Feeling Flat? Motorhome Around Lincolnshire For a Lift!

Lincoln Cathedral

Approaching its 1000^th anniversary (in around 50 years’ time), Lincoln Cathedral was commissioned by William the Conqueror and is one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. For a couple of centuries in the Middle Ages it was also the tallest building in the world! Positioned right in the centre of the city and trimmed by tight roads (so you’ll really need to park elsewhere and travel in), the Cathedral offers guided tours included with admission – a great way to explore this awe-inspiring building.

In far more modern times the Cathedral was the focus of global attention when The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, directed by Ron Howard and based on Dan Brown’s controversial best-selling novel, was filmed there. A nun maintained a vigil in protest, which gained huge media coverage. Just a stone’s throw away is Lincoln Castle, similarly, steeped in history.

Water’s Edge and the Ropewalk, Barton-upon-Humber

If natural, rather than human history is your thing, then this unassumingly great (and free to enter) visitors centre positioned on the south bank of the river Humber could be just the place. It’s a haven for friendly ducks, wading birds and more, and there’s a series of walks around ponds, which take you through reed beds, woodlands and wildflower meadows.

You’ll also get some spectacular views across the river towards the city of Hull, and the visitor centre itself is packed with information about the area. Water’s Edge is very close to the Ropewalk, a stunning arts centre developed inside an old nautical rope works. There are always exhibitions and events to attend, as well as a café to get cosy in.

Ted Lewis and Chad Varah, Barton-on-Humber

Once you’ve taken in the Ropewalk and Water’s Edge you might want to dig into Barton’s relatively recent cultural past. Cult author Ted Lewis was raised in the town, eventually moving to London and working as an animator (notably on Yellow Submarine, The Beatles cartoon film) and a writer, penning a couple of novels including noir crime thriller Jack’s Return Home.

He moved back to the area and wrote for TV (including Z-Cars and an unproduced Doctor Who story) but died of alcohol-related causes in the early 1980s. The Ted Lewis Centre celebrates his life and work and, of course, his connection to the area. Jack’s Return Home was set in nearby Scunthorpe. Of course, the story became more widely known as Get Carter – and the 1971 film adaptation, set in Newcastle and starring Michael Caine, is regarded as a classic.

Chad Varah, the founder of the Samaritans, a charitable organisation helping those with depressive or suicidal feelings, was born in Barton. Interestingly, this clergyman was also one of the founders of the very popular comic The Eagle, which featured spaceman Dan Dare in stories he scripted.

Aviation Heritage Centre

This stunning museum near Spilsby was set up in 1989 and capitalises on the area’s military aircraft heritage – there were close to 50 active airfields in the county by the end of the Second World War (the legendary Dambusters took off from this area). The Aviation Heritage Centre houses a great collection including some of the rarest remaining aircraft from the mid 20^th-century, including an Avro Lancaster Bomber MKVII. It’s possible to book a taxi ride on the Lancaster (known as Just Jane) which will give you a vivid insight into the conditions endured by airmen during bombing campaigns. Not as comfortable as the two berth motorhomes (the F-line or the Tracker) you’d get from Auto-Trail we’d wager!

Grantham

An unassuming but interesting place notable over the last four or five decades for originating Margaret Thatcher, the controversial first female Prime Minister, and the modern punk band Sleaford Mods, who stand fervently against just about everything ‘the Iron Lady’ stood for. There is, though, more to Grantham than just a divisive politician and a great rabble-rousing band. Nearby Woolsthorpe Manor was home to Sir Isaac Newton, the physicist who formulated the laws of motion and gravity. You may have heard of the story of an apple falling from a tree and Newton’s theory being inspired? The apple tree is right here at Woolsthorpe!

Doddington Hall and Gardens

Situated a few miles outside of Lincoln, the Grade I listed Doddington Hall was built between 1593 and 1600 and is a fantastic example of Elizabethan architecture. The beautiful parklands and gardens surrounding it are Grade II listed. Doddington is open to the public, and there are opportunities for private tours.

Epworth

This small Lincolnshire town was the birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist church movement in the 18^th century. Their family home, the Rectory, has been fully restored and is now a museum to their religion.

With a population of just 4,000 or so, Epworth could be described as ‘sleepy’ – but in the early 1980s it certainly wasn’t… England cricket captain Ian Botham lived here (also playing professional football for local league side Scunthorpe United in his spare time). On a night off during the legendary 1981 Test Match against Australia at Headingley (when all sorts of records were broken, and miracles occurred) Botham hosted a legendary party at his house. It ended in the ‘late early hours’ of the morning with what he has politely described as “a scrum” between English and Australian players! The house he lived in still stands, and cricket fans sometimes visit to pay quirky homage to this bygone era of their favourite sport.

Epworth was also childhood home to popular light entertainment TV actress and West End star Sheridan Smith. There are also a couple of great pubs and restaurants here – and if you pop in you might see Smith as she often visits family who still live here.

Lincolnshire, apparently the country’s flattest county, actually has so much to offer for those interested, whether that’s taking the whole family or as a couple in a small two berth motorhome. We’d be hard pushed to include it all in one simple blog. We’ve listed a handful of the sites we think have some ‘extra value’ for one reason or another – but we’d also like to recommend that you check out the towns of Market Rasen, Cleethorpes (a great seaside resort), Woodhall Spa, Mablethorpe, Brigg… The list goes on!

If you’re looking for a new motorhome to set out on your next adventure, find your nearest Auto-Trail stockist today!