When you visit our rural bolthole, we like to think the high standards we set out from the very first time The Old Granary doors opened – alongside our guest’s feedback – speak for themselves. We are confident that when you book to stay with us you know exactly what to expect from your accommodation.

But what about our surrounding area? The rest of Lincolnshire? After all, as a county, it is vast – the biggest county in England in fact, after Yorkshire. There is so much to experience, so much to take in, to savour, you may need some help deciding how and where to spend your time. 

If you’re looking to experience the very essence of rural Lincolnshire, you’ll be staying in the right place. Not only are we nestled right on the very last barrow that forms the ever-impressive Lincolnshire Wolds, when you arrive at The Old Granary you are also arriving on a working, family, farm.  

Home to the Knapton’s – us, hello! – Manor Farm is toiled today by second and third generations of the family. Growing potatoes, cereals and sugar beet, the farm has also been part of a successful environmental scheme for the last 15 years, encouraging biodiversity and developing soil health across its hectares. 

A living, breathing example of the rural way of living, staying with us will put you at the heart of Lincolnshire farming, surrounded by a patchwork of sunshine-yellow rapeseed flowers, wheat that slowly turns fields from rippling emerald to whispering gold in a heartbeat, and row upon row of potato plants, hiding their bounty beneath the ground. 

The daily work that has taken place on our farm for countless decades has contributed – alongside our fellow farmers – to the preservation of The Lincolnshire Wolds themselves. Unlike most Areas of Natural Beauty, the Lincolnshire Wolds has intense and careful farming to thank for its unbeatable landscape. 

But, enough about us, it’s time for you to discover all the experiences Lincolnshire has in store for you…

Walking

Although there are 46 AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is currently only one in the East Midlands: The Lincolnshire Wolds. In 1973, 216 square miles of the Lincolnshire Wolds was designated an AONB, and what’s unique about it, is that the whole area can be explored using The Old Granary as your base.

Our friends over at the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service know every route and every furrow, and have a huge variety of walks to help you explore. From those that are accessible for all – pushchair and wheelchair inclusive – to market town gateway walks, Wolds walks and information about local walking clubs, they have the expertise to help you find your perfect stroll in such a glorious setting.

Cycling

We touched on two-wheels in our renewables post but taking to two wheels is such a fun way to explore the surrounding area – and get a little further afield too.

One of the UK’s most welcoming but least discovered cycling destinations, Lincolnshire is an incredible county to explore by bike. A county of contrasts, Cycle Lincolnshire’s cycling routes will help you take it all in – from the rolling chalk hills of The Wolds on our doorstep, to the flatlands on the Fens and the marshes in the south, with miles of stunning coastline to the east to. And there are plenty of places where you can hire bikes too – so there’s no need to bring them with you – unless you want to, of course. 

History

Full of history, and the incredible architecture that goes with it, Lincolnshire boasts some beautiful churches, both large and small. Not far from The Old Granary is All Saints Church in Walesby, also known as ‘The Ramblers Church’, such is its popularity with those exploring the area on foot.

The National Churches Trust lists 12 historic churches in the Wolds alone, with the area also boasting the Lincolnshire Wolds and Coast Festival, an annual celebration of rich architecture, heritage, and beautiful tranquillity, in the first two weekends in September. 

Horse Riding

As we’ve discussed already, The Lincolnshire Wolds offer breath-taking scenery to be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists. But what better way to experience these views than from horseback? From permissive bridleways to set trails and organised pleasure rides, the Lincolnshire Wolds truly has something for all riders. We’ve rounded everything up in another blog post, where you can find out all you need to know about exploring the bridleways and trails that meander and mosey nearby. 

Refuelling

The nation’s greenhouse, there are of course countless award-winning pubs, cafes, restaurants and coffee shops which you can walk, cycle or drive to – depending how far you’d like to travel. Championing local ingredients and the phenomenal array of artisan producers in the county, foodie hotspots can be found even in the smallest villages and market towns.

Right on our doorstep is Caistor, a Georgian market town brimming with great places to eat and drink. Ted’s is one of the newest additions, a little treasure of a find and true coffee shop heaven. Run by Heidi and Maddie expect hot coffee, incredible ice cream and milkshakes and toasties that will remind you of childhood. Another favourite spot is Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre, a converted Methodist chapel this place combines classic café food and drink with art – and there’s a sunny terrace too.

For a meal out, we always recommend our neighbours at The Cross Keys, Grasby. Walkable, head across the fields to indulge in the team’s award-winning food and views that you won’t be able to get enough of. And, if you’re out cycling or walking one of the Wolds routes, you are bound to come across The Kings Head, Tealby. Believed to be Lincolnshire’s oldest thatched pub, it has made quite a reputation for itself. And for a cocktail or two, The Side by Side in Caistor has become hugely popular with locals and visitors alike since it opened last year (2021).

In our nearby town of Brigg too, it’s hard to count the number of eateries, pubs and restaurants. The Steel Rooms is a favourite of ours, a fantastic coffee shop cum art gallery cum interior store, it’s as unique as they come, with phenomenal homecooked food and plenty of options for those with dietary requirements. The town will be getting some new additions soon as well, with the town’s oldest pub – The White Hart – currently undergoing renovation work with a view to open this year, alongside The Vault cocktail bar, which will make its home in the former HSBC building. 

For a wider overview of the county, and the must-see tourist hotspots in the city of Lincoln in particular, you can find all our recommendations here.