Summer is finally here, and we hope it’s here to stay! Enjoy great days out in Gainsborough and the surrounding area that will have you delving in to local history, exploring the great outdoors, and visiting some of Lincolnshire’s most-loved attractions.
Whether you live here, or just visiting for a short while, here’s some inspiration to plan some great days out this summer.
Explore local history
Gainsborough is a market town brimming with history that dates to as early as the 9th century.
The jewel in the crown is the immaculately preserved medieval manor house, Gainsborough Old Hall, dating from the 15th century and boasting a succession of famous visitors, including Richard III and Henry VIII. The English Heritage site is open every day during the summer holidays where you can uncover the magnificent Great Hall before wandering winding corridors and up dead-end stairs. See how feasts were prepared in one of the best surviving medieval kitchens in the country and climb the 59 steps to the top of the tower for views across Lincolnshire.
Gainsborough Heritage Centre offers a fascinating insight to the history of the town. Built in 1904, it used to the town’s Post Office but now offers visitors the chance to explore their exhibition rooms, walk through a period street scene and visit a Victorian Post Office. On the top floor there is also an extensive archive. On the ground floor you’ll also find a shop and tearoom.
The Heritage Centre is open every Tuesday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
You can also pick up a Heritage Trail leaflet that takes you to some of the town’s significant locations, giving you an introduction to its rich and varied history. If you’re looking to explore further, both Market Rasen and Caistor also offer heritage trails that bring each town to life, showcasing historical buildings and captivating stories.
For those interested in aviation heritage, RAF Ingham Heritage Centre opened their brand-new exhibition centre earlier this year, and is the world’s first heritage centre dedicated to commemorating the Polish Bomber Squadrons who served in the RAF during WWII. The facility includes various display areas; a Resettlement Nissen Hut; a Cinema area; and a small café.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Lincolnshire has some of the best open countryside! The Lincolnshire Wolds Natural Landscape is just under an hours drive away with miles upon miles of walks for you to try. Willingham Woods near Market Rasen is also a popular spot with families with a circular route covering 3.5km (just over 2 miles). Just down the road you can also stop by Wright’s Ice Cream where their delicious ice cream is handcrafted on site in a wide range of different flavours.
Closer to home, there are also a number of woodland trails to enjoy including Mercer Wood, Owlet Wood and Tuetoes Wood, just to name a few. In town, you can enjoy the Riverside Walk which starts at Trent Bridge and goes all the way to Morton Village.
Family Days Out
Take your pick from one of the many places to visit that make a great day out in this part of Lincolnshire.
Choose from over 75 flavours of ice cream at Blyton Ice Cream just 10 minutes’ drive from Gainsborough. From Apple Pie to classic vanilla – there’s a flavour for everyone! They also have sugar free and vegan options too!
There’s also a café serving hot meals, light bites and hot and cold drinks. Kids can also enjoy the children’s play area with crazy golf, table tennis and play park that is suitable for all ages.
A firm favourite for families and a great low-cost day out, Bransby Horses is just a 20-minute drive from Gainsborough and offers miles of footpaths with the opportunity to meet their equine residents. It’s free entry and has a play park and visitor centre with a gift shop and café. During the holidays they normally organise self-guided trails for families to enjoy – keep an eye on their website or follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
If you’re looking for something more hands on; why not visit Rand Farm Park?! Discover an exciting balance of indoor play, outdoor attractions and animal hands-on experiences. You can also take a drive out to Hall Farm Park (30 minutes from Gainsborough), a family run working farm with lot of things to see and do giving visitors a unique experience. Woodside Wildlife Park also offers hands-on access to some exciting animals.
Ready to take on a challenge?
Go Behind the Garden Wall at Uncle Henry’s where you can enjoy a whole range of family friendly activities. Try your hand at the 9-hole crazy golf course, soar through the sky on the jumping pillow, play garden games or complete the garden safari. Their cafe serves breakfast, lunch and coffee and cakes with no need to book. The farm shop and butchery are also well worth a visit and is well stocked with delicious homemade and locally sourced food and drinks.
Each summer they also open their award-winning Maize Maze which popular with visitors of all ages. Set over 5 acres, the maze is carefully designed each year with a theme. Visitors can take on the giant maze, plus two mini mazes that are suitable for younger visitors.
Sadly, the Maze has been delayed this year due to Sun God taking too many unauthorised holiday days! Keep an eye on their website for regular updates. In the meantime, Behind the Garden Wall is still open for a fantastic family day out!
For outdoor lovers and thrill seekers big and small, Wild Pines Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and have a great day out in the trees. This multi award winning activity centre based at Market Rasen has over 1050 metres of high tree fun, 22 zip lines and 87 elements! It’s also been voted one of the best in the UK! Also on site, you can have a go at archery, mini golf, or the Great Bear Hunt! For younger visitors, Connie’s Café is great (and free) for children under 6 allowing them to explore with a mini mud kitchen, 3 mini willow dome huts, a stage, a creative drawing area and more.
Have a fantastic time!
We hope you have a great time exploring Lincolnshire this summer! These are just seven of the many wonderful places to visit and things to do in the area. For more inspiration you can head over to our Summer in Gainsborough page. You can also find other places to visit in Lincolnshire by going to:
For regular updates follow Discover Gainsborough on Facebook, X and Instagram. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SummerInGainsborough or #GainsboroughIsGreat so we can share your great days out this summer with our followers!