Louth

Louth sits at the eastern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, a quietly beautiful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of chalk hills, hidden valleys and wide skies that rolls away to the north and west, while the Lincolnshire coast and its long sandy beaches lie just a short drive to the east. The town grew up on the banks of the River Lud, and its streets of Georgian townhouses, cobbled yards and independent shops have earned it a reputation as one of the country's best-preserved market towns.

In 2012 Louth was voted Britain's Favourite Market Town by BBC Countryfile viewers, and it is easy to see why. Around seven in ten of its shops are independently owned, from butchers and fishmongers to bookshops and cafes, and the town still holds a proper market three days a week. Louth's literary claim to fame is Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who was educated at the town's grammar school before going on to become Poet Laureate; a stone plaque on Schoolhouse Lane marks the spot. Between the Wolds and the coast, and with a compact, walkable centre, Louth makes a relaxed base for exploring this lesser-known corner of Lincolnshire.

Top things to do in Louth

Louth rewards slow exploration, whether you are wandering its Georgian streets or heading out into the surrounding Wolds. Highlights include:

• St James' Church — the parish church's Gothic spire soars to 295 feet, making it the tallest of any parish church in England; on a clear day you can climb the tower for views stretching to the coast and the Wolds.
• Hubbard's Hills — a much-loved valley park just outside the town centre, with the River Lud running through steep wooded slopes, grassy banks and paths that make for an easy afternoon walk.
• Louth Market — held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a farmers' market on the fourth Wednesday of the month and a Food Friday market on the second Friday, selling local produce, meat, fish and crafts.
• Georgian Westgate and the town centre — a walk along Westgate and the surrounding streets takes in elegant Georgian townhouses, courtyards and the independent shops that have made Louth known as something of a foodie town.
• Louth Museum — a small volunteer-run museum on Broadbank covering the town's history, from its coaching-inn days to its wartime RAF connections.
• Lincolnshire Wolds AONB — the chalk hills and hidden valleys that surround Louth are threaded with walking and cycling routes, including sections of the long-distance Viking Way and the circular Lincolnshire Wolds Way.
• Tennyson connections — the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a pupil at Louth's King Edward VI Grammar School, commemorated by a plaque on Schoolhouse Lane.

Getting to Louth

Louth lies just off the A16, which connects it north to Grimsby and south towards Boston and Spalding, while the A157 and A153 provide routes east to the coast and west towards Lincoln and the A1. There is no working railway station in the town today, so the easiest approach by public transport is to take a train to Grimsby, Market Rasen or Lincoln and continue by bus, or to travel directly by coach or bus services that link Louth with the surrounding towns. Louth is roughly 25 miles from Lincoln and around 10 miles inland from the coastal resort of Mablethorpe, making it a convenient base for combining the Wolds with a day at the seaside.

Best time to visit Louth

Spring and early summer bring the Wolds to life, with fresh green hills, lambing fields and long evenings ideal for walking sections of the Viking Way or exploring Hubbard's Hills. Summer is the busiest period, with the market at its most colourful and easy access to the nearby coast, though the town itself never feels overwhelmed by visitors. Autumn suits those who enjoy quieter walking and the changing colours of the Wolds' beech hedgerows, while winter has its own appeal, with Louth's Georgian streets and the illuminated spire of St James' making for an atmospheric visit, particularly around the town's Christmas market.

Where to stay in Louth

Louth has a small but characterful choice of places to stay, from traditional coaching inns in the town centre to bed and breakfasts in Georgian townhouses and farmhouse accommodation in the surrounding Wolds villages. Staying centrally puts you within walking distance of the market, St James' Church and Hubbard's Hills, while a base out in the Wolds suits those planning to spend their time walking or cycling the surrounding countryside. Self-catering cottages in nearby Wolds villages such as Tealby, Donington on Bain and Ludford are a popular option for longer stays.

Food and drink in Louth

Louth's reputation as a foodie destination is built on its independent shops and traders. Kirkgate is home to a cluster of specialist food shops, and the town's butchers, fishmongers and the long-running M Chapman & Sons bakery are well regarded locally. For eating out, the Wheatsheaf and other town-centre pubs serve traditional food alongside real ales, while cafes such as those on Cornmarket and Mercer Row offer a spot for lunch between browsing the market stalls. The monthly Food Friday market brings additional street food and local producers into the town centre, and several farm shops in the surrounding Wolds villages are worth the short drive for fresh local produce.