Lincolnshire Weekend Explorer

Heritage, landscapes, traditions, great houses and gardens - Lincolnshire certainly has more than its fair share and tiny Rutland boasts a proud and rich history. Join us on this discovery weekend, full of included entrances, and experience some of region's top attractions including England's greatest Elizabethan House, the historic city of Lincoln, the fascinating International Bomber Command Centre, the beautiful Georgian town of Stamford and a Rutland Water Cruise. So much to discover and enjoy!Lincolnshire Weekend Explorer
Day 1 - From your chosen joining point your feeder vehicle will take you to your designated interchange point where your holiday begins. Head north with a stop en-route at Melton Mowbray. This bustling market town known as the ‘Rural Capital of Food’ boasts a culinary heritage that few can match. As well as other produce, visitors can sample Melton Mowbray pork pies and Stilton cheese – famous delicacies which, thanks to protected status, can only be made in this locality. Continue to your hotel for your 3-night stay with DBB

Day 2 - 3 At leisure with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
BURGHLEY HOUSE & RUTLAND WATER CRUISE
Visit the magnificent Elizabethan Burghley House near Stamford (entrance included). Still a much loved family home and favourite film location (Rosings Park in the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice), the palatial house is home to an historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art. Enjoy an informal introduction talk to the house by a guide over tea and coffee followed by a self-guided tour of Burghley's 18 dramatic State Rooms and the surrounding 'Capability' Brown parkland, Garden of Surprises and the Contemporary Sculpture Garden. Then it's onto Rutland- the smallest county in England but arguably one of the prettiest and it certainly lives up to its motto, Multum in Parvo (much in little). The quaint county town of Oakham is home to an impressive Norman castle and the Rutland County Museum, a fascinating treasure trove of artefacts and archaeology discoveries (admission FOC). Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise on Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe set in over 3,000 acres of beautiful rolling countryside. One of the most iconic features of Rutland Water is Normanton Church which was saved from demolition back in 1970, when plans were outlined to flood the area to create the Rutland Water. The church now sits safely on a new level of rubble topped with concrete above water level, on its own peninsular. It is a spectacular sight to behold and creates a picture-perfect backdrop for your Rutland selfie.

LINCOLN & INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE
One of Europe's finest cathedral cities, Lincoln has a vibrant and contemporary edge, rich in history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture and a wealth of places to eat and drink. The city is walkable for visitors with good mobility - the main shopping and tourist area stretches from St Marks Shopping centre in the south up to the Cathedral Quarter - known locally as 'Uphill'. Steep Hill, voted Britain's Great Street, connects 'downhill' and 'uphill' Lincoln. Yes, it is steep as its name suggests, but well worth the walk! Later there is a visit to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), which opened in 2018 just south of Lincoln and is a memorial and interpretation centre telling the story of the RAF Bomber Command. A place of recognition, remembrance and reconciliation, the centre features a 31-metre tall spire and memorial walls with the names of all those who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during the Second World War.

Day 4 - Stop in Stamford, 'the finest stone town in England'. Stamford's narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to a variety of speciality shops, fine jewellers and designer boutiques, whilst the High Street has a great choice of independent and recognised retailers. Continue to interchange and head home.Your Hotel
THE OLDE BARN HOTEL, MARSTON Nr Grantham
Located in the heart of the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, approximately one mile from the A1, this comfortable 3* hotel offers an onsite leisure club with a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jetted hot tub.The comfortable guestrooms have free high-speed WiFi, spacious desk, ironing facilities, safe, flat screen TV and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a stylish bar and restaurant as well as some outdoor seating area. There is a lift in part of the hotel and there are also ground floor rooms.

Hotels
• The Olde Barn Hotel (Marston) - View Information