Summer has arrived in Gainsborough, bringing longer days, family adventures and plenty of opportunities to make the most of holiday break. Whether you’re looking for fun-filled events, outdoor activities, heritage attractions or hidden local gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore some of the best ways to spend the summer holidays in and around Gainsborough, helping you create memorable days out close to home.
Become a history hunter
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, this English Heritage site boasts a succession of famous visitors including Richard III and Henry VIII.
Uncover the magnificent Great Hall before wandering through winding corridors and up dead-end staircases. See how feasts were prepared in one of the country’s best-preserved medieval kitchens, then climb the 59 steps to the top of the tower for stunning views across Lincolnshire.
There’s plenty for children to enjoy, including the Folktale Creature Trail, a chance to dress up in period costumes, and traditional games such as giant Snakes and Ladders in the medieval kitchen! – all included with admission.
Grab a great deal and get 15% off all children’s tickets until 1 September. Don’t forget, you’ll also save an additional 15% when you book online.
The Hall also arranges pop-up children’s events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for the latest updates.
Open: Every day, 10am to 5pm (last admission, 4.15pm).
Gainsborough Heritage Centre offers a fascinating insight into the history of the town. Built in 1904, it originally served as the town’s Post Office and now gives visitors the chance to explore exhibition rooms, stroll through a period street scene and visit a Victorian Post Office. The top floor is home to an extensive archive, while the ground floor features a shop and tearoom.
The centre also offers a range of activities for children, including crayon rubbing, a Heritage Hedgehogs trail and dressing-up costumes.
Open: Every Tuesday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Gainsborough Heritage Trail is a great (and free) way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Pick up a Heritage Trail leaflet and explore some of the town’s significant locations, giving you an introduction to the town’s rich and varied history. Play a game of I-Spy along the way and see if you can complete the Heritage Trail Challenge. Download the Gainsborough Heritage Trail I-SPY here.
Available: every day. Download from our website. Printed copies can be picked up from Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough Heritage Centre or Gainsborough Library.
The Zone Lands in Gainsborough This Summer
A free summer hangout for young people is coming to Gainsborough Market Place this August, packed with creative sessions, gaming, chill-out areas and opportunities to meet new people.
The Zone is a pop-up youth space shaped by young people to create a space where you can feel welcome, relaxed and completely yourself.
Drop in with your mates, meet new people, try something different – or just hang out for a bit. No pressure. No need to book. The Zone is your place to chill, create and be yourself this summer
Date: Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 August
Time: 11am to 5pm
Location: Gainsborough Market Place
Hop into a Magical Adventure with Peter Rabbit
Quantum Theatre return this summer an enchanting adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.
Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes, caught in a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself!
How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time? And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds?
Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures – a magical afternoon of fun for all the family.
Date: Wednesday 26 August
Time: 2pm
Location: Festival Hall, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT
Book via Trinity Arts Centre’s website.
All Aboard for a Fascinating Family Day Out
Whether you’re a lifelong train enthusiast or simply looking for a unique family outing, Gainsborough Model Railway is well worth a visit. Home to one of the country’s largest hand-built model railways, the attraction features detailed replicas of famous locomotives and an impressive O gauge layout depicting the East Coast Main Line from King’s Cross to Leeds Central.
Visit during one of their open and discover these intricate model railways, impressive miniature landscapes and plenty of railway nostalgia – a perfect summer holiday activity for train enthusiasts of all ages.
Date: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August
Time: 1.30pm to 5.30pm
Location: Gainsborough Model Railway, Florence Terrace, Gainsborough, DN21 1BE
Enjoy the great outdoors
Lincolnshire is home to some of the country’s best countryside. The Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape is less than an hour’s drive from Gainsborough and offers miles upon miles of walking routes to explore. Willingham Woods, near Market Rasen, is another popular spot for families, with a circular trail covering 3.5km (just over two miles). Just down the road, you can also stop at Wright’s Ice Cream, where delicious ice cream is handcrafted on site in a wide range of flavours.
Closer to home, there are plenty of woodland trails to enjoy, including Mercer Wood, Owlet Wood and Tuetoes Wood*, to name just a few. In town, the Riverside Walk follows the River Trent from Trent Bridge all the way to Morton. Keep an eye out for boats and local wildlife along the route. If you fancy a break along the way, stop off at the newly refurbished Reeds Riverside Coffee Shop or Café Walton and take in the riverside views.
*Please note, this woodland is not waymarked.
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 Jammy Dodger 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, go-karts and a play park that is suitable for all ages.
Open: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm.
Bransby Horses is also a firm favourite for families and a great low-cost day out. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Gainsborough and offers walking trails 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.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
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 great experience. Lincoln Zoo also offers a wild day out with incredible animals and hands on experiences.
Unlock a hidden world of adventure at Uncle Henry’s Secret Garden offering children the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures, seasonal trails and interactive activities, including zip line, adventure playground, jumping pillows and more. With plenty of space to run, play and explore, young visitors can uncover hidden details and surprises along the way.
Their popular Maize Maze also returns just in time for the summer holidays! With three mazes to navigate, there’s plenty to keep every explorer busy. Take on the giant Maize Maze, find all ten markers and collect the letters to reveal the hidden message. Little explorers can enjoy two mini mazes too, including the Music Maze, with a few new additions, and the Finger-Painting Maze.
Open: Every day, 9am to 5pm (last entry 2.30pm)
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 some 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!