Staying at The Old Granary Archives - The Old Granary Lincolnshire

Explore Lincolnshire: A must-visit for RAF history enthusiasts

February 27, 2026/by The Old Granary

Lincolnshire is often known as “Bomber County”, after playing such a central role in the British air operations during the Second World War and that legacy is still very much alive today.

Here are just a few highlights nearby for you history buffs and heritage lovers…

RAF Ingham Heritage Centre

We thought we’d start with one of the most unique attractions in the area, the world’s first museum dedicated specifically to the Polish Bomber Squadrons who served with the RAF during WWII. It’s filled with stories of the air and ground crews who were stationed there during the time. It’s a great visit to connect with Lincolnshire’s contribution to the wartime story.

North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

Just a short drive from us, this former RAF fighter base offers a real glimpse into wartime life. There’s original buildings, reconstructed Nissen huts and memorials.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre

A real must-visit for aviation lovers, here you can see iconic aircraft, including the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane up close. They even host guided tours to take you inside the hangar and share how their historic planes are still preserved and flown today.

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

This is where the famous Lancaster Bomber, ‘Just Jane’, calls home. An unmissable experience for aviation enthusiasts, as the restored airfield offers guided tours and aircraft displays.

International Bomber Command Centre

Located in Lincoln, the powerful memorial tells the wider story of RAF Bomber Command, with interactive exhibits, peace gardens and digital archives. It’s both an educational and emotional visit.

And while exploring Lincolnshire’s RAF heritage, why not take a break at a real Historic Stop, The Dambusters Inn.

In the heart of Scampton, this cosy pub is an absolute must, full of history and named after the legendary Dambusters Squadron.

Lincolnshire really is a treasure for RAF history enthusiasts. At the height of the Second World War, the county hosted more RAF stations than almost anywhere else in Britain, and today that remarkable history is preserved through museums, memorials, iconic aircraft, and historic pubs like The Dambusters Inn.

Staying at The Old Granary puts you right in the heart of it all, with a comfortable base to return to after a day of exploring. Whether you’re visiting heritage centres, following wartime airfields, or simply enjoying the beautiful countryside, Lincolnshire offers a truly unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by aviation and history.

Image source: visitlincoln.com

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at The Old Granary.

February 20, 2026/by The Old Granary

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day? What about a weekend celebrating with true countryside charm, flavour and fun right here in the Lincolnshire Wolds?

Whether you’re after indulgence, family-friendly activities, or an explore around the countryside, The Old Granary can be the perfect base.

Walking & Cycling

We’ve got stunning views right on our door step with scenic walks and cycle routes to enjoy, running through local villages. The Viking Way is just a 5-minute walk from us, with 13 different routes to choose from depending on the length of adventure you’re after, or take National Cycle Route 1 for a gentle ride with plenty of stops on the way, whether that be a glass of fizz or a coffee and cake (for extra energy, of course).

Looking for Something Sweet for Mum?

Treat her to a trip to Doddington Hall, for their Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea to close your weekend off, in their beautiful coach house, followed by a wander around their gardens for their Spring Bulb Pageant.

For a Little Luxury

Louth Wine Cellar is just a short drive away from us, and they offer appointment-only browsing sessions perfect for a wine-loving lady in your life. They also host private wine tasting sessions once a month… the perfect excuse for a return visit. Afterwards, you can enjoy a stroll around this charming little market town. Pop into The Cheese Shop, explore the independent shops, or visit their Saturday Market!

Family Fun

If you’re planning a family-fun visit, Rand Farm Park offers plenty of fun for the little ones, from animal encounters to tractor rides, and this Mother’s Day, they’re even treating mums to free entry on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March.

After a day of adventure, indulgence, or family fun, return to your apartment, where you’ll find everything you need to relax and unwind.

Plan your Mother’s Day weekend, and have a browse at our apartments!

The Perfect Spring Getaway

January 23, 2026/by The Old Granary

Spring is on its way, the days will soon be getting longer, the first flowers will start to bloom, and it makes for the perfect time for a visit to the Lincolnshire Wolds.

There’s always lots to do, whether you’re wandering the hills on foot, cycling between country pubs or discovering local villages and scenic spots; the Wolds really do come alive in the next few months. Here are our recommendations for a visit this spring!

If you are bringing your bikes (we have a secure shed for you to store them in), one of our favourite easy cycle routes is from The Old Granary along the lanes to Howsham, through the small village of Cadney, joining the Old River Ancholme as you head into the old market town of Brigg. Here you can enjoy a pint in The Yarborourgh Hunt, head to Shipley Curiositeas for a vintage afternoon tea or enjoy a light lunch in The ATRIUM in the Market Place.

At 7 miles each way, on quieter lanes, this is an ideal ride for older children and teenagers; the treats at the end always help to motivate!

As for walking in the Wolds, head to the Nettleton Ramblers Car Park (4 miles away – W3W cartoons.flick.words), there are plenty of walks through the hills. Our favourite is to follow The Viking Way up to Acre House, on to Normanby le Wold and then to the village of Rothwell. The Blacksmith’s Arms is a fabulous country pub, well worth a visit for a drink or some of their excellent food – they have a lovely beer garden for those sunnier days. After you are refreshed, head back to the Ramblers Car Park. This is a hilly, sometimes boggy walk.

If you are looking for a shorter amble, head into the fields local to The Old Granary, where you can use the Permissive Rights of Way to wander around the beautiful fields, spotting the hare, red kite and deer that frequent our land. There is a picnic bench at the top of the hill with the most beautiful views across the Valley towards Lincoln Cathedral!

For those who love a bit of local flavour…

March sees the return of In Good Hands Artisan Farmer’s Market, a must-visit for all the very best local produce and handmade goods, and it’s right by the seaside!

Blooms and brunching

Celebrate spring at Doddington Hall with their Spring Bulb Pageant, showcasing a stunning array of snowdrops, daffodils and other seasonal blooms. Make a morning or afternoon of it with a delicious breakfast or Sunday lunch in the Grain Store, and don’t forget to explore the fabulous farm shop for local treats to take home.

History and Heritage

Lincoln’s Free Walking Tour gives you the chance to explore the castle, wander the cobbled streets and discover all the rich history this fabulous city has to offer!

With so much to see and do, spring really is a wonderful time to plan your escape to the Lincolnshire Wolds!

Things to do near The Old Granary

July 29, 2022/by The Old Granary

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.

Welcome to The Old Granary - Clare and Louise

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.

Renewables and The Old Granary

July 22, 2022/by The Old Granary

There’s no escaping the need for green credentials in today’s climate. For us, it has never been more important, and we are striving to do more than our fair share when it comes to keeping The Old Granary, and the working farm surrounding it, very much in the green.

From the get-go, everything we have done here has been considered. It has had to be given the nature of the old farm buildings. The bricks and mortar our accommodation sits in were repurposed, as part of our farm diversification project, back in 2018. The very foundation of the business we have created here at The Old Granary was built upon environmental consciousness and conservation.

We’ve never really seen ourselves as owners of the land, more its custodians – we just happen to live and work here every day. Taking care of it while it’s under our watch, we’re making sure every effort is being made to protect the landscape so that there is something here for future generations.

It’s a responsibility, an honour and sometimes a labour of love. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. Combing heritage and tradition with diversification and innovation, for us, renewables have formed a huge part of our journey here. Both the farm and The Old Granary run very much more economically thanks to the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Solar Power

Here on Manor Farm, we have 50kW of ground-based solar panels, the energy from which feeds into the farm – serving the storage of potatoes through the winter and spring seasons – as well as all the electrical needs of The Old Granary accommodation.

While it’s hard to put exact numbers to this investment, a typical 50kW solar system will yield approximately 42,887kWh per annum – that’s around about enough energy to power four homes for a year. Not to be sneezed at!

Air Sourced Power

Air source heat pumps live very happily on Manor Farm too. They supply the office and accommodation with hot water and heating as well as cater to all of the barn’s needs.

Combining solar and air sourced power, we know we are saving energy as well as driving revenue – so in our eyes it’s a win-win. It makes our life easier, eases our conscience, and gives our guests a greener, more environmentally friendly experience. Something we know people are now actively looking for in such a competitive market.

Protecting Pollinators and Wildlife

But even that isn’t quite enough for us. Biodiversity has to come into it, after all we are farmers. And, sometimes, the traditional methods are the best – with a little modern technology thrown in for good measure of course.

On the farm we sow wildflower mixes, not only to make the rolling hills and grassy knolls pretty as a picture but to actively increase the biodiversity here so that pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and ladybirds, can be as productive and protected as possible.

Winter bird feed mixes are grown too – with fields of sunflowers on the farm providing food for the birds during the winter months. This year too we put down piles of seed rather than just sowing it, to encourage more birds into the area. Another technique we have been utilising is winter stubbles. Rather than cultivating the ground following our wheat harvest, we leave it be. A simple gesture, it actually creates a safe environment for ground nesting birds.

Local wildlife

Barn owls – we already have nesting owls in the horse chestnut tree, and additional owl boxes will be going up this year
Buzzards
Foxes
Badgers
Roe Deer

Green Living

Inside the accommodation itself, guests benefit from considered purchasing and the environmentally-minded folk living close-by, in the way of fantastic local producers.

No matter which hampers guests opt for, be it the Welcome Hamper (containing local bread, butter, milk and jam) enjoyed by everyone, or the ‘on request’ Breakfast Hamper and Taste of Lincolnshire Hamper, local produce and all of the green credentials that come with it takes centre stage. Fruit bowls too take pride of place on each kitchen table, brimming with local and seasonal produce.

Keeping everything as local as possible, we always make considered purchases. By buying local we reduce food miles, increase traceability and accountability as well as offer support to other small businesses across the county. That even goes for maintenance – from cleaning to repairs and decorating, the more local, the better.

Laundry too is now greener, as we are committed to only using Ecover products – plant-based and eco-friendly. And long-term guests are now given the option for fresh bedding, rather than its replacement being a matter of course.

Stay Green During Your Stay

As for staying green while you’re staying with us, well, it’s a breeze. The local market towns and villages, foodie hotspots and stunning landscape are accessible by two wheels, or two feet.

If biking is your thing you won’t be disappointed. Rather than bringing your own – and risk added emissions driving bikes around atop roof racks or tricky travel on public transport with a bike in tow – why not opt to hire a bike locally? With locations peppered across the county, from Giant Store at Doddington Hall & Gardens and Bike Hire at Woodhall Spa to the Cycling Hub at Grimsby and Cleethorpes, whether you opt for a traditional push bike or an e-bike, book a bike to collect on your way to us or enjoy a day out. Prices from as little as £10/day.

For lovers of a good old wander – as we are – The Old Granary sits right on the last ridge of The Lincolnshire Wolds, so accessing this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and the miles of stunning walks within it, couldn’t be easier.

The farm itself is just over 4km of Permissive Rights of Way too, meaning you are free to explore. These walk-ways act to join up the surrounding villages so exploring your new, immediate, surroundings truly is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other – what’s more, they can take you over to The Cross Keys pub at Grasby, renowned for its award-winning food offering, and unbeatable views out across the patchwork, Lincolnshire landscapes.

These paths also ensure the local community remain engaged with what is afoot at The Old Granary, an utter godsend during the pandemic, with plenty of residents taking to two feet to explore what was on their doorstep. We sincerely hope you’ll do the same during your next visit, to leave a physical, rather than carbon footprint, of your travels.

Looking to the future, and in the next 6-12 months, things will be getting even more of a green boost with the installation of an EV charging point for electric vehicles very much on the horizon. More on that one when installation is complete!

Why not choose Gift Vouchers as this year’s Christmas present of choice?

December 2, 2021/by Louise Wright

What do you give someone who has “everything”? Or someone who doesn’t want any more “clutter”? How about the gift of time? We can’t actually enable you to buy units of time, but, following numerous requests from people who have stayed with us and people who would like to stay with us, we can now offer you…gift vouchers!

Over the past three years or so, we have welcomed many wonderful guests, from all over the world, and have been pleasantly surprised at the number of people who have stayed with us as part of a present they have been given. The challenge when giving someone a holiday as a gift is finding the right time; gift vouchers take away that pressure, leaving your joyful recipient to choose a time that suits them!

Whether this has been a Christmas present, a birthday gift or a thank you, our guests always seem delighted to have been gifted an experience rather than an traditional present, I suppose because it offers quality time together with loved ones, something many of us are short of given how busy our lives all seem to be with work, family, wellbeing and socialising. Making the decision to dedicate time to spend with family and friends shouldn’t be hard, we all love getting together to celebrate milestones, enjoy a catch up and share some food and drink, but actively making the decision to do so can be hard. I wonder whether having the decision made for you and being forced to take some time away from home is really the biggest present, the stay itself comes a close second!

We’ve even had a handful of guests who were either given a short break as a reward for performance at work, or who have won a short stay in a competition, and chose to stay with us here in lovely Lincolnshire.

We have decided to offer Gift Vouchers following numerous requests, as an alternative to booking a full stay to give to a loved one – giving even more flexibility to the person receiving it; they can choose which apartment suits them best and when they wish to travel. And if they need to cancel, any refund applicable (within terms and conditions) would go straight back onto a voucher again for them to use whenever they choose.

So, if you are looking for a wedding present, a retirement gift, a thank you present or simply want to say ‘I love you’, consider the gift of a voucher for The Old Granary, to give the experience of Lincolnshire’s countryside and big skies this year!

Bookings must be made direct with The Old Granary, Lincolnshire; Terms and Conditions apply, subject to availability.

Lincolnshire Tourism Awards 2020 Finalists: The Old Granary

February 19, 2020/by Oliver Wilkinson

We are absolutely delighted to announce that The Old Granary has been shortlisted in two categories for the Lincolnshire Tourism Awards 2020.

The awards are split into 12 accolades, and we are finalists in the following categories:

Self-Catering Accommodation
New Tourism Business

What are the Lincolnshire Tourism Awards?

The Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards showcase the best of Lincolnshire’s £1.5 billion tourism industry. From beautiful hotels to popular attractions and places of interest, they are an impressive display of everything we love about the area.

Split into 12 categories, the ceremony celebrates those leading the way in sustainability, tourism and attracting visitors to Lincolnshire from outside the local area.

In the words of Lincolnshire Live (who run the awards in conjunction with Lincolnshire Echo and VisitLincoln), the ceremony highlights “the people who shine a spotlight on everything our great county has to offer.”

Each individual award recognises and rewards independent businesses that stand out from the crowd, which is why we are so proud to be considered.

New Tourism Business Award 2020

Sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton, the ‘New Tourism Business’ award “recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.”

Our barn actually stems way back to the 1800s, but the renovation of turning it into self-catered accommodation was completed as recently as September 2018.

To be recognised as one of the county’s best New Tourism Businesses so soon after opening is something we are extremely thrilled about!

Self Catering Accommodation Award 2020

The ‘Self Catering Accommodation’ category acknowledges accommodations that “provide truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the business”.

Everything about our self-catered accommodation has been delicately chosen and carefully crafted with our visitors in mind, so to be nominated for an award that celebrates self-catering excellence is great.

When is the Lincolnshire Tourism Awards 2020 Ceremony?

The ceremony takes place on the 3rd March 2020, where the winners of each award will be announced. From there, the winners of some categories will automatically be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020.

We’re extremely proud to be considered amongst so many wonderful local businesses and to be part of an enterprise that promotes the magnificence of Lincolnshire. We would like to thank everyone who has made our first year of opening such an enjoyable experience for both me and Clare.

To our suppliers, our friends and family, and especially our guests, we are so grateful to you for helping us get The Old Granary to where it is today. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you!

What to Pack for a Self-Catered Holiday

February 3, 2020/by The Old Granary

Whether you prefer making a home-from-home or want the space and flexibility to have a more independent trip away, a self-catered holiday is the perfect opportunity to unwind in peace and privacy. No matter where you go, it’s always best to keep in mind:

How long you’re going for
What the accommodation provides
Any activities you have planned
What food you want to eat
What the local area provides (e.g restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies)

In order to make your self-catered stay all the more relaxing, we’ve put together a handy little guide of what to pack to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered in preparation for your trip.

Don’t forget the essentials!

Nobody wants to finish a long journey with a trek to find the nearest open supermarket, particularly after a long flight or drive. On the other hand, you also want to avoid using vital suitcase space for huge packs of tea and washing up liquid! Packing what you need for the first 12 hours of your stay is a great idea.

If you’re anything like us, the first vital step once you’re in your accommodation is to put the kettle on. Tea (of your preference) and coffee are essentials, and a small carton of milk (pre-frozen) will see you through until the shops are in sight.

Most reputable accommodations will supply a welcome pack or starter kit with all essential hot drink supplies, but if you’re travelling in a large group or you’re unsure of what is being provided, taking your own is always worth doing.

What does the kitchen usually include?

It’s important to always check with your future accommodation what utensils you will have to use – you can expect most places to have basic items like a kettle, toaster, pots, pans and crockery – but always check beforehand so you can plan your meals accordingly. You don’t want to find yourself trying to find a large casserole dish in the middle of nowhere!

The kitchen supplies you’ll want to remember are the pantry heroes we often take for granted: things like cling film, foil, plastic containers for any leftovers, salt, pepper and oil will get you off to a flying culinary start.

Getting together a collection of dry cupboard items is also an excellent idea: breakfast essentials like bread, jams, marmite or cereal are worth taking, and even cooking basics such as onions and potatoes if you have the room to spare.

Depending on what time you’re arriving, how much room you have and where the nearest supermarket is, you might also want to take your cold food items in a cooler box / bag. Bits such as butter, milk, eggs, bacon, vegetables, cheese, any meat required for meals (particularly in BBQ weather!), drinks or nibbles could save you a lot of time and money.

In popular tourist areas this is a particularly good idea, as prices for even the essentials can be steep. If you’re driving (and you can spare the room) you could save yourself a lot of spending money.

Do I need to pack bed sheets for self-catering accommodation?

Almost all self-catering accommodation will come with sets (and usually spares) of bed linen and bath towels. The usual culprits for you to pack are flannels, face cloths or beach towels (if needed). Checking what your accommodation provides is essential, as you’ll need to add bed sheets, towels and linen onto that list if they’re not provided with the property.

Those all-important bathroom supplies

It goes without saying that toiletries are essential for any stay. From shampoos and toothbrushes to shaving cream and toner, make sure you’ve got your wash bag stocked full with everything you need. Again, checking if your accommodation provides essentials such as toilet paper and hand soap is never a bad idea.

Information about the local area

Whether you’re staying in a bustling city or a secluded rural area, finding out what the local area provides is a wonderful way of getting excited about your upcoming stay. It also gives you a valuable opportunity to get a feel for the culture and cuisine of the area.

Finding out where people go to get their local produce, any markets that take place, and learning about the best local pubs or restaurants provides you with a huge list of things to do, see and experience.

A few extras

Another little tip to make any self-catered stay a wonderful trip is to schedule a food shop delivery – giving you more travelling time and saving the supermarket hassle. The last very valuable piece of advice we love to give, is to remember that your stay should be a relaxing one.

Once you’ve got your basics covered, make sure you’ve packed a few little luxuries to make the most of your stay away!

What do we at The Old Granary provide?

We supply a welcome pack that includes fresh bread, butter, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, sugar, a selection of cereal and some locally produced Pipers Crisps! All linen and basic cleaning products are provided. To see the full list of what we provide, see our FAQs and our apartments.

Luxury in Lincolnshire? Gemma Goes Global thinks so!

November 26, 2019/by Alex Wright

Luxury travel blogger Gemma Goes Global recently came for a wonderful stay at none other than The Old Granary! During her stay, Gemma explored the luxury that Lincolnshire has to offer.

Who is Gemma Goes Global?

Gemma Goes Global is a travel obsessed luxury travel blogger! Gemma loves travelling and exploring new places whilst giving tips about luxury travel for her 30k followers!

Gemma has visited the Maldives, Uzbekistan, Poland, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Thailand just to name a few!

So we were obviously delighted when Gemma wanted to come and visit us for a luxury stay at The Old Granary!

What did Gemma do during her stay at The Old Granary, Lincolnshire?

Gemma explored the beautiful Hubbards Hills before enjoying a pit stop at The Vintage Tearooms, a quaint cafe in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The Vintage Tearooms Tealby — The quaint Vintage Tearooms in Tealby. Photo Credit: Gemma Goes Global.

Located in Tealby, The Vintage Tearooms is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon tea, featuring a gorgeous tea garden with picturesque views of the countryside.

Less than a mile away from The Old Granary situates The Cross Keys in Grasby, where Gemma had a fabulous meal whilst staying with us! The Cross Keys menu includes a range of pub classics as well as modern twists meaning there truly is something for everyone.

Cross Keys Food — Delicious Whitby Scampi and hand-cut Chips at The Cross Keys, Grasby. Photo Credit: Gemma Goes Global.

This is just a snapshot of the sumptuous treats Lincolnshire has to offer.

What other luxuries are available in Lincolnshire?

With a wealth of hidden gems across the county – from restaurants to produce – there is a piece of luxury for everyone to enjoy.

A Michelin Star restaurant in Lincolnshire

Winteringham Fields offers a taste of fine dining just a stone throw away from The Old Granary.

Just a half hour drive away down the lovely countryside roads, Winteringham Fields is the first restaurant in Lincolnshire to gain a Michelin star thanks to Colin McGurran’s ‘mastery of flavours and cooking techniques’.

Unique to Winteringham Fields is their ‘One Mile Menu’, which exclusively features food grown on their small farm or sourced from local purveyors, making it a uniquely ‘Lincolnshire’ experience.

If you’re staying for more than one night, we also recommend treating yourself to a trip to the Hope and Anchor. Situated on the Humber estuary, this cosy establishment was voted the Lincolnshire County Winner at the National Pub and Bar Awards 2019.

Slawomir Mikolajczyk, Chef Patron of the Hope and Anchor, was a previous head chef at Winteringham Fields, and has worked with the biggest names in the industry, including Tom Kerridge and Gordon Ramsey. This traditional pub and restaurant’s unique and timeless take on food makes it a must-visit if you’re staying in Lincolnshire.

Spectacular views & Mouth-wateringly tasty produce

Located halfway between Lincoln and York, luxury is never too far away from The Old Granary. A drive over the Humber Bridge, for instance, not only provides spectacular views, but also fantastic delights from the quaint market town of Beverly.

Beverly has many lovely restaurants and boutique shops for the fashion conscious. The Westwood restaurant, in particular, offers a fine dining experience as one of East Yorkshire’s most popular places to dine.

Lincolnshire boasts a wealth of local, luxury produce. Pipers Crisps, a luxury crisp brand, uses locally grown potatoes to create the highest quality and best-tasting crisps. At the Old Granary, we provide all our guests with Pipers Crisps in their welcome hamper!

Grimsby fishing docks produce some of the highest quality fish, too. Although luxury and Grimsby may not traditionally go hand in hand for some of you, Alfred Enderby proves otherwise! Their traditional smokehouse creates award-winning smoked fish, which is simply delicious!

Our county is famous for its sausages, with the sage and black pepper Lincolnshire sausage one of the Nation’s favourites. If you want to taste the best of the best, we recommend Redhill Farm Lincolnshire sausages, which were rated in Top 3 sausages in the UK by the BBC Good Food magazine!

The world-famous Lincoln Christmas Market

With the festive season just around the corner, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to visit a Christmas market?!

The award-winning Lincoln Christmas Market is on this year from Thursday 5th December To Sunday 8th December 2019.

With over 250 market stalls selling traditional crafts and stocking fillers, lining the streets around the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral. The market makes for a truly high-quality festive trip for all members of the family.

Book your luxury Lincolnshire stay

The Old Granary is the perfect place to base yourself whilst experiencing all the luxuries the surrounding areas have to offer.

With a choice of one and two-bedroom high-quality apartments, the bespoke cottages are perfect for you and your loved one to come for a romantic getaway and experience some of Lincolnshire’s finest things.

If you are planning a Lincolnshire trip, make sure you read our other blog: Visiting Lincolnshire: Ten Things You Have to See and Do to make the most out of your time visiting our wonderful county.

Hoping to follow in Gemma Goes Global’s well-travelled footsteps by exploring the hidden luxuries that Lincolnshire has to offer? Book your stay at The Old Granary, Lincolnshire’s high quality, self-catered accommodation, now. We’d love to have you!

Lots of love for the Lincolnshire Wolds!

November 14, 2019/by Alex Wright

Despite being one of the largest counties in the UK, Lincolnshire was, until relatively recently, rarely considered as a holiday destination, beyond Butlins in Skegness of course! That is changing, thanks in many ways to the tireless work of organisations such as Love Lincolnshire Wolds.

When we initially had the idea to create self-catered accommodation on our farm, we had no idea there were so many groups of people – some paid, others not – working together to promote the area as not only a great place to visit, but also to live and work. Over the course of the first year of The Old Granary being open, we’ve been incredibly lucky to welcome guests from all over the world, including Tennessee, Beijing, Canada, Germany and, of course, plenty from within the UK.

Lincolnshrie Wolds Tealby — The beautiful village of Tealby. Photo Credits: Gemma Goes Global.

Welcoming journalists and bloggers to The Old Granary

In the past few months in particular, Owmby has hosted a couple of travel writers, courtesy of Love Lincs Wolds’ efforts to showcase the area. First, in early summer came Claie, a journalist from The Sun, and her family, whose trip featured in Fabulous magazine. Whilst The Sun may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it was amazing to see our accommodation in full colour in a national publication – something we’d worked so hard to bring to life being seen by hundreds of thousands of readers, who’d have thought it!

Following that we were delighted to have Gemma, a blogger whose Gemma Goes Global series has over 30k followers on social media and an even greater reach from her website. Her trip took in lots of lovely spots around the area – you can read all about it here – including our fabulous local pub The Cross Keys, recently shortlisted for a couple of Taste of Excellence awards, and visits to places which hold great memories for us, too.

The picturesque Chapel Six Marshes Beach. Photo Credit: Gemma Goes Global.

Finding hidden gems in the Lincolnshire Wolds

Given that my sister Clare and I grew up in Lincolnshire, then left for ten years, returning a few years ago to enjoy more space with our respective families and to use our business skills to help the farm diversify, it’s sometimes a surprise that people don’t realise what the county, and the Wolds in particular, has to offer. From challenging hills for cyclists, my husband tells me Nettleton, Walesby and Claxby are his favourites, to long, rambling walks such as the Viking Way, there’s plenty in the great outdoors to keep everyone interested. Gemma visited Tealby, one of the most sought after villages in the top half of the county, and somewhere I spent many happy hours running with friends (and our dogs!) before moving closer to the farm a couple of years ago. Coincidentally, Tealby is home to a chap who once gave my husband a piece of advice: “if you don’t go, you’ll never know”. This applies in spades to the Lincolnshire Wolds, you just need to get out there and find out what is hidden around the next corner.

Did you know about the Lincolnshire flag?

A little bit of extra info for you as you come to the end of this entry, do you know why the Lincolnshire flag looks as it does (see picture above)? I shall enlighten you:

The yellow represents the crops grown in the county (fantastic potatoes, of course!), as well as the nickname “Yellowbellies” given to people born and bred in Lincolnshire.
Blue represents both the sea of the East coast and the wide skies of Lincolnshire
Green symbolises the rich lushness of fenland fields
The fleur de lys is a recognised symbol of the City of Lincoln
And the red cross is the Saint George’s Cross, representing England.

You’ll find plenty of big, blue skies and glorious crops when you wander across, through or around the Wolds, the lush green fields aren’t reserved for the fenland in the south, either, and the sea is only a short drive away – well worth it to visit Cleethorpes, Donna Nook (for seals, particularly at this time of year) and Sandilands, the scene of many happy summer days in my youth!

Live, work and stay in Lincolnshire

We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to live and work where we do. Hopefully, by being part of the increasing network of accommodation and visitor attractions across the county, we will see more and more people enjoying the fresh air, beautiful scenery and rich history Lincolnshire has to offer. For more ideas of places to go and things to do, take a look at our journal entry from April: Visiting Lincolnshire: Ten Things You Have to See and Do! And you can follow us and say hello on Instagram and Facebook for more lovely views, stories about farming and ideas for trips in and around Lincolnshire.

Finally, I must thank the team at Love Lincolnshire Wolds for their support and all the work they do promoting the area. Great views and wonderful countryside is a great starting point, but it’s the people who really make an area great. Come and see for yourself, you won’t regret it!