26/04/2025
Welcome to Honey Bee Cottage. A recently renovated, self-catering holiday cottage, located a stones throw from Wolds Wildlife Park. You can hear the lions roaring and the Hyenas laughing from Honeybee Cottage.
Nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Horncastle is a charming market town where the River Bain flows under 13th-century St. Mary’s Church. Rich in history (even fragments of a Roman wall remain), Horncastle was once famed for its horse fair and bull-baiting “Bull Ring.” Today the town’s quaint cobbled streets are lined with antique shops galore – boutiques and big centres alike. The atmosphere is peaceful and steeped in character, making it a perfect spot to browse treasures and take afternoon tea.
• Antique Shopping: Wander the market square and side streets to discover Horncastle’s many antique centres. For example, Great Expectations (36–43 East Street) spans over 10,000 sq. ft. with 70 dealers offering collectibles and vintage finds . Smaller galleries (in converted halls and barns) brim with retro furniture, china, jewellery and more.
• Historic Charm: Admire the picturesque River Bain and landmarks like St. Mary’s Church (13th-century architecture) and the old Bull Ring site. The town’s roots go back to Roman times, hinted at by sections of surviving Roman wall. This living history adds character to casual strolls.
• Local Flavor: Horncastle hosts a regular street market every second Thursday (often with a farmers’ market alongside), where you can sample local produce and crafts. Afterwards, pop into a cozy tearoom or traditional pub to warm up with homemade cakes and a pot of tea.
Woodhall Spa
Just a short drive from Horncastle, Woodhall Spa is a “bustling, picturesque” former Edwardian spa village. Its wide, tree-lined avenues and grand homes hint at the days when iodine-rich spring waters made it a health resort. Today Woodhall Spa is beloved for its peaceful atmosphere, fine guesthouses and charming cafes and shops (many open on Sundays). No visit is complete without treating yourself at the new Sweet Emporium Woodhall Spa on Station Road – an old-fashioned sweet shop and ice cream parlour open daily 8 am–5 pm . Here you’ll find classic sweets, homemade Gelato, Mr Whippy, Tea & Coffee, Slush and even bubble waffles named after local Dambusters aircraft (Spitfire, Lancaster, etc.).
Spa Heritage & Kinema: Stroll part of the Spa Trail (a former railway path) and appreciate the village’s heritage. Don’t miss the Kinema in the Woods, a delightfully retro 1922 cinema in a converted cricket pavilion, still showing films with its original back-projection equipment. For history buffs, a short drive brings you to the Dambusters Memorial and the grand Petwood Hotel (once home to WWII air marshals) or the soaring 15th-century Tattershall Castle nearby.
Skegness
About 30 minutes east, the classic seaside resort of Skegness guarantees a fun family day out. It offers miles of golden Blue Flag beach – perfect for building sandcastles or paddling in summer – and a lively promenade filled with traditional attractions. The centerpiece is Skegness Pier: stroll out over the sea for arcades, tearooms and a spectacular sea view. Children (and the young at heart) will love the local amusements like Botton’s Pleasure Beach funfair, where rollers and dodgems await. Don’t forget Britain’s most famous holiday camp – Butlin’s Skegness, opened here in 1936 – which still offers exhilarating day rides and family breaks.
• Sea Food & Snacks: No seaside trip is complete without fish & chips by the beach or candyfloss while you walk along the sand. Pop into a local chip shop for cod and chips or a takeaway ice cream cone as you watch the waves.
• Wildlife & Nature: Meet friendly seals and exotic creatures at Natureland Seal Sanctuary (a beloved local zoo), or head a few miles south to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve for birdwatching dunes and scenic cliff-top walks.
• Seaside Memories: Pose with the statue of the Jolly Fisherman (the happy sailor from the famous “Skegness is SO Bracing” poster) and soak up the nostalgic seaside charm. In evenings, enjoy live shows at the historic Embassy Theatre or a family arcade challenge back on the prom.
Lincoln
Historic Lincoln – an easy 30-minute drive from Honey Bee Cottage – rewards visitors with its mix of dramatic architecture and lively cultural scene. Start at Lincoln Cathedral, whose soaring Gothic towers once made it the world’s tallest building. Climb to the roof or cloisters for sweeping views over red-roofed streets and the River Witham. A short walk away lies Lincoln Castle, a Norman fortress built in 1068. Walk the full 1/3-mile wall circuit to glimpse the Victorian prison and the unique Magna Carta Vault, home to one of only four surviving 1215 Magna Carta documents.
• Steep Hill & Old Town: From the cathedral area, walk down Steep Hill – a steep, cobbled street lined with characterful shops and tea rooms. Along the way, discover Lincoln’s longest-running tea shop, antique stores, and the medieval Jew’s House. The top of Steep Hill offers one of the best photo-ops of the cathedral framing the city below.
• Brayford Waterfront: Wind up at the marina-side Brayford Quarter, Lincoln’s modern leisure area. Here you can relax on the waterfront promenade, grab a bite at a stylish bar or café (look out for fresh seafood or Spanish tapas options), or even take a family boat trip on the lake. In summer months a waterside barbecue or jazz evening might be on – a nice contrast to Lincoln’s medieval streets.
• Cultural Gems: Lincoln has no shortage of museums and galleries. The Collection (art and archaeology museum) and Usher Gallery (fine art) are free and family-friendly. History buffs will enjoy the Victorian steam engines at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life or a spooky ghost tour through ancient vaults. Throughout the year the city hosts festivals, markets and street performers, so there’s often something festive happening in Castle or Cathedral Square.
We hope you enjoy exploring Lincolnshire’s treasures during your stay. From browsing antiques and sipping afternoon tea in Horncastle, to relaxing with ice cream in Woodhall Spa, a seaside adventure in Skegness, or a day steeped in history in Lincoln, there’s plenty to delight every guest. Have a wonderful stay!
Sources: Local visitor guides and tourism sites have been used to highlight attractions and amenities. Each description reflects current offerings to help you plan memorable outings.
Honeybee Cottage is available to book on Airb&b and
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