*This trip was courtesy of East Lindsey District Council.
What comes to mind when you think of the Lincolnshire Wolds? I have to admit that despite growing up in Lincolnshire, I’d neglected to visit this beautiful part of the county. So when I received an email asking if I’d like to stay there for a couple of nights, I couldn’t have replied yes any quicker!
It takes a quick google search to see the appeal – rolling hills, charming market towns and sleepy stone villages. I took my mum with me as she loves the countryside and definitely deserved a little break!
On Saturday morning we arrived at Goltho Gardens, a traditional family run B&B just outside Wragby. Our host Debbie (and her beautiful dog Hunter) were incredibly welcoming, showing us to the ‘Yellow Room’, which is their twin room setup. The room was beautifully decorated in a farmhouse style with traditional wooden beams, complete with en-suite and TV. The B&B is located in the grounds of Goltho Gardens, a 4.5 acre year-round garden which guests are welcome to wander at their leisure.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise; autumn is a special season at Goltho Gardens. The foliage is transformed into warm shades of gold and red, and the fallen leaves make for some magical photo opportunities! I got a little snap happy as we explored the network of paths…
Louth
After settling into our accommodation, we hopped in the car driving through the Lincolnshire Wolds towards Louth. Leaving the car in a free car park at the foot of the Hubbards Hills, we followed the River Lud through beautiful woodland. After a gentle 30 minute walk we reached the town centre with one thing on our mind… lunch!
The Cheese Shop, an artisan deli frequented by the BBC’s Hairy Bikers is one of Louth’s foodie hot-spots. I’d heard big things about their savoury tarts and they certainly did not disappoint.
Alford
Nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds is Alford, a quiet market town well known for its craft markets and antique shops. We’d planned to explore on Sunday morning, but unfortunately, with it being the weekend, most of the shops were shut. Just by chance, we spoke to one local shop owner who recommended we carry along the coast to Donna Nook. I can’t explain how grateful I am for that recommendation because what followed was such a magical experience.
Donna Nook
Donna Nook is a nature reserve covering more than 10km of coastline between Grainthorpe Haven and Saltfeet. In the winter months, it’s home to hundreds of grey seals which come on land to give birth to their pups. There are special paths which keep the colony safely separated from the public whilst enabling them to be admired from very close quarters – it was such an incredible experience seeing the adorable white fluffy babies within metres of us. If you are planning to visit, I would allow plenty of time. We sat in the car for about half an hour queuing for the car park, and once you’re there you’ll never want to leave. Honestly, I could have sat there all day!
Knick Knacks Emporium, Sutton-on-Sea
It’s no secret that I love charity shops, antique stores and basically anywhere that I can rummage for treasures. So when I spotted Knick Knacks Emporium on our itinerary I couldn’t wait to visit. The building is packed, and I mean packed with the most intriguing items. Be careful as there’s not much room to walk about!
After a local pub dinner and a few glasses of wine, we headed back to the Goltho Gardens ready for bed. We both had a great night’s sleep – there was a little road noise but luckily neither of us are light sleepers!
Our final day in the Lincolnshire Wolds began with a hearty full-english breakfast (included in our stay at Goltho Gardens). Check out was at 10.30am so we were able to have a lazy morning, before packing the car and heading south towards Woodhall Spa for afternoon tea at the Petwood Hotel.
The car park was heaving on arrival so we knew it was a popular place to be! It didn’t take long to understand why. The Petwood Hotel is a former country house surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful gardens. The impressive building is sprawled at the end of a long gravel driveway with Tudor-style beams and Jacobean-style windows.
We were seated in the drawing room, directly across from a roaring log fire. Here the atmosphere and the hospitality couldn’t be more welcoming. The afternoon tea was one of the best I’ve ever had. A perfect mix of savoury sandwiches and indulgent sweets – hopefully my pictures speak for themselves. What a wonderful end to a dreamy few days in the Lincolnshire Wolds!
Thank you once again to Goltho Gardens and East Lindsey District Council for hosting us! I’ve completely fallen in love with this part of the UK and can’t wait to visit again during the summer months.
Have you ever visited the Lincolnshire Wolds?
Disclaimer: this was a press trip to the Lincolnshire Wolds. As always, all opinions are my own.