Sue Field explains why Lincolnshire is a county with many advantages for those looking for a smallholding in the area.
Lincolnshire is one of few remaining counties where hidden gems are still to be found at reasonable prices. Whilst many of you will think of it as predominantly flat, the Lincolnshire Wolds consist of gently undulating countryside. However, from the point of view of working the land and keeping livestock, many smallholders
will appreciate the levelness of paddocks! Another plus for much of the county is the lightness of the land as much of it is chalk or limestone based. For those of you who have spent many a winter losing welly boots in glutinous clay-based soils this may sound very tempting.
The Georgian market town of Louth has a wonderful array of independent shops as well as several supermarkets. Schools include the Louth Academy, rated Good by Ofsted and several primary schools. There is also St Bernard’s, a specialist school which offers support to pupils from two to 19 years with a wide range of learning disabilities. The beautiful City of Lincoln is 34 miles away, less than an hour’s drive. Louth was also described by the Hairy Bikers as being a ‘foodie heaven’!
Lincoln City (crowned as the UK’s most underrated city break) offers many attractions, including Lincoln Cathedral, built in 1072 and one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe. Look out for the Lincoln Imp, as legend has it that this mischievous imp caused havoc in the Midlands but upon arrival at the cathedral he was turned into stone by an angel and now sits on top of one of the Cathedral pillars! Steep Hill with its cobbled streets and independent shops and restaurants, is a delight and it is actually the fourth steepest hill in England. So much for the myth that Lincolnshire is flat!
The Wolds contain many beautiful villages, ideal for a leisurely day out with a stop for lunch or a cream tea, and to the east of the county on the coastline are the popular family resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe – great for a day out with the kids.
There are a number of air bases in the county, including RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington, home to the world famous Red Arrows, as well as the International Bomber Command Memorial. Lincolnshire was home to many of the bombers which flew during WWII and their bravery and many losses are commemorated and forever remembered here.
FAMOUS LINCOLNSHIRE PEOPLE
No surprise, given the County’s association with aircraft, to learn that the flying ace, Douglas Bader, was born in the County. Geoff Capes, shot putter, also hails from Lincolnshire, and for Strictly fans, the brother and sister Kevin and Joanne Clifton danced their way to the top from the county. Guy Martin, the irrepressible motorbike racer, risk taker and TV presenter is another well-known local boy.
So every reason to look at this county if you are contemplating a move, as there seems little doubt that from a value for money aspect, Lincolnshire still has opportunities to produce that magical dream smallholding.
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