the line southwards towards Louth.

It is the only standard gauge heritage steam railway in Lincolnshire.

Louth

Hailed by TV Chef’s The Hairy Bikers as a “food mecca”, Louth is one of the UK’s best-loved foodie hot-spots and is certainly not to be missed.

Visit the bustling weekly markets and sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest produce, selling everything from specialty cheeses through to Lincolnshire Plum Loaf.

If you can’t visit on a market day, you will not be disappointed. Louth has such a lot of fabulous food outlets and boutique shops to explore.

Spout Yard is a great sun-trap park complete with an outdoor theatre, children’s play area and picnic tables. There is also a purpose built art gallery and exhibitions of local artists run throughout the year.

Just beyond the town lies Hubbard’s Hills, a steep-sided chalk valley; perfect for walking or an ideal spot for a picnic.

Gardens & Country Parks

These include, Doddington Hall (which has fantastic seasonal events such as pumpkin picking and the Cherry Blossom Exhibition), Kelham Hall & Country Park, Goltho Gardens and Normanby Hall (which boasts a ‘Go Ape’ tree top adventure) and most famously (though slightly further away in Grantham) Woolsthorpe Manor where Sir Isaac Newton had his famous revelation about gravity, you can explore the orchard with the original 400-year-old tree from which the apple fell and inspired Newton.

Zoos, Farms and Sanctuaries

Lincolnshire is brimming with fantastic animal experiences. Head to Horncastle to the ‘Wolds Wildlife Park’. It is home of over 200 amazing wild animals including African Lions, Eurasian Brown Bears and the stunning Indian Leopard. Book your individual or family day pass, group or a close encounter experience.

For a more traditional farm experience with lots of family fun thrown in, there is Hardy’s Animal Farm at Ingoldmells, Rand Farm Park, Hall Farm Park at South Kelsey and Rushmoor Country Park near Louth. They offer amazing close up animal experiences as well as exciting play area’s both indoor and outdoor.

Love seals? Then Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary or Natureland at Skegness are the places for you. Between them they have rescued and cared for hundreds of injured and orphaned seals until they can be released back in the wild. Seals aren’t the only mammals you will meet at these sanctuaries they also have aviaries, meerkats, penguins and many more.

Cadwell Park

Fondly nicknamed the ‘mini-Nürburgring’, Cadwell Park has a rich history and celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2019. Its twisty and undulating nature, winding through open park and woodland, has seen it become established as one of the best circuits in the country. Once discovered, it is often a firm favourite amongst many who visit, whether as a spectator or participant.

The circuit is also one of the most popular destinations on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship calendar, with its infamous ‘Mountain’ section where riders are often completely airborne providing a particular challenge. Fans descend on the venue in their thousands in August for the annual visit from the world’s leading domestic superbike category, and it is one of Lincolnshire’s biggest sporting events of the year.

There are an increasing number of club car events taking place at the circuit including the Historic Sports Car Club’s Wolds Trophy and the popular Vintage Sports-Car Club Festival, along with vintage and classic motorcycle events and spectacular rallies. Check out their website for the full events calendar or how to book your own experience day. http://www.cadwellpark.co.uk/

Hull Waterside & Marina and The Deep

Besides being an important cultural site for the city, Hull Marina is full of alluring and interesting maritime history, and also full of brilliant places to eat and drink.

The small yet notable area possesses a rich culinary diversity, ranging from comfortable pubs perfect for a pint, to artisan bakeries full of rustic charm. Hull Marina is capable of offering something to everyone. With its quaint cobbled streets and impressive views, the Marina is amongst Hull’s finest places to eat, drink, or simply explore.

The Deep is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, is located in Hull, East Yorkshire and is home to  magnificent sharks, turtles, penguins and the UK’s only Green sawfish.

Embark on a journey through the world’s oceans. Travelling from oceans past and into the future. From the shallow tropical lagoons to the darkest depths of the coldest oceans, marvel at the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.

The Deep is open daily from 9am until 6pm on weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays. Open 10am until 6pm Monday to Friday during term time. Last admission is at 5pm. Closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

All visitors are required to book a time slot for their visit to The Deep.