British Food and Travel

October 1 marks Lincolnshire Day and so what better way to celebrate than with a spotlight on the county. In this post, we’ll offer a few suggestions for where to go and what to eat in what many know as Bomber County, a nickname linked to Lincolnshire’s strong RAF roots.

Lincolnshire Day

Lincolnshire Day has been observed every year on October 1 since 2006. The day is the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Rising, a 1536 revolt when the Catholics protested against Henry VIII’s creation of the Church of England.

Events around the county commemorate local history, food and people. Some of Lincolnshire’s more noted sons and daughters include Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Tennyson, Margaret Thatcher, and Joan Plowright.

Lincolnshire Foods

With its large flat expanses of rich, fertile soil, Lincolnshire (which is England’s second largest county in terms of land area) is an important agricultural region in the UK. More than 20% of all food grown in the UK is produced here. Common crops include wheat, sugar beet, barley, and a variety of vegetables. So it is no surprise that the region has many local foods worth enjoying.

Lincolnshire sausages are a popular version of the ever-beloved British banger. They contain coarsely-ground pork and breadcrumbs with a decent amount of sage as seasoning – perfect on the breakfast plate or with mash for dinner. Every October, butchers compete to win top honours at the Lincolnshire Sausage Festival.

Lincolnshire plum bread is similar to the tea breads found all around the country. It contains raisins and may be made with or without yeast. Serve in thick buttered slices with a piece of cheese on the side.

Stuffed Chine is a dish that few outside the region have ever heard of. Pork neck is brined, scored, and stuffed with herbs before being left to slowly simmer. After cooking, it is left to cool and is eaten cold. Once sliced, the chine has a distinctive pattern of green (herbs) and pink (meat) stripes.

Lincolnshire poacher is a hard nutty cheese made from cow’s milk. It is made at just one dairy on the edge of the Wolds. Matured for up to 24 months, it is a popular accompaniment to wine, beer, or a slice of plum bread.

Grantham gingerbread biscuits are said to date back to about 1740. A baker accidentally put in too much ginger instead of another ingredient and the rest is history.

Much less common now than in the past is the local version of frumenty, a wheat porridge containing fruit and sugar that was traditionally eaten at the end of the harvest.

And of course don’t forget some award-winning fish and chips.

Lincolnshire Countryside

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and miles of cycling or hiking trails. The Wolds are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Small villages and the remains of Viking settlements dot this gently rolling region, bordered by the Humber in the north and the Fens in the south. The market town of Alford, with its windmill dating to 1837, lies at the edge of the Wolds.

Winding its way across the Wolds to Rutland is the 147-mile Viking Way, a footpath that offers outstanding views in all directions.

Meanwhile, just a few miles from Lincoln city centre is Whisby Nature Reserve, perfect for birdwatching

Lincolnshire Coast

Don’t forget a trip to the beach while you’re here. Skegness and Cleethorpes are popular resort towns, but if you prefer something a little more rural in feel, head to Donna Nook, a 6-mile stretch of coastline managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. October to December is a popular time to visit as you stand a good chance of seeing the grey seals and their newborn pups. Alternatively, the coastline at Gibraltar Point runs south from Skegness to the Wash. It is home to a host of wildlife, and what you see will depend on the time of year. Expect to hear skylarks in spring or anow buntings in winter.

 

For dozens more ideas of what to do and where to go in Lincolnshire, go to VisitLincolnshire. Happy exploring!