Information about the area

HORNCASTLE is a bustling and attractive market town of approximately 6000 residents lying on the south-west foot of the Wolds in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire. It is renowned for it's antique shops, with a fine heritage and unspoilt by modern developments. In 2001 it was voted 'The Best Antiques Town' but more recently the town has gained a reputation for its many second hand book shops.

The town benefits from a good array of local amenities including a small leisure centre with swimming pool, two medium sized supermarkets, local grocery shops, a post office, a number banks, a pharmacy, arts and craft shops, bakeries, tea rooms and a good selection of inns, cafes and restaurants. The market is held on Thursdays and Saturdays with the Continental food market also being held on a number of occasions throughout the year.

Due to it's location at the point where the River Bain meets the River Waring, Horncastle is steeped in history. The walls of a Roman fort still remain in places around the town with one section on display in the town's library, which is built over the top of the wall very close to the river which is thought to be the Romans' principal route of access. There are also some notable historic buildings in Horncastle, including the 12th-century Church of St. Mary and is it is a good base from which to explore the stunning surrounding countryside as the Viking Way long distance footpath also runs through the town.

Horncastle is well located for access to the rest of the county with the City of Lincoln less than 20 miles away to the West and the popular seaside resort of Skegness approximately 20 miles to the East. Boston can be found around 20 miles ot the South and Louth a little over 10 miles to the North. Due to it's location, Horcastle is home to a 'hub' for the Inter Connect bus service with a good, regular service running to Lincoln, Skegness and across the Wolds 7 days a week.

MARKET RASEN is a delightful small market town standing on the River Rase in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire. Located on the edge of the Wolds the bustling town can be found on the main road between Lincoln and Grimsby. Approximately 13 miles northeast of Lincoln, 18 miles east of Gainsborough and 16 miles southwest of Grimsby, Market Rasen has a population of around 3200 people. Market Rasen is famous having the only racecourse in the county but also boasts good golfing, lovely countryside walks and cycling opportunities as it is on the Nation Cycle Route 1 of the National Cycle Network which is also featured in the North Sea Cycle Route There are also many clubs, societies and organisations to get involved in including a choral society and a brass band.

This market town, like many in Lincolnshire, is steeped in history including a market which has been taking place since the 1300s. Today the market is still thriving and takes place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the Tuesday market including an auction of produce with customers bidding for everything from pheasants to vegetables. There are also plenty of modern amenities including a supermarket, police station, court house, fire and ambulance stations, doctor’s surgery, a shopping centre and railway station running services between Lincoln Central Station and Grimsby Station which offer services to nationwide destinations.