Julian Wilkinson CEO & Publisher julian@pridemagazines.co.uk
Been busy lately? We certainly have! It’s been a very hectic time across Lincolnshire with the 2025 Lincolnshire Show last month, a successful Cereals 2025 held near Leadenham (hosted by our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE), not to mention a wealth of live music events including the seriously successful return of Live at Lincoln Castle with stars from Sting and UB40 to the Sugababes and Olly Murs.
And there’s more where all that came from. In this edition we’ve dedicated a substantial number of pages to the live events and shows taking place across Lincolnshire in what we believe is the Ultimate Guide to Summer in Lincolnshire.
One act not to miss is veteran crooner Tom Jones who performs at Market Rasen Racecourse in August... we’ll meet him later in this edition too.
Elsewhere we’re enjoying dining out at Lincolnshire’s only Michelin-starred restaurant with Winteringham Fields’ Head Chef James Nicklin giving a dazzling performance of his own in the form of an exceptional tasting menu that we can’t help but recommend.
Meanwhile we’re raising a glass to the fundraising efforts of St Hugh’s School’s parents in advance of its 100th anniversary next year, and we’re enjoying the sight and the scent of The King’s Rose, fresh from RHS Chelsea and available exclusively at Humber Bridge Garden Centre. Finally, we’ve a stunning contemporary property in Claypole to admire, as well as the finest selection of luxury homes in and around Lincolnshire.
Our very best wishes for a great month!
Eat, Drink & Enjoy
AUGUST 2025
August Features
11 THE 2025 LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW
Our exclusive images from this year’s flagship summer event.
40 SUMMER IN LINCOLNSHIRE
The ultimate guide to the best days out, stately homes and live events.
56 TOM JONES At Market Rasen.
Homes & Gardens
22 DINING OUT Enjoying James Nicklin’s tasting menu at Winteringham Fields, Lincolnshire’s only Michelinstarred restaurant.
64 WELCOME HOME A masterclass in modern design at Fen Barn.
80 HOMES & GARDENS Beautiful blooms and The King’s Rose.
Ladies & Gentlemen
97 FASHION & BEAUTY Cool linen and beauty with Tina Brocklebank.
110 WEDDINGS Jon & Rattikan’s day.
120 MOTORS Bentley Bentayga Speed.
128 AND FINALLY... Almanac, fiction.
Delivered free of charge to high value homes in the county
FREE ONLINE
Pride Magazine is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, to high value homes in the county. Our circulation is to homes in the top three council tax bands, which are predominantly worth over £500,000. This guarantees the magazine has an affluent readership commensurate with our content.
The magazine is also delivered to local businesses including selected hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors, dentists, executive motor dealerships and golf clubs. This helps to ensure we have a continued presence, right across our catchment area.
Our titles also have more social media fans than any other local magazine. In addition we have over 45,000 online visitors viewing our magazines free of charge, online, on their tablet, computer, laptop or mobile phone via our website, our app, and via the Readly and Issuu platforms. If your business would benefit from being showcased to the wealthiest people in the area, please call our friendly sales team on 01529 469977, download our media pack at pridemagazines.co.uk or email sales@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Local News
Graduation of the King’s Squadron
Passing out ceremony for the high-flying graduates of The King’s Squadron at RAF College Cranwell, overseen by Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton
Lincolnshire Show success
Record-breaking Lincolnshire Show celebrated glorious sunshine, star appearances and soaring visitor numbers with 61,000 attending the event
The Lincolnshire Show enjoyed record-breaking success, welcoming over 61,000 visitors to the Lincolnshire Showground – the highest attendance in 15 years – for two spectacular days of farming, food, family fun, and community celebration. The event is proudly hosted by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity dedicated to promoting food, farming, and the countryside. Basking under glorious sunshine and soaring temperatures, this year’s Show was packed with memorable moments, including special visits from HRH The Princess Royal, and Matt Baker MBE. Agriculture remained firmly at the heart of the event. The cattle lines were full with over 220 cattle, there were 500+ sheep entries, and an ever-growing pig competition as well as nearly 1,400 horses. Andrew Read, retiring as Show Director after years of dedicated service said “I couldn’t have wished for a better way to sign off!”
See our exclusive images from page 11-16.
Congratulations to the high-flying graduates of The King’s Squadron at RAF College Cranwell, who enjoyed their passing out ceremony last month. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton was the Reviewing Officer for the graduation of the King’s Squadron consisting of officer cadets from Modular Initial Officer Training and Specialist Officer Initial Training. RAF Cranwell, founded in 1916 as a Royal Naval Air Service base, became the world’s first Air Academy in 1920. Spearheaded by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, early cadets were dubbed ‘Trenchard Brats.’
Today, RAF Cranwell remains a prestigious training ground for Royal Air Force officers, generations of aviators, including King Charles III and The Duke of Cambridge, who have both graduated from RAF Cranwell.
Taku
resurfaces in Spalding
HMS Taku submarine model presented to Spalding’s
Ayscoughfee Hall by local Royal Navy Association
A model of HMS Taku, a British T-Class Submarine, has been presented to Spalding by the local Branch of the Royal Naval Association. The model has been on loan to South Holland District Council and is now based at its permanent home, Ayscoughfee Hall.
“The submarine was launched in 1939, and is an important part of Spalding’s history and that of the nation, having played a role in the Allied victory during the Second World War,” says Elizabeth Sneath. “It’s an honour to have the model on display!”
Digging up Lincoln’s history
Community archaeology project set to unearth
Lincoln’s hidden history beneath South Common
The Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories project (LLHH) is hosting an exciting community archaeology project as Pride goes to press. With the support of professional archaeologists, 1m x 1m test pits will be excavated to investigate the presence of Malandry Hospital on South Common, which is thought to have been built around the same time as Lincoln Cathedral.
Send your press releases & business news to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Ambucopter mission? Possible!
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance gearing up to save even more lives with the addition of a second helicopter
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has secured a spot on the production line in Italy for a new helicopter at a cost of around £7m. LNAA currently operates with one helicopter, its iconic yellow AW169. But as mission numbers rise, the doctors, paramedics and pilots who respond to an average of four missions a day, know that there are patients they can’t currently reach.
The charity is completely funded by donations, and the plan is for a second helicopter because there are people in need of the service beyond its capacity of just one aircraft. In the last five years, the charity has seen a 135 percent increase in mission numbers and there is now an average of 1.4 missions every day to which the crews are unable to fly. The second helicopter will be an AW109 GrandNew model and is scheduled to land at the charity in summer 2027 with a view to being fully operational by autumn that year.
LNAA’s CEO Karen Jobling said: “We are absolutely delighted to share this incredible news with our supporters. The addition of a second helicopter means that we will be able to attend more emergencies, more quickly, and provide critical care to more patients who might not otherwise have access in time. This is truly a lifechanging development for the communities we are here to serve.
See www.ambucopter.org.uk for more information.
And Finally... Fowl play for residents of Hibaldstow as residents find themselves divided by the presence of 30 wild peacocks and peahens. Though admired by some, the birds have been terrorising the village too, with their excessive noise, pecking at reflections of themselves in windows and cars, and by eating flowers in gardens.
The best of the county celebrated at the 140th
Lincolnshire Show
Over 61,000 people, 2,500 animals, 600 exhibitors and a history of 140 events celebrating the very best that Lincolnshire has to offer... and this year, a Royal Visitor too, in the form of the Princess Royal!
Images: Rob Davis, Chris Vaughan and Steve Smailes
The 2025 Lincolnshire Show
Images: Rob Davis, Chris Vaughan, Steve Smailes. With thanks to the Lincolnshire Showground and Carrington Communications. Next year’s Lincolnshire Show will take place on Wednesday 17th June and Thursday 18th June 2026.
High
Life
St Hugh’s Woodhall Spa Summer Ball
A summer ball at Woodhall Spa’s St Hugh’s school saw over 160 people raising funds for the school’s Centenary Hall project ahead of its centenary year in 2026
Images: Rob Davis.
A successful and enjoyable evening for parents and staff of St Hugh’s School in Woodhall Spa recently. Over 160 guests enjoyed a drinks reception, three course dinner and dancing to raise funds for the school’s Centenary Hall project. Looking forward to its 100th anniversary in 2026, the school is keen to further improve its provision of drama and music, and it was also raising money for Lincolnshire’s Rural Support Network (LRSN) and The Jubilee Hall in Woodhall Spa. Catering was courtesy of Jo Shaw of Cook & Saucer, entertainment was courtesy of local musicians Ash Wilson and Jo Summers, with a live band in the form of Twist of Rock. St Hugh’s School offers both day and boarding education in a happy, inclusive and stimulating learning environment for children aged two-13 from a broad catchment area and a wide range of backgrounds. See www.st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk.
DINING OUT AT LINCOLNSHIRE’S ONLY MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT
A DELICIOUS SUMMERTIME PATISSERIE TREAT: RASPBERRY ÉCLAIRS
PLUS: RESTAURANT LISTINGS: OUR LOCAL SUGGESTIONS WITH OLD FAVOURITES AND NEW DISCOVERIES
Dining Out
Winteringham Fields Michelin star dining at
This month we’re enjoying the talent of James Nicklin and the team in the kitchens of Winteringham Fields as we revisit Lincolnshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant, enjoying an exceptional tasting menu experience with a commitment to quality
Words: Rob Davis.
Here’s a tip. If you’re going to start work in James Nicklin’s kitchen, make sure you have a pen and paper to hand.
“You’ll be amazed how many chefs come into the kitchen without one,” he says.
Of all the kitchen paraphernalia you might expect a chef to be acquainted with – decent knives, battle-scarred pans and such like – James reckons that a pen and paper is essential because, let’s face it, nobody ever stops learning.
Learning and professional development is something James is keen to foster in the kitchen as Head Chef of Winteringham Fields, Lincolnshire’s only Michelin star restaurant. Its reputation is such that many seek to join the team, and positions within it are rare and coveted.
The result is that only the most diligent, keen to learn and hard-working chefs get to work alongside James, and the resulting atmosphere is happy and collegiate, with everyone invested in doing their best to maintain the reputation of the place. James is calm, friendly and (one imagines) a brilliant boss, working alongside Xavier Brett who heads up front of house. It wasn’t always so welcoming though.
Winteringham Fields was established in 1988, and the first time I set foot in those hallowed kitchens its founder, the
Swiss-born chef patron Germain Schwab, marched up to me and demanded of the manager ‘who iz zis?!?’ It was quite ferocious, and though he soon warmed up a bit, the impression was of an old-school restauranteur who ruled with an iron fist rather than a wooden spoon.
Since then, many things have changed. For a start, James’s much more constructive management style is necessary to successfully lead a team, and with even village pubs really putting the effort into producing a good dining experience in an ever more challenging market, restaurants at Winteringham Fields’ position in the market have really had to take their dining to the next level.
Changes since the Schwab dynasty include the purchase of Winteringham Fields by Colin and Bex McGurran in 2005 and the addition of more bedrooms rooms in 2016. Winteringham Fields was one of the original ‘restaurants with rooms,’ and reaffirming this its 16 bedrooms ensure diners can retire for the evening after a very satisfying dining experience, for the purpose of cogitating, meditating and rhapsodising.
Other changes include the departure of previous Head Chef Gareth Bartram two years ago, with James stepping up to the pass to lead the team into a new era.
Above: Turbot with kohl rabi, clams, lardo and buttermilk.
House charcuterie with pickled cucumber and smoked Lincolnshire Poacher tartlet.
CHICKEN
Lime, cabbage and chicken fat.
‘Turtle Red,’ Fukuoka, Ikekame, Japan.
BREAD
Roasted Onion/Ale & Treacle.
‘Mucky fat!’ and house cultured butter.
TOMATO
Nasturtium, curds, consommé.
Volubilia Gris 2023, Domaine de la Zouina, Meknes, Morocco.
TURBOT
Kohl rabi, clams, lardo and buttermilk.
Assyrtiko 2018, Thalassitis, Gaia, Santorini.
PORK
Pulled cheek, Jersey Royal potatoes, onion jam, ramsons and crackling.
Syrah, Borgoleo 2021, Sicily, Italy.
LEMON
Meringue, yoghurt sorbet, honeycomb, curd.
RASPBERRY
Almond, Clotted Cream. Black Muscat 2022, ‘Elysium,’ Andrew Quady, California, US.
NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.
The restaurant remains under the ownership of Colin, but having established a brand new restaurant in Antigua, he’s since swapped Scunthorpe for the Caribbean, leaving James in custodianship of Winteringham Fields. Happily, it’s in very safe hands.
Accolades like Winteringham Fields’ Michelin Star (retained ever since Colin purchased the place), or its four AA rosettes (fewer than 5% of UK restaurants have four or five stars; fewer than 50 have four stars and fewer than 20 have five stars), sometimes make a kitchen beholden to accolades, not diners’ satisfaction. That’s not the case here. The satisfaction of customers and ensuring they have a brilliant experience are the only metrics of success with which James is concerned.
The restaurant has a capacity of 30 covers but filling the place each night isn’t the priority. What’s more, with private dining rooms and three intimate lounges throughout the former farmhouse, small groups of diners or couples
enjoy as much privacy as they wish… handy in the case of one high profile customer who was due to visit on the evening of our visit.
The main dining room overlooks the restaurant’s terrace and its neat, wellmaintained kitchen garden. In recent years, a claustrophobic window between dining room and kitchen has been removed, so now Winteringham Fields offers a genuine open kitchen format enabling diners to see and hear what goes on beyond the pass.
Lunchtime diners can choose from an à la carte menu during weekday service (£69/head), or a lunchtime tasting menu (£85/Wed-Fri, £99/Sat). A tasting menu is the sole means of dining during evening service, at £150/head with optional flight of wine. This is typically six or seven courses in duration with the inclusion of amuse bouche, palette cleansers or pre-desserts, depending on what takes the team’s fancy. The menu doesn’t change wholesale but rather it
continues to evolve incrementally throughout the year, enabling James and the team to ensure micro-seasonality.
Everything is made by the team in house from the restaurant’s charcuterie to very good bread – roasted onion plus ale and treacle loaves during our visit. These were served with a whipped, caramelised, cultured butter and a pot of beef dripping ‘mucky fat.’
Evidently, where there’s muck, there’s gold. I could scoff a whole pot of the stuff and an entire loaf at home assuming the perpendicular on the sofa with a decent bottle of wine.
Other highlights of the menu were a tomato dish with curds, nasturtium and consommé, inspired by James’s memories growing heritage tomatoes with his grandfather and enjoying them straight of the vine.
Our turbot was silky, served with a buttermilk foam and an umami N25 caviar, whilst our pork dish utilised a hard-working pulled cheek cut with picked and preserved foraged wild garlic buds.
Pre-dessert was a vibrant lemon pot on the enjoyable side of super-sharp and with homemade honeycomb and yoghurt sorbet. This was followed by a smart take on a traditional trifle with raspberry jelly and white chocolate ganache, caramelised white chocolate tuille and raspberry vinegar gel.
Dining at Winteringham Fields incurs a premium over, say, a quality pub restaurant, but the additional talent, innovation and expense incurred in labour and ingredients, all of which are invested directly in the meal, is more than evident. Relative to the standard of the food itself and the team’s commitment to offering diners something really special, it’s very fairly-priced.
Producing the kind of interesting experience and labour-intensive but fundamentally delicious food for which James and the team are renowned is a labour of love that every diner will appreciate. Dining at Winteringham Fields at your earliest convenience is a superb, and highly-recommended experience.
Winteringham Fields North Lincolnshire
The Restaurant: “Lincolnshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant, Winteringham Fields offers a unique dining experience that brings the kitchen to your table.”
Opening Hours:
Lunchtime Service
WednesdaySaturday 12noon to 2pm.
Evening Service
Wednesday to Saturday 6.30pm8pm.
Winteringham Fields, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9ND Call 01724 733096 or see www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.
Raspberry & Vanilla Éclairs with
Dried Raspberry Pieces
This month’s recipe Raspberry & Vanilla Éclairs
Cut out and collect our great seasonal recipes each month in Pride Magazine.
Preparation Time: 1hr
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + cooling Makes: Approximately 20 éclairs
For the choux pastry:
120g unsalted butter, cubed
300ml water
150g strong white bread flour
4 medium eggs, beaten
For the crème pâtissière:
600ml whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
6 medium egg yolks
120g caster sugar
50g plain flour
300g fresh raspberries
For the icing:
250g icing sugar
4–5 tsp raspberry purée
(from approx. 150g raspberries)
2–3 tsp water
These elegant éclairs make a refined summer dessert or an afternoon tea centrepiece. With crisp choux pastry, luscious raspberry crème pâtissière and the option of crushed pistachios or dried raspberries on top they’re a vibrant, indulgent bake for confident home cooks.
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6 and line two baking trays. Choux pastry is sensitive to ratios. Stick to exact weights for flour, butter, and water. To create the choux pastry, melt the butter in the water, then bring to a boil. Tip in the flour and beat vigorously until it forms a smooth dough. Cool slightly before beating in eggs – hot scramble them – do so gradually until glossy and smooth.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm plain nozzle and pipe 20 lines, each about 10cm long. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden, typically when they’re hollow-sounding when tapped, they’ve cooked sufficiently; undercooked éclairs will collapse. Pierce each to release steam and cool on a rack.
To make the filling, heat the milk and vanilla in a pan until steaming. Whisk egg yolks,
sugar and flour in a bowl. Pour over the milk, whisking constantly, then return to the pan and stir until thickened. Pass through a sieve, stir in sieved raspberry purée and chill.
Once éclairs are cool, slice horizontally. Fill with crème pâtissière using a piping bag. For the icing, mix icing sugar with raspberry purée and water until thick but spreadable. Dip or spoon over the tops of the éclairs and decorate with dried raspberry pieces, these are available from Lakeland or good baking shops. Alternatively you can dry the raspberries yourself, on baking parchment at 65°c for around six hours. You can also use crushed pistachios as decoration.
For variations: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the custard for a citrus twist. Swap raspberries for strawberries or gooseberries in summer. For a floral note, stir a teaspoon of elderflower cordial into the icing.
A Wildflower Inspired Gin for Summer Afternoons
Number One gin from the Cotswolds Distillery
Inspired by the glorious grasslands of the Cotswolds, No.1 Wildflower Gin is a delightful blend of cornflowers, lavender and orange layered over a classic dry gin. Reminiscent of summer meadows and bursting with zesty orange notes, it’s fresh, floral and fruity with a pleasantly dry finish.
£38.50 / 70cl / 41.7% ABV cotswoldsdistillery.com
Wine of the Month
The Wine Cellar
From aperitifs on the lawn to elegant pairing wines for grilled fish or lamb, these August picks offer you the best of British sipping – with or without the alcohol – including a dry Sancerre and a trio of rosé wines
Pinks Worth Pouring: Three suggested rosés for summer...
Delicate, crisp, and perfect with shellfish, Whispering Angel Rosé is the heart and soul of Provence, £19.99 / 75cl / 13% ABV.
A charming Provençalstyle pink for summer lunches, La Vieille Ferme Rosé has been produced for over 40 years, £9.99 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV.
Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé 2023 is a fresh, enveloping rosé with an intense and complex bouquet £15 / 75cl / 12.5% ABV.
The upper Loire Valley is known for two iconic wine growing subregions –Pouilly Fume, and Sancerre. Nearly all wine cultivated in these areas are from the Sauvignon Blanc variety. This Sancerre from Le Manoir affords loads of citrus flavours, topped of with apple and pear and a hint of melon and crisp acidic minerality. RRP £25 / 70cl / 13% ABV. From Waitrose, Tesco, and good independents.
Try Ceder’s Wild Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Ceder’s Wild is perfect for those who like a bit more bite, with notes of clove, juniper, oak and ginger. It’s a distilled nonalcoholic spirit with flavours of juniper with citric notes combined with the flavour of fullbodied rooibos and a sweet, nutty taste. Its aromatic and spicy character with hints of oak and ginger helps deliver a strong yet smooth finish.
£20 / 50cl / 0% ABV cedersdrinks.com
Our featured wines are available from local independent wine merchants, supermarkets and online, prices are RRP and may vary.
THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE
BOSTON
THE BALL HOUSE
A familyfriendly pub with a cosy atmosphere, offering traditional British fare. Known for its Sunday carvery and extensive menu that includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and glutenfree diners. Wainfleet Road, Boston, PE21 9RL. Call 01205 364478 theballhouseboston.co.uk.
MEET & MEAT
A distinctive fusion of Mediterraneaninspired cuisine with a modern touch. West Street, Boston PE21 8QN. Call 07723 237070 or see www.meetandmeat.co.uk.
THE MILL INN
A popular pub known for its warm ambiance and classic British pub dishes and Italian too.
Spilsby Rd, Boston, PE21 9QN. Call 01205 352874 or see www.themillboston.co.uk.
MONKEY & I
OUR GOOD FOOD AWARDS WINNERS
Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coffee shops and food producers, revealing our winners in our January editions. We’ve highlighted our winners in buff to make sure they’re easy to see!
Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more.
Hobbsons, Lincoln.
YE OLDE RED LION
An awardwinning country pub that prides its self on producing satisfying dishes. Cosy atmosphere in the winter, with Low beams & log burning fires. For great summer dining there’s also a relaxing beer garden. Try the Lincolnshire Tapas, too! Bicker, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 3EF. Call 01775 821200, www.redlionbicker.co.uk.
GRANTHAM
ANGEL & ROYAL
Conveniently located in Church Street, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to meet up, relax, and enjoy our authentic Thai cuisine. Church Street, Boston PE21 6NW. Call 07808 590203 or see www.monkeyandithai.co.uk.
THE ROPERS ARMS
Italian bistro serving authentic dishes, set in an early C19th public house overlooking the Maud Foster mill and river. Horncastle Road, Boston PE21 9BU. Call 07572 456110.
THE WHITE HART
Part of the Coaching Inn Group, set within a charming 19th century hotel, this restaurant provides a varied menu focused on British cuisine. The riverside views make it an ideal spot for a memorable meal.
High Street, Boston, PE21 8SH. Call 01205 311900 or see www.whitehartboston.com.
Reputedly England's oldest inn, with the Kings Room Restaurant and Bertie's Bistro and Bar.
High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN. Call 01476 565 816 or see www.angelandroyal.co.uk.
BELTON WOODS
Bar & Grill with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and offers an inviting selection of flavourful grilled dishes. Spa, golf course and fourstar accommodation on site.
Gonerby NG32 2LN. Call 01476 593 200 or see www.beltonwoods.co.uk.
BROWNLOW ARMS
In the heart of a picturesque village in Lincolnshire, the Brownlow Arms is a 17th century country inn formerly owned by Lord Brownlow. Providing good old fashioned country hospitality and modern comforts in a tranquil and relaxing location.
Hough on the Hill, NG32 2AZ. Call 01400 250234 or see www.thebrownlowarms.com.
THE CHEQUERS
Seasonal dishes from longstanding favourites to monthly changing dishes, from a team passionate about creating the tastiest and most interesting food they can.
Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, NG32 1LU. Call 01476 870701 or see www.chequersinn.net.
THE GREEN MAN
A traditional British pub offering hearty meals in a friendly setting, specialising in steaks and classic pub fare. High St, Ropsley, NG33 4BE. Call 01476 585897 or see the-green-man-ropsley.com.
HARE & HOUNDS
17th century public house promises good dining, and a friendly atmosphere. Fulbeck, Grantham NG32 3JJ. Call 01400 273322 or see hareandhoundsfulbeck.com.
PLOUGH, WILSFORD
Exceptional pub restaurant home to Paul Reseigh, formerly of the George of Stamford. Fabulous à la carte menu of satisfying dishes prepared with excellent chefcraft and imagination. Wilsford, NG32 3NS. Call 01400 664037 or see theploughinnwilsford.co.uk.
RESTAURANT JERICHO
Fine dining in the Vale of Belvoir courtesy of this fascinating 20course tasting menu based restaurant, with just 12 covers a night. Orchard Farm, Plungar NG13 0JA. Call 01949 728288 or see www.restaurantjericho.com.
LINCOLN
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2024 ANTLERS AT THE WHITE HART
Lincolnshire Pride’s Restaurant of the Year for 2024, as voted for by our readers. Antlers serves seasonally inspired à la carte lunch and dinner menu. For those who are looking for a perfect way to celebrate, Antlers also serves a full Afternoon Tea menu and classic cocktails as well as offering a unique private dining option.
Bailgate, LN1 3AR. Call 01522 526222 or see whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.
THE BRONZE PIG
A stylish, modern restaurant known for its seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients with an innovative Mediterranean twist. Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB Call 01522 524817 or see www.thebronzepig.co.uk.
GRAIN STORE
Delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunches, with evening dining Friday and Saturday, based at Doddington Hall, utilising ingredients sourced from the farming estate. Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU. Call 01522 243189 or see www.doddingtonhall.com.
HOBBSONS
Formerly Browns Pie Shop & Restaurant. A ‘Best of British’ restaurant specialising in home crafted pies.
Steep Hill, Lincoln, LN2 1LU. Call 01522 527330 or see www.hobbsons.co.uk.
THE JEWS HOUSE
Set in a 12thcentury stone building, this finedining spot offers carefully curated tasting and set menus with bold flavours. Known for an intimate dining experience.
15 The Strait, Lincoln, LN2 1JD. Call 01522 524851 jewshouserestaurant.co.uk.
NO.38 AT THE TOWER
3 AA star hotel offering exceptional dining for nonresidents too, delivering satisfying à la carte dishes.
38 Westgate, Lincoln LN13BD. Call 01522 529999 or see www.thetowerlincoln.com.
THE OLD BAKERY
A notforprofit restaurant offering tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients. 26-28 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LB. Call 01522 244646, www.theold-bakery.co.uk.
BEST INTERNATIONAL
DINING RESTAURANT 2024 OLÉ OLÉ
Familyrun authentic Spanish restaurant set in the heart of Lincolnshire’s historic Lawns. The Lawn 3 Ingleman Place, Union Rd, Lincoln, LN1 3BU. Call 01522 534222 or see www.oleolelincoln.co.uk.
THE THOROLD ARMS
Paul Vidic, renowned Lincolnshire chef, took over the running of a community pub, in 2021 to provide excellent food and drink in a relaxed and beautiful setting in Harmston. High Street, Harmston LN5 9SN. Call 01522 722788 or thoroldarmsharmston.co.uk.
WASHINGBOROUGH HALL HOTEL
Grade II listed, 4star Georgian Manor House hotel two miles east of Lincoln. Serving two AArosette awardwining dishes under Head Chef Mark Cheseldine. Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1EH. Call 01522 790340, www.washingboroughhall.com
LOUTH & RASEN
ADVOCATE ARMS
Award winning restaurant serves fabulous meals created from local ingredients. The restaurant has been awarded two stars for its dining by the AA. Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EH. Call 01673 842364 or see www.advocatearms.co.uk.
KENWICK PARK
Fantastic food and drink in the family friendly Fairways Restaurant and Keepers Bar. Kenwick Park, Louth LN11 8NR. Call 01507 608806 or see www.kenwick-park.co.uk.
MANSION
HOUSE
British eatery known for warm service and delicious meals, featuring an inviting open fire Upgate, Louth LN11 9HD. Call 01507 610305 or see mansionhouselouth.co.uk.
NEWARK
TAYLOR’S FINE DINING
Familyrun, finedining restaurant in the heart of Newark. Locally sourced, seasonal produce with tasting menus and set menus. Castle Gate, Newark NG24 1AZ. Call 01636 659986, or see www.taylors-restaurant.co.uk.
NORTH & NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE
FOREST PINES
Spa, hotel and golf estate with restaurant near Brigg offering bistro dining. Brigg, DN20 0AQ. Call 01652 650 770 or see www.forestpineshotel.co.uk.
HOPE & ANCHOR
Fantastic Michelin
Bib Gourmand lauded pub restaurant run by Slawomir Mikolajczyk. South Ferriby, DN18 6JQ. Call 01652 635334 or see thehopeandanchorpub.co.uk.
PIG & WHISTLE
Locallysourced British dishes with a rustic charm and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Healing, Grimsby, DN41 7QF. Call 01472 884544 or see www.healingmanorhotel.co.uk.
SAN PIETRO
TwoAA Rosette Award winning fine dining restaurant benefitting from the Sicilian heritage of Pietro Catalano who runs the business with wife Michelle.
Scunthorpe, DN15 6UH. Call 01724 277774 or see www.sanpietro.uk.com.
WINTERINGHAM FIELDS
Lincolnshire’s only Michelinstar restaurant offering an immersive dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Winteringham, DN15 9ND. Call 01724 733096 or see www.winteringhamfields.co.uk.
SKEGNESS
GINGERLILY, THE VINE
Cosy, friendly atmosphere and delicious dishes including traditional English meals prepared by our experienced Chefs using local ingredients. Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB Call 01754 610611 or see www.thevinehotel.co.uk.
SAN RUFO’S
Familyfriendly Italian eatery known for its authentic pizzas, hearty pastas, and welcoming staff Roman Bank, Skegness, PE25 1SD. Call 01754 612242 or see www.sanrufos.co.uk.
No38 at The Tower, Lincoln.
From cosy inns to fine dining, Pride’s Good Food Guide has your Lincolnshire dining plans sorted...
Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more.
SLEAFORD
THE BARGE AND BOTTLE
A canalside pub with a relaxed ambiance, and a wide range of satisfying food, including a good provision of Sunday lunch.
Carre St, Sleaford, NG34 7TW. Call 01529 303303 or see www.thebargeandbottle.co.uk.
THE BUSTARD INN
Beautifullypresented quality pub restaurant, whose awards include two AA rosettes and a Traveller’s Choice award. Exceptional dining courtesy of Head Chef Phil Lowe. Main Street, South Rauceby Lincolnshire, NG34 8QG. Call 01529 488250 or see www.thebustardinn.co.uk.
THE CARRE ARMS
Charming Edwardian hotel and restaurant renowned for quality service & fabulous food. An eclectic mix of modern English and Mediterranean dishes. Mareham Lane, Sleaford NG34 7JP. Call 01529 303156 or see carrearmshotel.co.uk.
THE MALLARDS RESTAURANT
Classic British cuisine in a cosy setting, known for its Sunday roasts and welcoming service. Eastgate, Sleaford, NG34 7DJ. Call 01529 413758.
THE QUEEN’S HEAD
This charming village pub and restaurant in Kirkby la Thorpe serves classic British fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere with friendly service. Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford NG34 9NU. Call 01529 300750 or see www.thequeensheadpub.com.
THE SOLO BISTRO
Bistro bar and hotel with traditional dishes presented in a contemporary style making the most of local ingredients. Market Street, Sleaford NG34 7SF. Call 01529 303200 or see www.thesolo.bar.
Tipplemill.
TABLEZ BISTRO
Awardwinning cafe bistro. With indoor and outdoor seating as well as a fantastic balcony, a great place to pop in for breakfast or lunch. Southgate, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 300922.
THAI SABAI
Contemporary Thai restaurant specialising in Authentic Asian cuisine. Dishes are expertly prepared on the premises. Thai Chefs using only the finest ingredients along with herbs and spices which are import directly from Thailand. Millstream Square, Sleaford NG34 7RZ. Call 01529 413333 or see thaisabaisleaford.co.uk.
SPALDING
THE BLACK BULL
Quality pub restaurant
offering a wellcurated menu packed with hearty, food. Market Place, Donington, Spalding, PE11 4ST. Call 01775 822228 or see theblackbulldonington.co.uk.
JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
A culinary destination that offers unforgettable Indian dishes made with the finest ingredients and spices. 11 Double Street, Spalding PE11 2AA. Call 01775 423001 or see www.jashir.co.uk.
THE PARLOUR
Authentic, Edwardianstyle restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea, overlooking Springfields’ Festival Gardens. Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6EU. Call 01775 760949 or see www.springfieldsoutlet.co.uk.
STAMFORD
THE BULL & SWAN
Everything a traditional English inn should be, with gastro food and real ales, on the magnificent Burghley Estate.
High Street St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 766412 or see www.thebullandswan.co.uk.
RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
2024 CROWN HOTEL
This historic former coaching inn is now a wellregarded restaurant and hotel. A warm atmosphere and dishes with quality local ingredients. All Saints' Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.
MILLY’S BISTRO
Located within the Georgian William Cecil Hotel, Milly’s offers a homely vibrant feel and an inspired menu. St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 750070 or see www.millysbistro.co.uk.
THE OAK ROOM AT THE GEORGE OF STAMFORD
An elegant, historic venue offering a fine dining experience with classic British cuisine. Located in The George Hotel, this restaurant features candlelit tables and oakpanelled walls, ideal for special occasions. St. Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com.
WOODHALL SPA,
HORNCASTLE
AND CONINGSBY
THE ADMIRAL RODNEY
200 year old coaching inn
offering daytime and evening dining as well as comfortable accommodation.
North St, Horncastle, LN9 5DX. Call 01507 523131 or see www.admiralrodney.com.
THE DOWER HOUSE
Elegant country house hotel providing a range of freshly cooked dishes in a Victorian country house once home to Col Stafford Vere Hotchkin. Woodhall Spa, LN10 6PY. Call 01526 352588 or see www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk.
COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2024 KITCHENETTA
Deli and coffee shop providing freshly baked cakes and hampers as well as daytime favourites. Broadway, Woodhall Spa LN10 6ST. Call 01526 268008 or see www.kitchenetta.co.uk.
THE LEAGATE INN
Quality dining pub, run by the Dennison family since 1983 with Harry & Laura offering delicious seasonal dishes. Leagate Rd, Coningsby, LN4 4RS. Call 07957 756495 or see www.theleagateinn.co.uk.
MAGPIES
Small family run Restaurant with Rooms set in a row of 200 year old cottages in Horncastle serving a menu of fine dining dishes created by Andrew Gilbert with Caroline Gilbert at front of house. East Street, Horncastle, LN9 6AA. Call 01507 527004, www.magpiesrestaurant.co.uk.
PETWOOD HOTEL
Serving delicious and creative food with an AA rosette award for quality and consistency. Restaurant and terrace bar, popular classic afternoon tea provision, historic links to the Dambusters Squadron which once counted the Petwood at its home, and handsome Petolandscaped grounds. Also renowned for Sunday lunches, and a popular wedding/events venue.
Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Call 01526 352411 or see www.petwood.co.uk.
ZUCCHI BISTRO
Established in 2011 as a Mediterranean bistro with culinary influences. Tapas and sharing dishes as well as stonebaked pizzas, pasta and al forno dishes. Station Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QL. Call 01526 354466 or see www.zucci.org.
Follow us to WIN a FREE Meal
Enter our monthly social media competition Congratulations to Karen Jubb from Metheringham who is this month’s winner of free dining out in return for liking and sharing our posts on social media.
Follow us on Facebook to be in with a chance of winning a free meal each month. Scan the QR code below...
www.facebook.com /LincolnshirePride
www.instagram.com @LincolnshirePride
FOOD & DRINK ACROSS LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERY
Boston Sausage/Mountains, home to the Lincolnshire Sausage, with a dedicated farm shop at Abbey Parks near East Heckington. Call 01205 821 610 or shop online at www.mountainsfarmshop.com
LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST FOOD PRODUCER 2024
Gary Simpson Butchers, offering traceable and exceptional butchers including dryaged beef plus Lincolnshire sausages, haslet, stuffed chine and more. Sleaford, Heckington, South Hykeham and Stamford. 01529 460403, shop online at www.gsimpsonbutchers.co.uk.
BAKERY
Myers Bakery, home of the Lincolnshire Plum Loaf and artisan bakers founded by Charles Myer in 1901. Call 01507 525871 or shop online at www.myersbakery.co.uk.
Vine’s Bakery, specialise in baking artisan breads and pastries using the highest quality ingredients and time honoured traditions. Call 01522 581353 or shop online at www.vinesartisanbakery.co.uk.
LOCAL CHEESE
The Cheese Society, cheese ambassadors, retailers and cheese café in the heart of Lincoln. Subscriptions and gift boxes available. www.thecheesesociety.co.uk.
Cote Hill Cheese, home to Michael and Mary Davenport who have been creating Cote Hill White, Blue, Red, Yellow and Snowdrop from their farm since 2004, now ably assisted by son Joe, second generation cheesemaker. www.cotehill.com.
Lincolnshire Poacher, F W Read’s Tim and Simon Jones produce Lincolnshire Poacher, with a little help from their 230 Holstein Fresian cows... www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com.
FISH
Alfred Enderby, traditional smokehouse in Grimsby specialising in drysmoking haddock, salmon and trout. www.alfredenderby.co.uk.
East Lincs Seafood, established in 1987 and providing the freshest wet fish and shellfish to consumers. Call 01205 364372.
LINCOLNSHIRE DRINKS
Bateman’s, good honest ales since 1874, including flagship XXXB ale, available in bottles or on tap in the best Lincolnshire pubs. See www.batemansbrewery.co.uk.
Belvoir Fruit Farms, the home of delicious elderflower cordials and pressés, more than 40 drinks, all with natural ingredients. See www.belvoirfarm.co.uk.
LINCOLNSHIRE PRIDE’S BEST DRINKS PRODUCER 2024 8 Sail Brewery, multiawardwinning microbrewery based in Heckington Windmill. See www.8sailbrewery.com.
Mayfield Vineyard, located in the heart of Burton Pedwardine on a 100yearold family farm, producing still and sparkling wines. See www.mayfieldwine.co.uk.
Stokes of Lincoln, artisan coffee roastery with 120 years experience, based at The Lawn, Lincoln and on the city’s High Street at High Bridge café. See www.stokescoffee.com.
Tipplemill London Dry Gin, dry gin with locallymilled wheat, juniper and bittersweet citrus and elderflower. See www.tipplemill.com.
What’s On
Saturday 16th August
Tom Jones at Market Rasen
Back in the county for the first time since 2015, Tom Jones will make his triumphant return to Market Rasen Racecourse this summer, for a full headline set after racing this month, with tickets from £30. Expect to hear all his biggest hits including It’s Not Unusual, What’s New Pussycat?, Delilah and many more.
“Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Market Rasen Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience,” said Tom. Market Rasen Racecourse, LN8 3EA, gates 2.45pm, racing from 4.10pm, concert from 8.30pm, call 01673 843434 or see www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Outdoor Fun at Revesby
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Thursday 14th August
Friday 15th August
Saturday 16th August
Sunday 17th August
Outdoor Cinema at Lincoln Castle
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the UK’s number one outdoor cinema brings a fantastic lineup of films to Lincoln Castle!
This year’s films include Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia!, and Pretty Woman.
Tickets from £17.37, from 6pm. Lincoln Castle, book online at www.adventurecinema.co.uk.
Saturday 2nd August
The Wind in the Willows by Illyria
Sunday 3rd August
The Revesby Country Fair
The much-loved Lincolnshire country show returns, including a host of country entertainment, activities and country pursuits, including traditional equine favourites such as show jumping and shire horses. Live music, food stands and more add to the appeal, making Revesby Country Fair a great day out for the whole family.
Tickets £17/adult, £6/aged 516, Revesby Country Estate, PE22 7NB, 01522 581611, or see revesbycountryfair.co.uk.
Timid Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. Rat likes summer picnics and just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad announces his latest in a long line of extravagant obsessions, one that plays out courtesy of Illyria live at the Lincolnshire Showground. Live theatre performed by experienced professional group, suitable for children and adults, 100 mins running time, 20 min interval.
From 4.30pm, Lincolnshire Showground LN2 2NA. Call 01522 522900 or see lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.
Send your press releases and events to us via editor@pridemagazines.co.uk
Saturday 19th July to Wednesday 3rd September
A Summer of Play at Belton House
Summer of Play is back at Belton, sponsored by Starling Bank, and this time the stately home is going on a Big Dig with an archaeology and exploration theme! You'll be able to dig for treasures in the sand pits,
become an Ancient Egyptian with the mummification station and hieroglyphics code games, play giant versions of your favourite travel games and much more! Details for special object handling sessions and daily activities are soon to be confirmed, see website.
Call 01476 566116 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Summer at Harlaxton Manor
Former stately home of the Gregory family and the UK campus of Evansville College welcomes visitors
Saturday 23rd AugustMonday 25th August
Summer
Fine
Food Market
A celebration of food and drink at Burghley House, showcasing the best in local and international produce.
A host of artisan stalls and street food vendors from across the region and beyond will fill Burghley’s picturesque courtyards over the August Bank Holiday.
Discover a world of tastes and flavours including Persian street food, wood fired pizzas, locally distilled gins and award winning ciders, plenty to enjoy on the day or to take home for enjoy later.
Burghley House, Stamford PE9 3JY, from 10am4pm. See www.burghley.co.uk
Saturday 16th August Lincoln Pride Festival
Solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community with a day of festivities and parade at Lincoln Pride Festival.
www.lincolnpride.co.uk
Friday 22nd August to Monday 25th August
The
Asylum
Steampunk Festival 2025
Taking the Cathedral Quarter in Lincoln by storm to a time that never was! The largest steampunk festival in the world returns to Lincoln, bringing workshops, talks, competitions, market stalls and a Grand Promenade. ministryofsteampunk.com
Saturday 23rd August and Sunday 24th August
Harlaxton Manor Summer Open House
Join Harlaxton Manor this August Bank Holiday weekend as it opens its gates for the whole family to enjoy at the Summer Open House.
You’re invited to step into the property’s magical interiors and enjoy its gardens. The Team would love for you and all the family to join them for a wonderful weekend spent fully exploring the manor.
Discover the Manor’s staterooms too, which were conceived as a tour around Europe.
Constructed in 1831, Harlaxton Manor is truly unique, combining Jacobean, Elizabethan, and also Baroque styles and its gardens are some of Harlaxton’s most treasured features with French terraces, an Italian garden, and Dutch canal.
Manicured lawns, blooming flowers and sculpted trees decorate the rolling hills that create a spectacular backdrop. £15/adults, £8.50/junior, from 10am5pm, call 01476 403000 or see www.harlaxton.co.uk.
Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in Lincolnshire
Celebrating the summer with the best days out, live events and ideas for fun with the family – this month we present the Ultimate Guide to Summer in Lincolnshire
Words: Rob Davis.
Summer at Burghley
Stamford’s Elizabethan prodigy house was built in 1555-1587 by Sir William Cecil, later 1st Baron Burghley, Lord High Treasurer and right-hand man to Queen Elizabeth I.
There are 18 beautiful state rooms to enjoy, including the Heaven Room and Hell Staircase with its frescoes by Antonio Verrio and Thomas Stothard.
Its state rooms and collections are also unsurpassed, with a vast collection of textiles, ceramics and other artwork as well as impressive oriental ceramics and furniture by Ince & Mayhew.
Elsewhere visitors can enjoy learning more about Olympian David, Lord Burghley, the 6th Marquess of Exeter, who won an Olympic Gold in 1928 and a Silver medal in 1932.
His story was told – albeit with more than a bit of artistic license – in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. The 6th Marquess was also responsible for bringing the Burghley Horse Trials to the estate in 1961.
For visitors today, there is a vast expanse of parkland which was landscaped by Capability Brown from 1755, plus a sculpture garden and the newest addition, Hide & Secrets, a woodland play area themed around William Cecil and his role as Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, featuring his namesake, a friendly mole as a guide for youngsters.
Visitors can also enjoy music in the gardens this month with the Sounds of the 40s on 9th/10th August and Jazz in the Gardens on 16th/17th August, as well as a Birds of Prey day on 25th August and Burghley’s summer Fine Food Market (see opposite) before the estate gears up for its busiest month, preparing for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
A final word too for the Orangery restaurant, with its beautiful outdoor seating area which looks splendid at this time of year. A great place to enjoy an afternoon tea or lunch.
The parkland, gardens and adventure play areas of Burghley House is open seven days, the house is open Saturday-Thursday. Admission to gardens and adventure play £10/adult, £8/child, house gardens and adventure play £20/adult, £9/child, PE9 3JY, call 01780 752451 or see www.burghley.co.uk.
Burghley Fine Food Market 23rd-25th August
Burghley House invites you to enjoy the best food and drink with a host of artisan stalls and street food vendors from across the region over the August Bank Holiday.
Discover a world of tastes and flavours including Persian street food, wood fired pizzas, locally distilled gins and award winning ciders.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply love discovering something new, there's something to tempt your tastebuds.
10am-4pm, free admission, based in the Chestnut and Stable Courtyards.
4th - 7th SEPTEMBER
Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2025
A worldclass sporting fixture and a great day out for the whole family, Thursday 4th September to Sunday 7th September sees the return of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials held in the parkland of Burghley House since 1961.
Burghley is one of just seven eventing fixtures which are rated as being the most challenging in the world (rated fivestar by governing body the FEI). The event comprises dressage on Thursday and Friday, followed by a crosscountry round on Saturday and jumping on the Sunday. Around 70 competitors and 90 horses will take part, with the event’s grand prize won last year by Louth rider Ros Canter.
Quite beyond the fact that it’s a worldclass sporting fixture though, Defender Burghley Horse Trials is adored by fans of the countryside with 160,000 spectators enjoying 500+ trade stands and 100 food and drink vendors. Exhibitors typically include luxury jewellers Boodles and clothing and boots brands like Dubarry, Fairfax & Favor and Holland Cooper.
Burghley takes place across 530 acres, contributes £20m to the local economy each year and is regularly attended by VIPs such as Zara Tindall.
£405 four day pass, two people including parking, see www.burghley-horse.co.uk.
Summer at Belton House
Belton House is the quintessential English country estate, offering a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and outdoor enjoyment. Located just outside Grantham, this Grade I-listed property is managed by the National Trust and provides a richly rewarding visit for families and heritage enthusiasts alike.
Built in the 1680s for Sir John Brownlow, Belton House is a textbook example of Restoration architecture, comprising over 36 beautifully preserved rooms open to the public. These include elegant drawing rooms, family apartments, and ornate halls, each revealing layers of aristocratic life across the centuries. Among the highlights is the belowstairs tour, which offers a glimpse into the working lives of the household staff — an evocative journey through sculleries, servants’ quarters, and the original kitchen.
Outdoors, visitors are invited to explore Belton’s formal Italianate gardens, expansive parkland, and a lovingly-restored Victorian glasshouse filled with exotic plants. Younger visitors are especially well catered for too, with one of the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playgrounds, ensuring a full day of fun for all ages.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed picnic in the parkland or seeking inspiration from centuries of history and fine craftsmanship, Belton House promises a day of charm, discovery, and summer enjoyment.
Belton House is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm (house access from 11am), typically from early March through to late October, with shorter hours in the winter season. Admission for non-members is £15 per adult, £7.50 per child, or £37.50 for a family ticket, with National Trust members admitted free.
WHAT’S ON AT BELTON HOUSE THIS SUMMER
Summer of Play at Belton
Saturday 19th July 3rd September
Summer of Play is back at Belton, house, inviting youngsters to go on a Big Dig with an archaeology and exploration theme. Dig for treasures in the estate’s sand pits, become an Ancient Egyptian with the mummification station, explore hieroglyphics with code games and much more! Free event with admission.
Bellmount Tower Guided Walk
Sunday 20th July, Sunday 17th August
The Grade II* listed Bellmount Tower in the parkland of Belton House was created in 1750 and restored in 1989. The 22m tall structure is a viewing platform from which seven counties are visible. Known as ‘Brownlow’s trousers,’ regular guided walks to the tower are held with attendees invited to come along for free and enjoy spending two hours at the landmark with its impressive views of Belton House... don’t forget your camera! Free event with admission.
Adventure Cinema at Belton
Thursday 7th Sunday 19th August
Enjoy outdoor cinema in the parkland of Belton House with a singalong version of The Greatest Showman, Julia Donaldson favourites Gruffalo and Stickman for youngsters, Mamma Mia, Moana 2 and Pride & Prejudice being held to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details.
Photography Workshops
Sat 2nd August and Sat 6th September
If you’d like to make more of your photography, take your pictures further with this photography workshop which also affords the opportunity to take in some of the Belton estate along the way. Professional photographer Jon Pear will be sharing his expert toptips to help you improve your photography and move from automatic to manual modes to ensure you can take stunning pictures of the property and its parkland. £20, booking essential, call 0344 249 1895.
Belton’s Royal Connections
Adelbert BrownlowCust, 3rd Earl Brownlow, was born in 1844 and served in the Grenadier Guards, fighting in the Boer War and as an Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment from 1868 to 1908. His experience also led to him serving as UnderSecretary of State for War and offering the estate surrounding his family home, Belton House, as a Kitchener Camp from 1915, a PoW camp in 1917 and a military hospital for 670 patients until 1992.
With close links to government and the Royal Family, the 6th Lord Brownlow, Peregrine Cust, served as a Lord in Waiting to King Edward
VIII and tried (unsuccessfully) to head off the abdication crisis of 1936. Brownlow tried to persuade the King to stay at Belton House and wait out the crisis and he also accompanied Wallis Simpson on her flight to France where she and the Duke settled.
Lord Brownlow fell out of favour with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and sided with the establishment, earning Edward’s ire by refusing to attend his wedding to Wallis in 1937.
At the time Brownlow was also Mayor of Grantham and served as Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire – the monarch’s representative in the county – until 1950.
Vincenzo Laviosa.
Summer at Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home to the Dukes of Rutland, whose antecedent have lived on the estate since William the Conqueror gifted the land to Robert de Todeni following the Battle of Hastings.
It was a royal manor granted to Robert de Ros in 1257, crenellated and eventually inherited by George Manners, 11th Baron de Ros, creating the first Earl of Rutland in 1525.
The original Tudor structure was razed by Parliamentarians and rebuilt in 1654, then replaced again in the early 1800s and finally completed in 1832. The estate sits in 15,000 acres and after the discovery of some ‘lost’ Capability Brown plans, the renowned landscape architect’s vision for the estate’s parkland was realised in 2016.
Visitors can enjoy a range of state rooms including The Guard Room, Elizabeth Saloon and Regent’s Gallery, whilst themed organised tours are available including What the Butler Saw and a Film Lovers’ Tour which shows off all of the areas of Belvoir Castle used in productions like The Crown, The DaVinci Code and Young Victoria.
The Belvoir Retail Village
Back in 2018 The Duchess of Rutland was proud to unveil its new retail village, following an investment of £2.5m and a regeneration of the site which was once home to the old pumping engine that was used to supply the castle with water.
In the past year it has gone from strength to strength with a host of new retailers and premium food and drink experiences. The jewel in the crown is the Duchess’s Collection with its elegant fashion and homeware inspired by the rich heritage of the castle.
To curate a beautiful garden, The Grange garden centre and nursery has a wide selection of quality
Open Seven Days
plants, garden supplies, and outdoor living products, whilst luxury interior design and homeware supplier Bumbles champions unique, recycled, reclaimed, sustainable and handmade decor. Tori Murphy also specialises in British woven fabrics and homeware with traditional values of quality and timeless design.
Peckish? Belvoir Bistro utilises ingredients and food suppliers from the estate and the surrounding area, and the Balloon Bar and terrace are ideal for enjoying a gin ‘n’ tonic, woodfired pizza, or ice cream courtesy of a brand new luxury ice cream parlour.
ANIMAL FUN AT BELVOIR CASTLE
New to Belvoir Castle and great for days out with the grandchildren, Belvoir Animal Park is located next to Belvoir Retail Village and features sheep, goats, chickens and more, with regular handson feeding and petting sessions always taking place.
Undoubtedly the star of the show is Stu, the cuddly handreared Hereford who is usually to be found with his best friend, Ginge the cat. Adorable! £4.50/person, 10am-4pm weekends/bank holidays.
A BRAND NEW VINEYARD
English wine has really gained a great reputation recently and the Belvoir estate established its own vines four years ago, coming to maturity now and enabling vintner Mark Bygott to create a red, rosé, white and both white and rosé wine made using the Méthode Champenoise. Enjoy a vineyard tour on 16th August and 17th August from 6pm and 4pm, with tasting and supper included. £48/person, prebook at www.belvoircastle.com.
1940s AFTERNOON TEA FESTIVAL
Step back in time at Belvoir Castle on Sunday 31st August with afternoon tea, vintage music courtesy of Johnny Victory’s cheeky vintage vocals and the beautiful Bluebird Belles.
Period dress encouraged but not required and a good sense of rhythm (or humour) is all you need. Whether you’re a seasoned reenactor or just love the music of era, this is an afternoon not to miss. £10/adult, £6/child, booking recommended.
Lincolnshire’s Brilliant
Visitor
Attractions
ALFORD MANOR HOUSE
Built in 1611 and carrying a Grade II* listing, Alford Manor House is thought to be the largest thatched manor house in the UK.
As well as the building itself, the property hosts themed exhibitions which have, in the past, included Classic Radios and Cameras, Alford 19141918 and 50 Years of Alford Craft Market.
At the rear of the property is the Museum of Rural Life with exhibits and ephemera from bygone local businesses like William Butters boot maker’s shop.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am, 4pm, £6.50/adults, Alford, LN13 9HT, www.alfordmanorhouse.co.uk.
HARLAXTON MANOR
A remarkable building constructed in 1831, Harlaxton Manor is usually closed to the public as a college campus of the University of Evansville.
However, visitors are welcome in August where a fusion of Gothic, Jacobean, and Baroque architecture will impress along with the French terraces and Italianate gardens.
The estate is currently in the process of restoring its walled gardens to create a new sensory garden. Open on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August, 10am/1.30pm entry times. £15/adults, £8.50/child. 01476 403000, www.harlaxton.co.uk.
NORMANBY HALL
North Lincolnshire’s Regency mansion is set within 350 acres of parkland, and offers visitors the chance to learn more about Regency life, find out what life was like below stairs, and enjoy the Victorian walled garden. Other attractions include the Rural Life Museum and Victorian Laundry. Normanby Hall is hosting its Country Fair on 25th August with live folk and country music, country games and activities and fairground rides. Playgrounds, Go Ape and Splash Pad for children.
Grimsthorpe Castle is a working country estate with a host of exciting events throughout summer, from its Rewired Festival tribute show on 16th August to outdoor theatre like The Tale of Jemina PuddleDuck by Beatrix Potter on Saturday 23rd August, and a Tudor Day on Sunday 24th August. There’s outdoor cinema too from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August with Grease, Sing, Andrea Bocelli and Bridget Jones’ Diary. Visitors can also enjoy the Grade I listed Vanbrugh property and its Capability Brownlandscaped grounds.
Open until end September, 11am-4pm, £16/adults, £8/child, 01778 591205, www.grimsthorpe.co.uk.
TATTERSHALL CASTLE
Tattershall Castle, the county’s remarkable red brick fortification, will be open seven days a week throughout August from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The National Trust – custodians of the building since 1952 – is hosting Summer of Play until September, and the property will host a medieval weekend on 23rd/24th/25th August in partnership with the Plantagenet Medieval Society, with medieval minstrels, dancing, and swordtosword combat in the arena.
Admission £10/adult, £5/child, free entry for NT.
Tattershall, LN4 4LR, www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
GUNBY HALL
The National Trust’s Gunby Hall is the historic home of the MassingberdMundy family. Built in 1700 and with a Grade I listing, the property is set in eight acres of walled gardens and in 100 acres of parkland plus a country estate of 1,500 acres.
The property is taking part in the Trust’s Summer of Play activities throughout August. Gardens open at twilight on 15th August as part of a National Day of Relaxation. Apple Day is on Sunday 28th Sept.
Open seven days from 10am, £11/adults, £5.50/children, NT members free admission, Spilsby, PE23 5SS, www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
LINCOLN CASTLE
It’s a busy month for Lincoln Castle as the Uphill Lincoln attraction hosts Medieval Jousting on 2nd and 3rd August, and William Marshall’s Knight School on 16th/17th August. There’s also Outdoor Cinema from 14th/17th August including Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman and Pretty Woman.
Then, from 23rd25th August, the Asylum Steampunk Festival takes over the castle!
Day ticket £17.50/adult, £9.50/child.
Medieval Wall Walk £12/adult, £7/child. Call 01522 782019 or see www.lincolncastle.com.
WOOLSTHORPE MANOR
Best known as the childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton, see the property to which the scientist, mathematician and astronomer returned in 1665 to escape the plague and its Flower of Kent apple tree in the property’s orchard.
The property’s Science Centre allows youngsters to learn more about gravity, motion and optics. Discover more about the theories which are still relevant across different industries and to current scientists.
Open Monday and Thursday-Sunday, from 10am, £14/adults, £7/child, free entry for NT members. Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth, NG33 5PD.
Tattershall Castle.
Discovering History
MRS SMITH’S COTTAGE
An absolutely unique prospect in Navenby. Hilda Smith was born in 1892 and lived in her cottage until her 102nd birthday. Having purchased the cottage in 1922, it was later restored and opened as a museum in 1999. It remains modestly appointed, barely changed over the years and providing a fascinating time capsule, evoking memories of life in a simpler time.
Awardwinning museum bringing wartime 1930s & 1940s Britain to life and demonstrating what life was like back on the home front. The museum was created from founders Paul & Linda Britchford’s private collection of memorabilia, and now features a police office, Anderson shelter and restored Hurricane in display as well as a Lancaster bomber simulator.
£7/adults, £5/children. Friday-Sunday and bank holidays from 10am, 01205 761082 or see www.wma-ww2museum.co.uk.
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE
Having opened in 2018, the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) has gone beyond its original remit to serve as a point of remembrance for those who served in Bomber Command, recognising the losses of 62 nations. Cleverly designed too; the memorial spire at its centre is the same height of a Lancaster’s wing span, and aerial planting of trees is relative to the position of Lincolnshire’s airbases.
The centre’s Walls of Names list the 58,000 individuals who lost their lives whilst serving in Bomber Command.
Tuesday-Sunday from 9.30am, £12/adult, £6.50/child, International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, LN4 2HQ. www.internationalbcc.co.uk.
THE MUSEUM OF LINCOLNSHIRE LIFE
Based in the Victorian barracks of the Royal North Lincoln Militia, and with 250,000 objects including an authentic WWI tank made in Lincoln, this month the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is hosting Lincoln: Then & Now, which will pair photos from the past and present showing the similarities and differences in Lincoln over the years.
There will also be some interesting original objects from the museum’s archive collections to complement the images, plus a short film put together by the Lincolnshire Film Archive.
Friday-Tuesday from 10am, free admission. Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LY. Call 01522 782040 or see www.lincolnshire.gov.uk.
COGGLESFORD MILL
North Kesteven and its partners have done a spectacular job of restoring and opening Cogglesford Watermill to visitors. Milling demonstrations also are hosted every month. Restored from 2021 and producing stone ground flour in the mill, Cogglesford is probably the last surviving working Sheriff’s Mill in England. East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ. Friday to Mondays, 12 noon to 4pm, free admission. See www.heartoflincs.com.
BBMF. International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick. Mrs Smith’s Cottage, Navenby.
Lincolnshire’s Best Museums
MAGNA CARTA VAULT
Lincoln Castle was already a scheduled monument and 11th century Grade I listed site, but 10 years ago it also gained a speciallydesigned vault in which to house Magna Carta, the 1215 charter on permanent loan from Lincoln Cathedral. This year it has been joined by the 1217 Charter of the Forest too, the only place in the world where the two documents can be seen together. Learn more about the documents whilst enjoying a visit to the Victorian prison.
£17.50/adult day ticket, £9.50/child. Lincoln Castle, see www.lincolncastle.com.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT
Explore the county’s aviation heritage and see one of only two remaining airworthy Lancaster bombers as well as Spitfires, Hurricanes and Chipmunks.
Monday to Friday, £12/adults, £7/children. Coningsby, LN4 4SY. See visitlincolnshire.com.
GUILDHALL MUSEUM
The Guild of St Mary, commonly referred to as Boston Guildhall, was built in the 1390s and tells the story of the area’s international trade with the Hanseatic League, the foundation of the Corporation of Boston and the very famous trial and imprisonment of the Pilgrims. Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30am, free admission, 01205 365954 or see www.boston.gov.uk.
GUIDED ROOF TOURS OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
And finally... no historythemed recommendations would be complete without mentioning Lincoln Cathedral. However, even those familiar with the building will gain new insight and be able to explore previously unseen areas by booking onto a guided roof tour. See the bell chambers, roof trusses above the nave and view the Cathedral’s stained glass windows up close.
£7.50/person, Mon-Fri 11am, 1pm, Sat 11am, 1pm, 3pm. See lincolncathedral.com.
Getting in Touch with Nature
There’s no better time than summer to reconnect with the natural world. Lincolnshire’s countryside, coast and conservation centres offer a host of experiences for those seeking tranquillity, education, or just a good old-fashioned family day out. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature this season.
Begin your outdoor odyssey with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which manages some of the county’s most beautiful and biodiverse reserves. For a start, Gibraltar Point near Skegness is a vast, windswept stretch of dunes, saltmarsh and beach with a modern visitor centre and ever-changing habitats perfect for spotting wading birds and butterflies.
Snipe Dales, nestled near Spilsby, is a contrasting mix of woodland and wet valleys, ideal for a peaceful ramble. If you’re visiting Lincoln, drop into the Whisby Natural World Centre for interactive exhibits and scenic lakeside walks that are brilliant for spotting dragonflies and waterfowl.
Over on the Humber bank, Far Ings is a wetland haven formed from old clay pits, attracting marsh harriers and bitterns among its reeds and pools. For more information, contact the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on (01507 526667, www.lincstrust.org.uk).
Keen birders should also make time for the RSPB’s reserves in the region. Frampton Marsh, just south of Boston, offers expansive views, excellent facilities, and close-up sightings of avocets, plovers and perhaps even spoonbills.
Freiston Shore, also nearby, combines freshwater lagoons and saltmarsh with seabird-packed hides. These are superb places to bring a pair of binoculars and spend a few serene hours soaking in the sights and sounds of the birding world (0345 612 2974, www.rspb.org.uk).
Bransby Horses near Lincoln is a great day out too, a heartwarming sanctuary where rescued equines enjoy a new lease of life. With over 300 horses, donkeys and mules across 600 acres, it’s a great place to get up close to some gentle giants and support a really wonderful, worthwhile charity (01427 788464, bransbyhorses.co.uk).
Meanwhile, both young and old will be enchanted by a visit to Lincoln Zoo which is home to tigers, white wolves, crocodiles and even a red panda, near Langworth, Lincoln. This month the Zoo is hosting a grown-ups only evening from 7pm-9pm with live music and drinks (01522 754280, lincolnzoo.co.uk).
If you’re staying on the East Coast, there are two more great stops for families. Church Farm Museum in Skegness provides an educational glimpse into Lincolnshire’s rural past, with traditional farm buildings, animals, and activities for children (01754 766658, www.churchfarmvillage.org.uk).
And right in the heart of the resort is the Skegness Aquarium, which lets you walk through a pirate-themed underwater world and meet sharks, rays and seahorses face to face (01754 228200, skegness-aquarium.uk).
Right: A lapwing at Frieston Shore.
Revesby Country Fair
Sunday 3rd August
Revesby Country Fair, the popular Lincolnshire family day out, will return this summer with a packed schedule of entertainment, activities and events. Taking place on Sunday 3rd August, the much-loved country show will offer jaw-dropping stunt displays and plenty of hands-on activities for all the family, as well as traditional favourites including classic cars, vintage tractors and equine competitions.
Headlining this year is the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, which returns by popular demand after last appearing at Revesby Country Fair in 2019. Consisting of children and young people, the Imps is the world’s premier military-style display teamwhose youngest performer is just five years old. The team will be putting on an unmissable display of discipline and skill in the Main Ring.
With more than 200 traders and exhibitors expected, the event also promises its annual cooking, growing
and flower competitions, as well as live music, ‘Revesby style’ terrier racing and some of the best food and drink Lincolnshire has to offer.
“We’re thrilled to be returning for another fantastic day out this year, with an exciting line-up of returning favourites that the whole family will know and love,” says John Roe Chairman of Revesby Country Fair.
“Visitors can expect an astonishing Main Ring display from the Imps, with multiple motorcycle cross-over routines and billowing fire jumps - it’s not to be missed! There will also be plenty of ‘have-a-go’ hobbies like clay pigeon shooting and archery, and you can even get your four legged friends involved with dog agility, gun dog scurrying and the fun dog show.
“Tickets are available now and if you purchase online in advance you’ll be able to skip the queue on the day, so it pays to be organised.”
Revesby Country Fair takes place at Revesby Park (PE22 7NB) on Sunday 3rd August 2025 from 8.30am 5pm. Tickets are priced at £17 for adults, £6 for children and £40 for a family of five (two adults and up to three children). For further details visit revesbycountryfair.co.uk.
Country Shows in Lincolnshire
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July
THE HECKINGTON SHOW
Britain’s largest village show returns, offering a true family day out with trade stands and food, a large heritage area, vintage machinery and areas for horticulture and the arts, plus a concert marquee and plenty of livestock and horses. The event culminates in a grand concert on Saturday evening with headliner Rule The World delivering the music of Take That and Robbie Williams complete with firework finalé. See www.heckingtonshow.org.uk.
Sunday 31st August 2025
WRAGBY SHOW & COUNTRY FAYRE
Family friendly entertainment and a great day out with trade stands, children’s entertainment, food stalls, classic cars, vintage machinery and carriage driving, as well as a horse show with jumping and heavy horses, plus live music. Main ring entertainment this year includes a Wild West Extravaganza. See www.wragbyshow.co.uk.
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th Sept
SANDRINGHAM GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR
OK, we admit it... this event isn’t in Lincolnshire, but it’s still worth a trip into Norfolk to enjoy Living Heritage’s event. The people who bring you the Burghley Game & Country Fair also host an event on the Sandringham Estate with arena events including equestrian stunts and horse boarding, scurry driving, falconry, gundogs and more. Ferret racing fun, historical reenactments, vintage funfair plus lots of local food and drink to enjoy. See www.livingheritagecountryshows.com.
Sound & Vision
Al Fresco in Lincolnshire
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
Open air theatre this month at Stamford’s Tolethorpe Hall
This month sees performances of Macbeth from mid-July to 23rd August, plus Taming of the Shrew until 26th July and Agatha Christie whodunnit The Mirror Crack’d throughout July and until 16th August. Enjoy quality cinema in the covered outdoor auditorium of Stamford Shakespeare’s Tolethorpe Hall. Take along a picnic or enjoying dining at the theatre’s on-site restaurant, The Fig Tree. Tickets from £22, see website for times/dates (www.tolethorpe.co.uk) or call 01780 917240.
Open Air Flicks with Kinema in the Woods
Woodhall Spa’s Kinema in the Woods presents open air cinema to enjoy in the Woodland Courtyard of the Flicks in the Sticks, which has been showing films outdoors since 2022.
Friday 1st August: My Girl
Saturday 2nd August: Ghostbusters
Saturday 9th August: Hot Fuzz
Friday 15th August: Greatest Showman
Saturday 16th August: The Lost Boys
Friday 22nd August: Top Gun
Saturday 23rd August: Mamma Mia!
Sunday 24th August: Finding Dory
Sun 24th August: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Friday 29th August: Wonka
Call 01526 352166 or see www.thekinemainthewoods.co.uk.
Lincolnshire’s Greatest Hits...
9th/10th AUGUST: 1940S SALUTE
Salute to the 40s at the International Bomber Command Centre, is a weekend of 1940s music, entertainment, tea and cakes on vintage crockery and cabaret acts al fresco with barbecue. Culminates in the IBCC Blackout Ball with period dress. See www.internationalbcc.co.uk.
16th AUGUST: TOM JONES
Worldclass crooning at Market Rasen Racecourse on 16th August as Tom, who has had a hit in every decade from the 1960s to 2010s visits Lincolnshire as part of this month’s racing fixture.
Concert from 8pm, tickets from £40, see www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/marketrasen.
16th AUGUST: REWIRED FESTIVAL
Grimsthorpe Castle hosts a tribute show featuring Oasis Forever, Planet Abba (below), Pure Queen, Gladness, Blurz, Steptastic and Arctic Monkeys tribute act Mardy Bums performing in the parkland.
Concert from 3pm, tickets from £45/adult, £26/child, www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk.
Tom Jones
Music, Memories and Market Rasen
Sir Tom Jones returns to Market Rasen Racecourse for a spectacular open-air concert this month... we catch up with the Welsh legend ahead of his hotly anticipated performance
It’s been a long time... 10 years, in fact! A decade after his last appearance at Market Rasen Racecourse, Sir Tom Jones returns to the Lincolnshire venue for one special summer evening on Saturday 16th August 2025. The concert – part of the racecourse’s nowiconic season of racingandmusic events –promises an electrifying mix of old favourites, powerful vocals and feelgood entertainment under the stars.
We spoke to Sir Tom ahead of the event about his musical journey, his love for performing live, and what it means to return to Market Rasen.
“The fans make it,” he says, speaking with the warm, gravelly Welsh timbre familiar to millions. “They turn a good night into an unforgettable one – and when I was last at Market Rasen in 2015, they did just that. It was sensational.”
Summer concerts at Market Rasen have become a staple of Lincolnshire’s cultural calendar, combining thrilling horse racing with evening performances by some of the UK’s bestknown artists. Previous acts have included Madness, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Tom Grennan – each bringing their own flavour of entertainment to the racecourse’s picturesque rural setting.
Image: Paul Lyme.
>>
Tom Jones
“Market Rasen is one of those places where you feel really close to the audience,” says Tom. “It’s an open-air stage, but there’s an intimacy to it. Everyone’s there to enjoy themselves –the races, the music, the food – and that’s a brilliant thing to be part of...”
This year’s line-up kicked-off with Scouting for Girls in June, but it’s the return of Tom Jones – the lion-hearted legend of soul and swing – that’s got fans talking.
“Market Rasen is one of those places where you feel really close to the audience,” says Tom. “It’s an open-air stage, but there’s an intimacy to it. Everyone’s there to enjoy themselves – the races, the music, the food – and that’s a brilliant thing to be part of.”
The event is part of The Jockey Club Live series – a nationally celebrated programme blending top-tier sport with world-class live music. With crowds of thousands expected, and hospitality packages available to suit every taste, Tom’s concert promises an unforgettable summer evening for music lovers of all ages.
Born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, in 1940, Tom’s journey from the coal valleys of the Rhondda to global superstardom is the stuff of musical folklore. Signing to Decca Records in the mid-1960s, his big break came with It’s Not Unusual – a track that catapulted him to international fame and cemented his place in the pantheon of pop greats.
Since then, his repertoire has spanned genres and decades – from the seductive swing of What’s New Pussycat and Delilah to later-era hits like Sex Bomb and collaborations with artists as varied as Jools Holland, The Cardigans and Wyclef Jean.
“I’ve always loved rhythm and blues at my core,” he reflects. “But a good song is a good song – and if it speaks to me, I’ll sing it.”
That versatility has kept Tom relevant in an ever-changing industry, earning him admiration across generations. Now 85, he remains as
vital as ever, with recent albums like Praise & Blame, Spirit in the Room and Long Lost Suitcase receiving some of the strongest reviews of his career.
“Those albums were a bit of a return to basics,” he explains. “Raw, live recordings with great musicians in the room. No tricks. Just the songs, the voice and the moment.”
Tom’s career achievements are staggering. With over 100 million records sold, knighthood by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006, and accolades including BRIT Awards, a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the US Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Hitmaker Award, the performer’s status as a global icon is undisputed.
But alongside the fame, there’s a deeply personal story. Married at 17, Tom shared almost six decades with his beloved wife Melinda, who sadly passed away in 2016. Her loss was a defining moment – but one he met, in true Welsh spirit, with music.
“Music heals,” he says simply. “It keeps you moving, keeps you grounded, and lets you keep giving.”
And give he does. Between global tours, television success as a judge on The Voice UK, and sell-out summer shows, Tom’s passion for live performance has never waned.
“Performing live is the centre of my life,” he says. “There’s nothing quite like that moment when you feel the audience’s energy bounce back at you. That’s what I’m looking forward to at Market Rasen.”
n Sir Tom Jones performs at Market Rasen Racecourse on Saturday 16th August 2025. Gates open for an afternoon of racing before the evening concert begins, see www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
On the Farm Farming
What’s happening in the fields of Lincolnshire with farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE
What an event! After a year of planning and lots of work, the Cereals event returned to Lincolnshire in June and it was enjoyed by 20,000 people in bright sunshine, with the very latest kit on display. The whole event went without a hitch... well, nearly. Over 20,700 viewers are now subscribed to Wardy’s Waffle, the YouTube
channel where, twice a week, I report on what’s going on both on our arable farm at Leadenham, but in farming more generally.
I’m really grateful that the content is so popular, not just because it’s lovely to receive such great feedback, but because the channel enables us to keep farming foremost in people’s mind, and make sure that both farmers and non-farmers alike understand both the joy and the challenges that the profession faces, now more than ever.
I’m really grateful to everyone who came to see us at the Wardy’s Waffle bar, shared their kind words with us, and purchased one of our polo shirts, which made their debut at the event. Also making a (brief) debut at the event was our blimp, a six-metre Wardy’s Waffle-branded balloon filled with 18 cubic metres of helium.
Unfortunately, the rope tethering it to our stand loosened and before we could stop it, the thing had floated away. Cranwell Air Traffic Control were very understanding when we reported it. I’ve had to endure an immense amount of teasing ever since, but with around 20,000 people enjoying 450 trade stands and 600 trial plots across two bright and sunny days, it’s impossible to regard the event as anything but a complete success... my thanks to everyone who helped to make this year’s Cereals so enjoyable! It’s surprising how soon the event was dismantled, too. Walking around the site on the Friday afternoon much of the machinery was already off-site and site remediation was underway. We will harvest the trial plots though, and spray the rest of the site off ready for autumn cultivation, but meanwhile, we’re looking forward to harvest 2025.
We’ve had our New Holland combine for 10 seasons now, and along with Russells, based at Harby and Tuxford, we’re diligent about ensuring it’s kept in good order to ensure it looks after us as well as we look after it.
Likewise, our hand-roguing team each year ensure that blackgrass is kept at bay. With some much needed rain falling on the crops before Cereals, we’re hoping that they will be in good condition and will yield well. When the combines start rolling, they will harvest cereals from 1,260 Lincolnshire farms and a total cropped area of 280,000ha... that’s over 10% of the cereals grown in the UK, which shows how important farming, and the arable sector is to Lincolnshire and to the country too.
Watch Wardy’s Waffle: Our farming correspondent Andrew Ward MBE farms 1,600 acres in Lincolnshire, growing wheat, barley, oilseed rape, sugar beet, beans and oats. Andrew has his own YouTube channel, Wardy’s Waffle, which is enjoyed by over 20,700 subscribers. Watch his updates Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday mornings at 8am. Search YouTube for @WardysWaffleAndrewWard.
Top: Team ‘Wardy’s Waffle,’ Ruben, Jess, Rhonda and Tom... thank you so much for all of your hard work! Thanks as well to Oscar, my grandson (above) for being with us at the event too!
Gardens
Classic A Modern
A meeting of old and new, this Grade II listed former barn has been brilliantly transformed into a contemporary five-bedroom house... and now, Fen Barn is on the market, seeking new custodians to enjoy its architecture
Words: Rob Davis.
A masterclass in architectural sensitivity and contemporary refinement, Fen Barn represents one of the finest examples of how historic agricultural buildings can be respectfully and imaginatively reimagined for modern living. This Grade II listed conversion unites a lofty Lincolnshire barn and its adjoining cart shed to create a singular five-bedroom home where vernacular charm meets sleek, structural clarity.
Conceived with a deft architectural hand and a deeply considered approach to materials and form, the house is defined by its clean lines, natural textures and effortless connection between inside and out. Its aesthetic is one of restraint, confidence, and timelessness—a home equally well-suited to entertaining and retreat.
Set back from the road and approached via a discreet shingled drive, Fen Barn presents a calm and understated façade. Twin timberframed wings open around a central courtyard and garden, establishing an immediate sense of symmetry and composure. The use of fair-faced soft red brickwork, original to the agricultural structure, is contrasted with the contemporary gloss of black-framed glazing and dark metal accents. >>
A fully glazed western entrance opens onto the home’s main living area, a breath-taking volume that showcases the bones of the original barn
>> An open-fronted double garage and ample parking complement the approach, while the landscaped garden—enclosed by lollipop trees, laurel hedging and subtly elevated by raised Corten planters—signals the deliberate harmony between the house and its setting.
A fully glazed western entrance opens onto the home’s main living area, a breath-taking volume that showcases the bones of the original barn. Open trusses and revealed roof timbers form a sculptural backdrop to a space that is both dramatic and comfortable. Smooth, waxed concrete floors run underfoot, while full-height glazing frames the garden beyond and invites the outdoors in. Though vast and open-plan, the space is arranged with an intuitive flow between living, dining, and entertaining areas.
To one side, a generous snug provides a more intimate retreat. Designed for reading, conversation, or film-watching, it offers a contrast to the vast central space while remaining visually connected. The kitchen sits within what was once the cart shed, where the original brick piers have been cleverly infilled with glazing to capture the southern light.
A bespoke central island, black-fronted and topped with quartz, anchors the space. Around it, cabinetry is sleek and plentiful, appliances are discreetly integrated, and there’s ample space for family dining or entertaining.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a corridor finished with timber-slatted jib doors conceals a utility/pantry room, shower room, and cloak storage.
At the end of the corridor lies a flexible additional room, suited to use as a playroom, study, or sixth bedroom.
Sleeping accommodation begins on the ground floor, separated from the social spaces by a sliding barn-style door. Here, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms
Fen Barn in Claypole
Location: Situated in the village of Claypole. Newark 5.6 miles, Grantham 13.9 miles.
Rooms: Accommodation arranged over two floors with 2,676sq ft space. Open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room, snug, two/three beds on ground floor with two en suites. two further bedrooms en suites on first floor
Guide Price £860,000.
Find Out More: Currently on the market with The Modern House, call 020 3795 5920 or see www.themodernhouse.com.
offer elegant simplicity. Vaulted ceilings and soft-toned plastered walls are complemented by minimalist detailing and calming light. The entire composition feels peaceful, coherent and beautifully resolved.
A bespoke staircase in metal and oak rises to a gallery bridge above the living space, connecting two further bedrooms. This bridge maintains visual continuity with the barn’s soaring interior while offering views out to the garden. The upstairs bedrooms are also en suite, each with rooflights or well-placed windows that flood the rooms with daylight. As with the rest of the house, materials and colours are kept soft and organic, with a focus on quality and atmosphere.
Outside, the house opens onto a series of landscaped spaces designed for year-round enjoyment. The main terrace leads from the living area into a south-facing garden of raised beds and curated planting, with shady corners and sunlit clearings.
The design is deliberate but naturalistic, supporting pollinators and providing colour and scent throughout the seasons. Concealed lighting allows the garden to be enjoyed long into the evening, while a useful garden shed provides discreet storage. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and rural calm.
Fen Barn is more than a converted barn—it is a statement of architectural integrity. Every element has been thought through, from the structure and palette to the flow of space and light. The result is a home that bridges time periods and aesthetic languages with grace and purpose, offering a rare balance of historic character and contemporary sophistication.
How does your garden grow? If you’ve yielded some beautiful blooms this summer, don’t wait for them to be noticed outdoors... bring the beauty inside and display them in one of these elegant vases
SPODE
Blue Italian British Flowers vase, 10cm, £90, www.spode.co.uk
A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but some are more special than others, including a brand new variety – The King’s Rose – created by David Austin Roses. Upon its release the new bloom was made available exclusively in Lincolnshire through Humber Bridge Garden Centre
Words: Rob Davis.
Shakespeare wrote that a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. He was incorrect. Some are a little sweeter than others. Roses, for example, bred by David Austin are widely regarded as the gold standard among a family of perennials with no fewer than 300 species accepted by Kew Gardens from a total of 30,000 cultivated varieties.
Among the most anticipated new cultivations around the world are the varieties created by David Austin – usually unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – and this year was no exception.
The company, based in Shropshire and founded in 1961 by its namesake, is now run by the second and third generation of the family.
The company’s Chairman unveiled The King’s Rose at Chelsea, brand new for 2025 and designed as a tribute to HRH King Charles III.
Only a handful of British retailers gain status as an approved David Austin stockist, and fewer still were able to offer their customers the new variety. That’s why Jake Massarella and the team at Humber Bridge Garden Centre were thrilled to be able to show off the new rose last month.
“We created Humber Bridge Garden Centre in April 2022 and from its inception we were determined to offer the very best products for the garden as well as plants, shrubs and flowers produced with the most conscientious nursery husbandry possible. Quality was very much our aim, and has remained at the heart of everything we do.”
“We’ve developed the 17-acre site ever since and we were thrilled to be approved as a David Austin stockist. In September last year they also helped us to design and plant a beautiful display of roses featuring some stunning varieties by the garden centre’s entrance to welcome our visitors.”
“Retail partners of David Austin are subject to a regular visit to make sure the brand is only sold in the very best centres, and when we received a visit a few months ago, David Austin were happy to allow us to offer our customers the new 2025 variety, of which very few details were revealed until RHS Chelsea.”
“When the show opened its doors, David Austin disclosed its garden, the theme of which was Secret Garden. It featured over 50 varieties including ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk,’ ‘Rambling Rector,’ and ‘Ghislaine de Féligonde.’ The show garden subsequently rewarded David Austin with its 29th RHS Chelsea gold medal.”
“At the end of the garden’s archways was the new variety of rose which, the company revealed, was to be named The King’s Rose, as a tribute to King Charles, and has since been planted at Highgrove.”
“We were delighted to receive our delivery of the variety that week, and our customers purchased them so quickly that we sold out of them within about four hours!”
“It’s anticipated that the next release will be in August or September, adding to the 50 varieties of David Austin potted roses that we stock already, with shrub, rambling and climbing roses all expected to be in full bloom throughout the summer.”
The new variety produces semi-double, repeat-flowering blooms that appear in profusion, with at least 20 buds per stem. Its petals boast distinct stripes in shades of fuchsia pink and white, creating an almost hand-painted look reminiscent of old Gallica roses.
The King’s Rose also boasts a light-medium musk fragrance with hints of fresh apple and rose water, with soft clove notes. It’s a versatile and robust shrub with a vase-shaped growth habit and heart-shaped leaves.
>>
“We’re thrilled to offer David Austin roses amongst some really well-nurtured plants, and we’re proud to have become a destination that people visit from a wide radius on both sides of the Humber.”
Humber Bridge Garden Centre now boasts an impressive display of David Austin Roses. The centre itself is also home to everything that novices or experienced horticulturalists need to create a beautiful garden.
If you’re looking to brighten up your outdoor space, not only will you find the plants, flowers and shrubs to create an impressive display, you’ll find traditional handmade terracotta pots made in an adjacent workshop by Gabriel Nichols.
The potter hand-throws wall pots, flower pots, and bespoke pottery items from clay produced from William Blyth’s tileworks next door. William Blyth was one of the many tile and brick manufacturers found along the Humber’s south bank. When the Brick Tax was abolished in 1850, the tile and brick industry expanded so that by the early 1890s, around 20 such manufacturers operated in the Barton area.
Humber Bridge Garden Centre
Garden Centre: Humber Bridge Garden Centre features a great selection of plants, garden furniture and homewares plus a range of tools to make sure you’re fully equipped to create a gorgeous garden.
Restaurant: Delicious breakfasts, lunches and good coffee to enjoy indoors, or al fresco on the spacious terrace overlooking Humber Bridge Garden Centre’s beautiful lake. Afternoon tea and homecooked food from the Old Tile Works’ Burger to fish ‘n’ chips, Ploughman’s Lunch and pie of the day, plus delicious homemade cakes and pastries.
Food Hall: Located opposite The Old Tile Works’ Restaurant, Humber Bridge Garden Centre’s food hall stocks bread and pastries baked daily each morning plus local and artisan food brands from Cartwright & Butler’s biscuits and confectionery to Yorkshire pasta and local honey, plus a range of wines, spirits and ales including Wold Top bitter and Hawkstone lager.
Retail Village: A range of individual retailers and artisans all producing quality goods, from handcrafted jewellery to pottery, inspired by the diverse landscape.
Visit Humber Bridge Garden Centre and The Old Tile Works, Far Ings Road, Barton Upon Humber DN18 5RF. See www.humberbridgegardencentre.co.uk, call 01652 637095. Open Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm.
Also on site is the Old Tile Works’ restaurant and food hall where visitors can enjoy high quality daytime dining and take home the best local produce too, supporting local suppliers and producers.”
“Our ambition for Humber Bridge Garden Centre was to bring together a wonderful group of people to create the perfect lifestyle destination in a unique location,” says Jake.
“We really wanted to create somewhere that customers could gain inspiration from their surroundings. We’re thrilled to offer David Austin roses among some really wellnurtured plants, and we’re proud to have become a place that people visit from a wide radius on both sides of the Humber.”
“The destination is unique but as well as our history we’re also really fortunate to have a dedicated team of experts in horticulture, pottery, hospitality and home decor, offering you unrivalled choice, service and advice from people who really know their stuff.”
Above: Some of the team at Humber Bridge Garden Centre.
Nurture Your Blooms
Advice from Humber Bridge Garden Centre
FEW PLANTS bring as much romance and prestige to the garden as the rose. From traditional cottage borders to elegant formal beds, roses never go out of fashion.
Fortunately, caring for them is easier than you might expect — and with expert advice from David Austin Roses and topquality supplies from Humber Bridge Garden Centre, even novice gardeners can achieve floral splendour.
Planting Roses: Getting Off to a Perfect Start Whether you're planting a bare root or potted rose, preparation is key. Choose a sunny spot with at least four hours of direct sunlight each day and allow enough space for your rose to reach its mature size.
Use a garden fork to turn the soil and remove any weeds or stones. For bare root varieties, soak the rose in a bucket of water for at least two hours before planting.
Next, dig a hole around 45cm wide and deep. Enrich the base with organic matter such as wellrotted manure or a quality soil improver — Carr’s Organic is a trusted favourite among experienced gardeners. Sprinkle the soil improved over the roots to encourage healthy establishment, then place the rose so the graft union (the base of the stems) sits about 5cm below the soil surface.
Three Rose Varieties
Gertrude Jekyll: Always one of the first English Roses to start flowering, its perfect scrolled buds open to large, rosetteshaped flowers of bright glowing pink. The beautiful, perfectly balanced Old Rose scent is often described as being the quintessential Old Rose fragrance. A vigorous rose; it will form a mediumsized, upright shrub.
Roald Dahl: Soft orangered buds open to mediumsized, rosettes of perfect apricot colouring. They are extremely robust and have a lovely fruity Tea scent. Matures into an attractive, rounded, bushy shrub with few thorns. Named to mark the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth.
Tranquillity: Beautifully rounded flowers, with neatly placed petals making up perfect rosettes. The buds are lightly tinged with yellow but as the flowers open they become pure white. A vigorous shrub; its growth is bushy and upright.
Backfill with a mixture of soil and compost, firm in gently with your boot, and water thoroughly.
David Austin’s worldrenowned English Roses — available from www.davidaustinroses.co.uk — combine the fragrance and charm of heritage varieties with the resilience and repeat flowering of modern cultivars. Look for favourites like 'Gertrude Jekyll' or the creamyblush 'Claire Austin' for both beauty and fragrance.
Pruning Roses: Simpler Than You Think
Pruning may sound daunting, but it’s essential for keeping roses healthy and ensuring beautiful flowering. In early spring, equip yourself with sharp secateurs and a sturdy pair of gloves. Begin by removing any dead, damaged or crossing stems to open up the centre of the plant. Next, reduce height according to age and type: established shrub roses should be cut back by half; climbers and ramblers need only a light trim. Always cut to an outwardfacing bud to encourage graceful, arching growth, and dispose of all cuttings to prevent disease. With practice, pruning becomes second nature — and the rewards are spectacular. For expert help and a wide selection of David Austin varieties, visit Humber Bridge Garden Centre Barton Upon Humber DN18 5RF. Call 01652 637095, see www.humberbridgegardencentre.co.uk.
From top, Gertrude Jekyll, Roald Dahl and Tranquillity, all available at Humber Bridge Garden Centre.
BALDERTON
SOLD SOLD SOLD
• Detached Edwardian Residence • No Onward Chain
• Five Reception Rooms • Seven Double Bedrooms
• Kitchen Diner • Two Utilities & Pantry
• Four Bathrooms • EPC: E GUIDE PRICE: £1,150,000
BARROWBY
• Period Farmhouse • 2.06 Acres
• Stables with Consent • Additional Outbuildings
• Four Reception Rooms • Six Bedrooms
• Two Bathrooms • EPC: Exempt GUIDE PRICE: £750,000
OSGODBY
• Detached Georgian style Residence • Four Bedrooms
• Three Reception Rooms • Sun Room
• 5 Acre Paddock • 2 1/2 Acre Paddock with Field Shelter
• Equestrian Facilities • EPC: D GUIDE PRICE: £875,000
NEWTON ON TRENT
• Private gated access • Six double bedrooms
• Double garage • Kitchen Breakfast room
• Dining room • Sitting room
• Study and Office • EPC: D GUIDE PRICE £625,000 - £650,000
Lincoln
Formally known as the Bishop's House, this 8,000 sq. ft. Grade I Listed property, dating back to the late thirteenth century and featured in Pevsner's Buildings of England, has undergone an impressive restoration project. Now referred to as Atherstone House, it is regarded as one of the finest properties in Lincolnshire.
Guide Price: £2,650,000
Atherstone House
Donington
A charming Grade II listed English cottage, dating back to 1680, offering three reception rooms, an open plan kitchen/dining room/family room, and four bedrooms. The property sits on a generous plot of approximately 6.5 acres (subject to measure survey) and benefits from excellent equestrian facilities including a stable yard of six stables, tack and feed rooms, hay store, machinery storage, a 45m x 25m outdoor arena and circa 6 acres of post and rail paddocks with two field shelters.
Guide Price £750,000
Beck Farm Lodge
Palace
Farm
Witham On The Hill
Palace Farm, once known as King John’s House, is believed to be on the site of a medieval Bishop’s Palace. Listed Grade II, Palace Farm displays attractive stone elevations with stone mullioned windows, leaded lights and a Collyweston slate roof. The property originally formed part of the Witham Hall Estate and receives a mention in Pevsner’s ‘The Buildings of England’.
Guide Price: £2,100,000
Tucked away in a quiet, private position on the Cliff edge with uninterrupted vistas over the open countryside for miles around, this glorious residence has been refurbished and recently extended by the current owners to create a modern home that exudes grace and elegance in one of the most sought-after villages in Lincolnshire.
Guide Price: £1,200,000
Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk
Far Lane Coleby
Luxury Homes
The Sheilings
Stragglethorpe
A handsome period property combining original details with light, airy accommodation, surrounded by attractive gardens in a charming village setting.
Price: £1,250,000
Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk
Welby Warren Manor House
Grantham
Set behind its own electric private gates & in grounds of approx 1.5 acres, this home ensures peace and seclusion, offering an idyllic sanctuar y away from the demands of modern living.
Guide Price: £890,000
Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
West Ashby
Horncastle
An impressive family residence and detached cottage, lovingly upgraded to create a light-filled, stylish and versatile seven-bedroom family home, complete with separate three-bedroom accommodation.
Offers in Excess of: £1,150,000
By Design Homes Call 01522 412802 or see www.bydesignhomes.com
The Manor House
Sibsey
Standing in approximately six acres of the most impeccably maintained grounds, The Manor House in Sibsey is widely regarded locally as one of the area's most beautiful period properties.
Price: £1,250,000
Fairweather 22 Dolphin Lane, Boston, PE21 6EU. Call 01205 336122 or see www.fairweather-estateagents.co.uk
Luxury Homes
Welby Warren Manor House
Grantham
This exceptional property offers generously sized accommodation across three floor s, blending contemporary design with traditional character.
Guide Price: £1,000,000
Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
Rochford Tower Lane
Boston
The house comprises a large, detached residence which has been significantly improved to include triple glazed windows, high levels of thermal insulation, solar panels with battery back-up storage and ground heat pumps.
Price: £990,000
Poyntons 24-28 South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT. Call 01205 361694 or see www.poyntons.com
Church View Farm
Market Rasen
Church View Farm is a delightful Grade II Listed prominent residence dating back to the 18th century with Victorian additions. The property boasts a wealth of original features including cast iron feature fireplaces.
Guide Price: £1,000,000
Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk
Blyborough Hall
Gainsborough
Blyborough Hall is a magnificent Grade II* listed country house, set amidst the stunning Lincolnshire countryside. Dating back to the early 18th century, the hall showcases over 10,000 square feet of elegant accommodation.
Guide Price: £2,950,000
Savills St Martin's, 9 High Street St Martin's, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com
Luxury Homes
Maple Lodge Greatford
Maple Lodge is a home of rare privacy and warmth, set within the quiet enclave of Greatford Gardens, a unique residential pocket in one of Lincolnshire’s most desirable villages.
Guide Price: £1,100,000
Fine & Country The Old Jewellers, East Uppingham LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 335 145 or see www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
The Chapel
A truly unique and beautifully extended family home nestled within approx. 1.3 acres of stunning grounds, offering uninter rupted countryside views and a perfect blend of historic character and modern comfort.
Price: £875,000
Biltons 12 Nicolson Road, Healing, DN41 7RX Call 01724 642002 or see www.biltons.co.uk
Wythes Lane
Fishtoft
An exceptional detached house completed in 2023 and finished to a high standard. On a plot of approximately 2.62 acres, subject to survey, with open views.
A stunning six bedroom Grade II Listed Stone Georgian residence with Victorian additions has been sympathetically updated by the current vendors.
Guide Price: £975,000
Mount & Minster 32 Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1QA. Call 01522 716204 or see www.mountandminster.co.uk
Thealby
Luxury Homes
Wellsyke Lane
Woodhall Spa
This exceptional detached four-bedroom chalet-style cottage is nestled in an idyllic rural countryside setting, offering a r ange of practical outbuildings
A magnificent Edwardian home with stunning attached annexe, extensive gardens, woodland, paddocks, stabling and two Grade II Listed annexes in Market Stainton.
Offers Over: £1,750,000
Savills Olympic House, 995 Doddington Road, Lincoln LN6 3SE Call 01522 508908 or see www.savills.co.uk
Top Lane Goulceby
The house combines character and quality with contemporary, stylish fittings throughout, a glazed atrium, and large island unit leading to a good sized dining and seating area with log burner.
Offers Over: £950,000
Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com
A stunning newly built home in the Lincolnshire Wolds -An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Generous living with a flexible layout, energy-efficient features, and additional studio space, perfectly suited for modern family life.
Price: £950,000
Fine & Country 72 Wrawby Street, Brigg, DN20 8JE. Call 01652 237666 or see www.fineandcountr y.co.uk
Light, breathable and effortless... it’s no surprise that linen is summer’s best style staple
There’s something inherently chic about linen. It whispers of sun-drenched terraces, long lunches in the garden, and holidays where the hardest decision is rosé or Sauvignon.
In the height of August, when even the breeze feels warm, linen remains our sartorial saving grace — light, breathable, and endlessly stylish.
Whether it’s a sharply tailored blazer or a flowing wide-leg trouser, linen lends elegance without effort. This summer, the key to wearing it well is to lean into its relaxed sensibility. Think boxy shirts worn open over a simple vest, or a collarless tunic thrown over cropped trousers.
Volume works beautifully with this fabric — it moves well, breathes better, and looks far more luxe than anything clingy ever could.
For a timeless daytime look, opt for a neutral palette: oat, ivory, stone and soft sage tones all work beautifully and flatter every skin tone.
These shades also pair well with natural textures like raffia, leather and canvas — perfect for finishing a look with a pair of espadrilles, a widebrimmed sunhat or a straw tote.
In the evening, linen lends itself to a sleeker silhouette. A linen slip dress or midi skirt in a bolder hue — burnt orange, olive or deep navy — creates drama without the heat. Look for garments with a slightly heavier weave or subtle details like mother-of-pearl buttons or topstitching to elevate the look.
As for creases? Embrace them. Linen is meant to be a little lived-in — it adds character and shows you’re dressed for the season, not the boardroom.
A good steam before you leave the house will take care of the worst of them, but part of linen’s charm is that it doesn’t pretend to be perfect.
So as August brings its golden evenings and late-summer warmth, lean into linen — it’s stylish, sustainable, and never tries too hard. Just like the best summer days
Opposite: Linen blouse from White Stuff, in white or ice blue, £110, www.thewhitecompany.com.
August calls for a glowup, and nothing radiates summer glamour quite like gold. From glistening lamé dresses to breezy jacquard playsuits and sunkissed satin tops, this gilded palette is perfect for golden evenings and latesummer escapes. Rich in texture and high on impact, gold is your goto for effortless elegance as the season shimmers to a close.
£409, karenmillen.com
£395, meandem.com
£79, mint velvet.com
£205, bash.com
£198, reiss.com
WILD STYLE
Once known solely for sensible soles, Scholl has taken a stylish step forward. The brand’s new Animalier range proves that comfort and glamour can coexist—think bold patterns, luxe materials, and signature Scholl support.
Sandals White/Multi Pescura Wave Sr, £175.
jenniferbehr.com
COLOUR POP
Bold, bright and brimming with personality, statement earrings are the easiest way to add punch to your summer wardrobe. From beaded chandeliers to resin hoops, just sweep up your hair and let your accessories do the talking.
From oversized glamour to sleek cateyes, this season’s designer sunglasses combine serious UV protection with unmistakable style—your perfect finishing touch for sunny days and latesummer getaways.
rigbyand peller.com £350, dior.com
jimmy choo.com
tomford fashion.co.uk £175, aspinalof london.com
Sirplus is a modern British menswear brand redefining classic wardrobe staples with contemporary flair. Founded with sustainability in mind, it began by repurposing surplus fabric—hence the name. Today, the brand is known for its signature Nehru jackets, relaxed grandad shirts, and refined gilets, all made using quality materials like organic cotton and merino wool. With understated tailoring and a fresh, wearable palette, Sirplus offers effortless style for the discerning gent who values craftsmanship, comfort, and quiet sophistication. See www.sirplus.co.uk.
Beige cotton linen zip Jacket, £295. Lichen green cotton linen drawstring shorts, £125. Blue bengal stripe cotton boxer shorts, £30. Blueberry cotton linen blazer, £355. Blueberry cotton linen casual trousers, £225. White cotton linen collared shirt, £110. Caramel textured rib resort polo, £125. Navy bouquet silk tie, £95. Blue Ecovero mosaic waves cuban shirt, £125. Blue expressionist print Seaqual swim shorts, £125. French blue linen nehru suit, £610. Navy flower jacquard polo, £150. Beige cotton linen casual trousers, £225.
Wrawby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8BS
01652 653595. Web: www.obriensopticians.co.uk
Makeup Musings
with Lincolnshire’s Tina Brocklebank
Your skin tells your story: the laughter, the late nights, the holidays in the sun, the wisdom earned. As we grow older, skincare should be less about chasing youth and more about celebrating the skin we’re in, with intention, nourishment and grace.
Reassess, don’t panic: The products that worked in your 20s and 30s may not serve your skin now. That’s not a sign of decline - its a sign of evolution. Hormonal changes, slower cell turnover and reduced collagen production mean our skin needs different support.
Double cleanse, gently: A gentle cleanser is your best friend. In the evening consider a double cleanse. Use a balm or oil cleanser to melt away makeup and SPF then use a hydrating cleansing wash if you think you need it. Look for ingredients like ceramides or glycerin. Skip harsh foaming cleansers: they will disrupt your skin barrier and make your sensitivity or dryness worse.
Exfoliate with care (and science): Forget rough scrubs - a chemical exfoliant is where its at to reveal radiance. AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) improve texture and tone. PHAs are more gentle. Once or twice a week is plenty. Over exfoliating thins the skin and we are protecting that glow, not punishing it.
Feed your skin, serums that deliver: This is where things get serious and where you need to invest your money. Look for serums that target your needs. Vitamin C brightens and protects against environmental damage, Hyaluronic acid provides hydration without heaviness. Peptides help firm and support collagen. For evening, Retinol or Retinal, (Vitamin A), is the gold standard for smoothing lines and encouraging cell turnover. Start low and buffer with an oil or moisturiser if needed.
Moisturise like you mean it: Your moisturiser should feel like a comfort blanket, nourishing but not greasy. Look out for squalene, ceramides and niacinamide or richer creams for colder months.
SPF is nonnegotiable: The single most powerful ‘anti-ageing’ (I hate that word) ingredient? Broad spectrum SPF, 30 at least... every single day, even when its cloudy. Try lightweight formulas that sit well under makeup or tinted versions that double as your base.
Your skin is not a ‘problem’ to be ‘fixed:’ Skincare isn’t about ‘anti-ageing’ its about pro-luminosity, pro-confidence, pro-you. Embrace what’s real. Fine lines, freckles, texture - they’re not flaws, they’re your story. Hydrate well - inside and out, water matters; sleep deeply (its called beauty sleep for a reason) and remember, you don’t need a shelf full of products... you just need a curated, consistent routine that supports your skin now!
Tina’s Recommended Products (above):
1. CeraVe’s Hydrating cleanser is excellent, £31/100ml.
2. Lisa Eldridge Skin Enhancing treatment cleanser is luxurious and brilliant at melting away makeup, £43/100ml.
3. Paula’s choice 8% AHA gel exfoliant brightens dull skin with glycolic acid, chamomile and green tea, £41/100ml.
4. La Roche Posay pure vitamin C10 serum, £45/30ml.
5. Hado Labo Tokyo premium lotion, £21.99/150ml.
6. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3/6, £49/30ml.
7. Augustus Bader The Rich Cream, £150/15ml.
Coming soon... Tina Brocklebank Make-up Artist Facial Oil is about to launch, we’ll keep you up to date but remember, you saw it here first!
Tina is a professional makeup artist available for weddings, tuition and commercial work. You can see Tina’s work and keep up to date with her at www.tinabrocklebank.co.uk or via @tinabrocklebankmakeup on Instagram; Tina Brocklebank Makeup on Facebook.
Sunset & Soulmates
A romantic Greek proposal, a Thai blessing at home, and a heartfelt ceremony in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate – Jon and Rattikan Chambers tied the knot in a joyful, personal celebration blending cultures, family and love
Images: Andrew Scott Photography, 07557 277013, www.andrewscottphotography.co.uk
It was a picture-perfect wedding in the heart of historic Lincoln for Jon and Rattikan Chambers, who celebrated their marriage at the beautifully refurbished White Hart Hotel on Lincoln’s Bailgate in September 2024.
Jon, originally from the quiet village of Martin near Woodhall Spa, met Rattikan — born in Udon Thani, Thailand but raised in Grimsby from the age of 12 — on dating app Bumble in December 2019. A sunset walk along Cleethorpes beach for their first date sealed the deal, and four years later,
Jon proposed in romantic Santorini with a classic solitaire diamond ring under the setting sun in Oia.
Planning began in earnest in autumn 2023, with the White Hart Hotel the standout venue.
“We loved its central location and the dramatic Royal Courtyard ceremony room,” says Rattikan.
“The team at the hotel, especially Helen Haycraft and Chelsea Hanson, were so helpful and welcoming – we knew this was the place.”
The day before their legal wedding, the couple held a traditional Thai blessing at home in North Hykeham with Buddhist monks, a water ceremony, Thai food and dancing.
Rattikan stunned guests in a fitted mermaid gown with a full train from Ashleigh Richards Bridal, Eastwood, Nottingham.
Her hair was styled in soft waves by Amy Curtis from Capelli & Co in Lincoln. Jon wore a sharp three-piece suit from House of Cavani, while
bridesmaids Vicky and Angeliya wore soft-toned dresses, with Vicky also taking charge of the bride’s make-up.
The ceremony, under the glass dome of the Royal Courtyard, was emotional, with personal vows and barely a dry eye in the room.
“Our highlight was declaring our love surrounded by our families,” says Jon. “It was unforgettable.”
The guest list included loved ones from across the globe: Rattikan’s cousin flew in from Los Angeles, Jon’s school friend Matt from Georgia (the country), and his late cousin’s family all the way from Adelaide.
Following heartfelt speeches, the couple shared their first dance—an impromptu slow waltz to Elvis’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Later, on some traditional Thai music transformed the dancefloor into a really jubilant whirl of congas and celebration.
Flowers from Chambers Florist dressed the venue in elegance, while Cake Box Lincoln created a delicious egg-free, heart-shaped sponge cake.
Evening entertainment came courtesy of Éclat Entertainment, with JR Photobooths adding fun and laughter with props and snapshots.
Photographer Andrew Scott captured the magic of the day with his signature artistic eye – he’s a longtime friend of the family and well-known for his local photography.
The couple offered advice for others planning locally: “Visit lots of venues, don’t rush, and make sure the team gives you confidence. Take photos with meaning and don’t be afraid to write your own vows.”
They ended the day with gratitude to family, friends and their blended families for making it all so special. “The day goes fast, so soak up every second!” they both say. “We wouldn’t change a thing!”
Local Suppliers
Venue: The White Hart Hotel, Bailgate, Lincoln 01522 526222, www.whitehartlincoln.co.uk.
Wedding DJ: Éclat Entertainment, North Hykeham, 01522 537911, www.eclatentertainment.co.uk.
Photo Booth: JR Photobooths, Lincoln, 07376 365 970, www.perfectmemento.co.uk.
Dress: Ashleigh Richards Bridal at The Chapel, Notts.
Hair: Capelli & Company, Lincoln, 07731 415628,
Photography: Andrew Scott Photography, Lincoln, 07557 277013, www.andrewscottphotography.co.uk.
“Enjoy
a long, luxurious weekend exploring Dubrovnik’s style, sunshine, culture and cuisine...”
There’s a moment, as your flight arcs in over the Dalmatian coast, when Dubrovnik first reveals itself. A walled city of burnished stone and terracotta rooftops rises like a jewel from the turquoise Adriatic, ringed by cypress-studded hills. It’s no wonder Lord Byron dubbed it the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ though even he may have undersold its splendour.
Direct flights from London or East Midlands whisk you to Dubrovnik in under three hours. Once there, a private transfer will deliver you in just fifteen minutes to the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, an iconic landmark where old-world elegance meets modern luxury. Overlooking the Adriatic with uninterrupted views of the walled city, this five-star retreat is a favourite among royalty and A-listers alike.
Rooms start at around £650 per night in high season, and the service is discreet, polished, and quietly exceptional.
After checking in, start your stay with a welcome drink on the Abakus Piano Bar terrace. The sea sparkles below you, Lokrum Island lies just offshore, and the amber roofs of the Old Town are close enough to touch. For your first dinner, head to Sensus Restaurant, where seasonal tasting menus showcase Adriatic seafood with flair—try the scampi tartare or the seabass with fennel and citrus.
Begin the next morning with a walk along the city walls—an early start lets you enjoy the panoramic views before the heat rises and the crowds descend. From every angle, Dubrovnik is picture-perfect: bell towers, cloisters, and that endless blue sea.
Step inside the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of Dubrovnik’s Republic.
Now a museum, its rooms whisper tales of diplomacy and grandeur. Not far away, the Franciscan Monastery offers calm cloisters and one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies, in operation since 1317 and still handblending creams and tinctures.
Pause for lunch at Gradska Kavana Arsenal, tucked beside the harbour, where you’ll enjoy octopus salad or Dalmatian pršut under parasols with a chilled glass of white wine in hand.
Come afternoon, hop aboard the short ferry to Lokrum Island, a protected nature reserve beloved by peacocks and botanists alike. Wander through pine-scented woodland, dip your toes in the saltwater lagoon, or visit the monastery ruins where monks once lived in tranquil isolation.
Back in town, explore Dubrovnik’s quieter lanes. The main thoroughfares are grand, but it’s the back alleys— bougainvillaea-draped and softly sunlit—that yield the best finds: olive oil boutiques, silk embroidery, and handmade coral jewellery from Clara Stones.
For dinner, book well ahead for Restaurant 360°, the city’s culinary jewel perched atop the ancient city walls.
A Michelin-starred tasting menu awaits think aged Adriatic tuna with wild herbs, or lobster with citrus glaze and black garlic... the wine list is vast and proudly Croatian!
“This is a city that rewards slow travel—where indulgence and authenticity sit side by side.”
“From every angle, Dubrovnik is pictureperfect: bell towers, cloisters, and endless blue sea...”
Your next day begins aboard a sleek private boat. Departing from the harbour, glide across crystalline waters to the Elafiti Islands. Your skipper will anchor in hidden coves perfect for a swim, or moor at Šipan Island, where lunch at Bowa is a barefoot-chic affair. Cabanas nestle beneath olive trees, and the daily catch is grilled metres from your table.
Return in the late afternoon for a spa treatment at the Excelsior’s Energy Clinic, followed by a last glass of prošek on your balcony. Dinner that evening takes to the elegant Nautika, widely regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in Croatia.
Located just outside the Pile Gate, with views of Fort Lovrijenac and the Adriatic, it offers world-class cuisine in a sublime setting.
Try the lobster medallions with truffle foam or the Adriatic tuna, perfectly paired with a local Plavac Mali red. It’s refined, unhurried, and utterly unforgettable. Tomorrow, you’ll fly home—but tonight, as church bells echo softly across the water and the city glows amber against the sea, Dubrovnik is yours.
On your final morning, indulge in a massage at Villa Spa, followed by breakfast on your terrace. A final wander through the bougainvillaea-draped streets, a scoop of lavender gelato in hand, and your Dubrovnik reverie draws to a close.
This is a city that rewards slow travel—one of culture and character, where indulgence and authenticity sit side by side. Whether you’re drawn to its food, its architecture or the sheer beauty of its coastline, Dubrovnik invites you to linger.
Top: Top of Dubrovnik City Walls, Croatia. Peacock on beautiful Lokrum Island. Above: Banje beach and old town of Dubrovnik, Roman Catholic Diocese of Dubrovnik.
Food for Thought
Black risotto: Rich with squid ink and garlic.
Octopus salad: Light, lemony and delicately seasoned.
Pasticada: Beef slowcooked in red wine and prunes.
Mussels buzara: Cooked in white wine with parsley.
Pag cheese: Sheep’s milk cheese from a neighbouring island.
Rozata: A rosescented Dubrovnik crème caramel.
Lavender ice cream: Subtle and local.
Pošip wine: A crisp Dalmatian white.
Prošek: Sweet dessert wine to finish.
Loza: A bracing local brandy for the bold.
Must-See Sights
City Walls:
Walk Dubrovnik’s mighty medieval walls at sunrise for unforgettable views over terracotta rooftops and the shimmering Adriatic. This peaceful early hour offers fewer crowds and golden light that enhances the timeless beauty of the city and sea.
Franciscan Monastery:
An oasis of calm just off the Stradun, this centuriesold monastery is home to one of the world’s oldest working pharmacies, still dispensing remedies since 1317. Its cloisters, architecture, and ancient manuscripts offer a tranquil window into monastic life.
Sponza Palace:
This elegant building is a standout of GothicRenaissance architecture, originally serving as a customs house and mint. Today, it houses the city’s archives and is a testament to Dubrovnik’s role as a sophisticated maritime trading power.
Lokrum Island:
A short boat ride from the Old Port, Lokrum is a lush, pineshaded escape dotted with monastic ruins and strutting peacocks. Its botanical gardens and hidden coves make it perfect for a leisurely halfday retreat from the summer bustle.
Fort Lovrijenac:
Dubbed ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,’ this dramatic fortress sits outside the city walls atop a rocky promontory. Offering commanding views of the Adriatic and the Old Town, it’s also a striking venue for openair performances during the summer festival.
Banje Beach:
Just steps from the Old Town’s eastern gate, Banje is a pebbled, fashionable beach popular with both tourists and locals. With sunbeds, a beach club, and postcard views of the city walls, it’s a chic spot for an afternoon dip or sunset cocktail.
Bentley’s Bentayga
The Supercar with Space
Conventional wisdom says that a car can be low to the ground and handle well, or it can be tall enough to traverse rough roads at the expense of handling finesse. Bentley says ‘forget conventional wisdom.’ Its new Bentayga Speed flagship is the answer to Land Rover’s awesome Defender Octa
How fast is the new Bentley Bentayga Speed flagship? Well, 0-60mph is reached in less than three and a half seconds, and that’s not bad for a car that weighs over two and a half tonnes. It’s also considerably quicker than the amount of time it takes to build the thing. A recent time-lapse video filming the production of the car at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters clocked the production time of one of the cars at 16 days, or 127 hours.
Of that time, the wood veneers in the cabin consume 10 hours, the trim takes a further eight hours, painting takes 24 hours of time, whilst the engine takes 13.4 hours to build and assembly accounts for 19 hours. The remaining 52.5 hours is consumed with quality control, testing and sign-off.
It shows in the quality of the Bentaya Speed’s cabin, which takes up to 14 cow hides to trim, and whose other adornments include Speed
badging to the passenger fascia and treadplates, Speed embroidered emblem on the seat uppers and Bentley ‘bullseye’ air vents and organ stops, finished in dark tint. It’s comfortable, but most Bentayga models are. This Speed flagship, though, offers much more performance courtesy of an uprated engine whose eight cylinders and twin turbos provide 650ps power, 850Nm torque and with a lighter kerb weight than its predecessor, which used a W12 engine, even livelier performance.
Riding on new 23” wheels, Bentayga Speed challenges the preconception that a tall car won’t handle well.
With four individual seats the Bentayga isn’t exactly as practical as a seven seater or a Land Rover Defender, nor is it as committed to the latter’s dual purpose as an off-roader as well as a confident and comfortable car to
dispatch motorway miles. However, with up to 484 litres of space in the boot, and with decent ground clearance, it’s easier to live with than a sports car, with no concession to performance.
Another appealing quality of Bentley is the ability to design your vehicle to your exact tastes, with 13 different alloy wheel designs, seven different brake calliper colours, 16 different veneers, 15 colours of hide, and a further 12 highlight colours, not to mention 87 different paint colours or – at not inconsiderable expense – the ability to paint your vehicle in a totally bespoke shade.
As flagships go, the Bentayga is quite compelling; fast, luxurious and not overtly aggressive in appearance. With a healthy dose of practicality and a lovely bark from its Akrapovic exhaust. The best things clearly come to those who wait.
The Details Bentley Bentayga Speed
Price: £219,000.
Engine: V8, 3996cc, twinturbocharged, petrol driving all four wheels via eightspeed automatic gearbox.
Equipment: Allwheel drive and allwheel steering, 23” wheels, 16way electricallyadjustable front seats with ventilation and massage, heated steering wheel, 30colour accent lighting, intelligent park assist with 3D camera, adaptive cruise control, styling pack with Speed logo, handsfree power tailgate.
THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC SKYWELL BE11
Chandlers Vehicles are delighted to unveil the Skywell BE11, a cutting-edge electric vehicle designed to redefine the driving experience. With sleek aesthetics, advanced technology, and zero emissions, the BE11 is here to take you on a journey towards a greener, smarter future.
Get in touch to book a test drive today.
With prices starting at £36,995 on the road, a seven year 100,000 mile warranty and fully loaded as standard, the Skywell BE11 exceeds expectations in every department.
THE COUNTY
DRIVE MORE SALES
Pride Magazines is delivered free or charge, via Royal Mail, to proper es that fall within the top three council tax bands.
This guarantees the magazine has an a uent readership, that’s commensurate with your products and services.
And that means adver sing with Pride Magazines provides a be er return from your marke ng budget.
Isuzu’s D-Max
The pick-up you won’t want to put down
This month a practical prospect in the form of a double-cab pick-up which blends a chunky playful look with genuine off-road ability and surprising on-road civility. It’s Isuzu’s D-Max, as seen at Cereals 2025
Words: Rob Davis.
It’s fair to say that if a General Election were to be called in the coming weeks, Labour would not do well among voters in farming communities.
In what might prove to be a spectacular act of self-sabotage, the party has piled into farmers in respect of changes to inheritance tax and have struck a free-trade agreement which many fear will flood the UK with cheap, poor-quality imports of food from the US.
They’ve also reclassified as cars double cab pick-up trucks which farmers, estate managers and lifestyle users have come to rely on as a practical and tax-efficient daily driver. The logic, so far as the Treasury is concerned, is that with increasingly civilised interiors, drivers are availing themselves of the vehicles as a cheaper option to luxury SUVs, running them as commercial vehicles for tax purposes.
But whilst it’s true that double-cab pick-ups have lifestyle appeal, with chunky, aggressive styling, it also bears mention that for those who need a genuinely practical vehicle, they’ve become a godsend.
Seek a luxury SUV these days and you’re spoilt for choice, but if you need an open bed for transporting hay bales, machinery or mountain bikes, one that’s covered in a practical hose-down liner – not plush carpet – isolated from the vehicle’s cabin, a pick-up is a far preferable option to a van.
With the vehicle tax loophole now closed, dealers were bracing themselves for sales to wither... certainly there was a clamour to purchase them before April’s changes.
To everyone’s relief though, sales after the changes have remained stronger than ever. Ford’s Ranger (and its sister car Volkswagen’s Amarok), Mitsubishi’s L200, KGM’s Musso and Toyota’s Hilux are all contenders.
But the most recently updated is Isuzu’s D-Max, and it’s an absolute cracker. The sole model in the company’s UK vehicle lineup is availability in Utility spec with one two-wheel drive version, then 4x4 across the range.
Utilities are shod in steel wheels and feature easy-to-clean vinyl flooring in the cab but still feature sophisticated features like Apple CarPlay infotainment, air conditioning and adaptive cruise control.
The D-Max’s all-purpose range, meanwhile, runs to the DL20 with its alloy wheels, the
DL40 with its heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and enhanced body styling.
The range-topping version we picked up from Duckworth Motor Group recently, though, was the D-Max V-Cross, Isuzu’s answer to the Wildtrack, the best seller in Ford’s Ranger lineup. There are a couple of specialised ‘arctic versions,’ and a Basecamp a camping pickup conversion, but essentially, the V-Cross is the flagship D-Max.
V-Cross looks conspicuously aggressive, with dark 18” alloys, size steps and branding, as well as bespoke colours like the Sienna Orange which featured on our vehicle.
First impressions are of a vehicle that’s muscular and practical with generous ground clearance, It’s handsome and fun, very tall, with a commanding driving position.
The bed, meanwhile, can accommodate a standard Euro pallet, over 1.5 metres long and 1.5 metres wide.
You can keep your bed open and specify a load liner (the least you should do) but our vehicle had a Truckman silver aluminium lift-up tonneau cover on gas struts which –though limiting load space to 50cm depth – does grant security to the loadspace and waterproof the area too, as well as ensuring you can still see out of the rear window. There’s also a hard-top canopy available as well as other aftermarket options.
“Smart, surprisingly easy to drive and park, and practical, comfortable inside, well-built and economical...”
You might expect such a rufty-tufty truck to be uncivilised on road but D-Max’s tarmac manners are a pleasant surprise. With a 1.9 four-cylinder diesel engine, its engine size undercuts rivals, and it works a little harder, but at idle it’s remarkably discreet.
Push the throttle and, especially under harder acceleration, there’s a diesel growl which is a satisfying vocal statement of intent.
There’s plenty of torque (360nm) and power (164ps) but it’s a civilised drive that’s settled on the road and all of its driver assistance systems play nicely (the adaptive cruise is a better system than on many luxury cars).
All of the driver aids can be turned off easily and the automatic gearbox diligently shuffles through six ratios.
What’s surprising is how easily you come to acquaint yourself with the vehicle’s size. There’s a very good reversing camera with guidance lines, and you’ll soon be parking it into the tightest supermarket spaces with no worries whatsoever.
The steering, too, is extremely light at manoeuvring speeds, becoming heavier at A-road speeds, and there are respectably low levels of road and wind noise despite the 265mm wide tyres with their 60mm profile.
The interior, too, is pleasingly premium. The leather on the seats feels supple and plastics are of a high grade, slightly tougher on areas likely to get a daily beating. Infotainment is also good with an excellent stereo, easy-to-navigate touchscreen and nicely damped indicator and wiper controls.
By far the biggest surprise though was the ability to achieve over 30mpg around town and 40mpg on A-roads. That’s even more optimistic than the brochure states, and very impressive for a vehicle of D-Max’s size.
So far then, so good. Smart, surprisingly easy to drive and park, practical, comfortable inside, well-built and even economical.
But what about its off-road potential? Happily, as a key sponsors of Cereals 2025, held just last month on our farming correspondent Andrew Ward’s farm, there was a chance to find out.
The off-road course at Cereals was created by Isuzu for the purpose, enabling drivers at the event to see the vehicle’s traction, ground clearance and articulation for themselves, as well as discovering how civilised the vehicle is in the cab.
Standard fit 4x4 with high and low-range gearing can be activated on the fly, there’s a rear differential lock, hill descent control and trailer sway control. D-Max will tow 3,500kg and carry up to a tonne in the bed.
It’s easy to see why pick-ups like the D-Max appeal, with a blend of car-like usability and immense load carrying and off-road abilities.
Interestingly, tax changes haven’t dampened demand for them – quite the opposite, in fact. And... at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show Isuzu showed off D-Max EV, Europe’s first production electric pick-up, available to order now with first deliveries in February 2026.
The all-electric D-Max will make Ford’s plug-in hybrid Ranger, with its paltry 26 mile electric range, rather mealy-mouthed.
Lincolnshire farmers in a long-term relationship with diesel might need some convincing as to the benefits of an EV pick-up but it’s likely to be quiet, cheap to tax and it’ll offer instant power delivery, building on the strengths of the black-pump D-Max... of which there are already many!
If pick-ups remain popular, then D-Max remains the best of the best. It’s usable, genuinely civilised and offers absolute practicality... it’s the pick-up you really won’t want to put down.
The Details D-Max V-Cross
Price (VCross): £38,005 + VAT.
Engine: 1.9 diesel fourcylinder, 164ps power, 360nm torque. Sixspeed automatic gearbox, switchable two, four or four low range gears.
Equipment: Damped tailgate, 18” dark grey alloy wheel, electric windows, keyless entry, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, climate control, heated leather seats with electric adjustment. Our Isuzu DMax was provided by Duckworth Motor Group of Kirton near Boston 01205 725700, see www.duckworth.co.uk.
Almanac
FIND JOY IN THE ART OF LIVING WELL IN AUGUST
HELLO AUGUST
Treat Yourself Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself this August by booking an indulgent afternoon tea in a beautiful garden setting—no occasion required.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or simply carving out a peaceful moment for yourself, few pleasures rival the charm of a leisurely tea served beneath the trees.
Think vintage china, neatly cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, and a generous pot of looseleaf tea.
Add a glass of fizz if the mood strikes, and let the sunshine and birdsong set the pace.
With someone else doing the baking (and the washing up), it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, savour the summer, and enjoy a little classic British indulgence in style.
See our food and drink listings for inspiration as to where to enjoy afternoon tea with friends!
Starsign for August: Leo
(23 July – 22 August)
Bold, magnetic, and almost never short on selfconfidence, Leos are usually the natural showstoppers of the zodiac.
You shine in any room you walk into, and not just because you’re probably wearing something fabulous.
You’re fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and—let’s be honest—you do love a bit of drama. When it comes to love, your ideal match is an Aries.
You’ll both fight for the spotlight, but you’ll also fan each other’s flames… sometimes literally. Just try not to argue over who gets the last word (it’ll be you).
Try Something New Watercolours
Looking for something relaxing yet rewarding? Botanical watercolour painting is having a moment—and for good reason.
It’s a calming, creative hobby and one that encourages you to slow down and truly notice the delicate details of the natural world, whether you’re studying a posy from
Small Wins
The Joy of Sourdough
There’s something deeply satisfying about mastering sourdough. It’s not just baking— it’s a ritual. From nurturing your starter to that first crackle as the crust cools, sourdough is a wonderfully grounding hobby. You don’t need fancy equipment— just flour, water, time, and a touch of patience. Start simple: feed your starter daily, learn the rhythm, and enjoy the slow, soothing process. Before long, your kitchen will smell like a boulangerie, and you’ll be sharing loaves with friends like a seasoned artisan. Just don’t name your starter… unless you really must.
the garden or a few treasures foraged from the hedgerow.
There’s no need for expensive materials either: a small watercolour set, a decent brush or two, some paper, and a quiet hour with a cup of tea is all it takes.
You’ll find it’s not about perfection—it’s about the pleasure of observation, a steady hand, and the simple joy of capturing nature on the page.
THINGS TO NOTE AND NOTICE - THINGS TO PLAN AND DO
A Mini Adventure Foraging for Food and Fresh Air
If you go down to the woods today… you might just find your next culinary adventure.
Late July and August mark the prime foraging season across Lincolnshire’s hedgerows, woodlands and country lanes. Nature’s larder is wide open — you just need to know where to look.
Start with elderflowers early in July if they linger, but by mid to late summer it’s all about blackberries.
You’ll find them tumbling over sundrenched hedgerows, ripe for crumbles, jams, or even homemade blackberry gin.
Wild garlic may be past its best by now, but the sharp citrus zing of sorrel still thrives in dappled woodland glades, and makes a beautiful garnish for fish dishes or salads.
Along village bridleways or overgrown orchard margins, look out for windfall apples and pears — ideal for stewing, preserving or adding to rustic bakes.
Always wash and identify your finds thoroughly, and forage responsibly: take only what you need and leave plenty for wildlife and fellow foragers.
PickYourOwn farms offer a more structured forage with guaranteed freshness — strawberries may just linger into early August depending on the season, and cultivated blackberries stretch later into summer.
A gentle word of caution: always avoid foraging from private land without the owner’s consent, and never pick anything you're unsure of — some plants are toxic.
That said, with a good field guide and a basket in hand, there’s no better excuse to explore the countryside — and enjoy the tastes of summer, wild and free.
For more information on foraging and what to look for on a month-by-month basis, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
Our Little Quiz
A Celebrity Riddle
A voice like velvet, bold and wide, My fame began with swinging stride. I’ve roared through charts for sixty years, With anthems sung and grateful cheers. A knighthood came, the suits grew fine, But still I kept each chorus mine.
My songs are known from dusk to dawn, From love’s lament to loud and drawn. It’s quite common, some would say, But still I thrill a cabaret.
From '60s heat to modern flair, I’ve charmed with grit and silver hair. So who’s the man behind the mic, Still stealing hearts with every strike?
On This Day
On 16th August 1995 a change in the law was made to which we’d all raise a glass... What was it?
Walk on the Wild Side
In traditional folklore, each full moon of the year is given a unique name reflecting the rhythms of nature and the agricultural calendar. August’s full moon, seen glowing low over ripening fields and latesummer hedgerows, carries a name steeped in ancient tradition.
What is its name?
Where am I?
Once a bustling market town mentioned in the Domesday Book, I sit on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, where ancient woodland once stretched far and wide. Though small in size today, I’ve a proud past with links to medieval landowners and trade routes between Horncastle and Lincoln. This month, the community gathers once more for a muchloved country fair — a celebration of rural life with stalls, livestock, and laughter on the green. If you're seeking a village with history in its roots and festivity in its heart, tell me… Where am I?
ANSWERS ON PAGE 130.
A quiet companion for a reluctant dog owner turns canine convert DOG DAYS
It had been nearly ten years since Helen and James went their separate ways. There had been no argument, no betrayal—just a quiet drifting apart, like autumn leaves on the surface of a pond. After twenty-three years of marriage, they’d simply run out of things to say. No bitterness, no blame—just a polite uncoupling. Some friends were baffled, but for Helen, it made perfect sense.
They sold the house in Lincoln and divided their things neatly. James moved to Suffolk and eventually remarried. Helen, meanwhile, bought a modest, ivy-draped cottage in Woodhall Spa. It was her idea of peace: red bricks, a rambling garden, and birdsong in the morning. She found joy in small things—arranging flowers, reading with the window open, sipping tea with a cat curled in her lap. For the most part, it was enough.
But occasionally, just after dusk, when the birds had gone quiet and the ticking clock grew louder, the stillness became too much.
Her neighbour Louise was younger—early thirties perhaps—and newly married to Tom, an officer in the RAF. They were friendly and full of energy. Their black Labrador, Jack, was even more so— bounding over to Helen’s garden at every opportunity with a wagging tail and a hopeful tennis ball.
Helen liked Jack. She’d never had a dog—James hadn’t been keen— and by now she assumed that season of life had passed. But Jack had a gentle way of simply... being there. He seemed to know when she needed company, resting his chin on the fence rail with soft brown eyes and a thudding tail.
One spring afternoon, Louise knocked at the door with a lemon drizzle cake and news. “We’ve been posted,” she said. “Cyprus. For two years.” Helen smiled. “That’s exciting.”
“It is,” Louise said. “But Jack can’t come. Too old to fly, and the quarantine would be hard on him. We were wondering... would you consider taking him? He adores you.”
Helen hesitated. “Me? I don’t think I’m the dog type. I’ve only just got used to the quiet.”
“We’d understand either way,” Louise replied gently. “We just thought we’d ask.”
The next morning, Jack was waiting on Helen’s doorstep. She laughed despite herself and offered him a biscuit. By the end of the week, he'd moved in.
The first days were an adjustment. Fur on the rug. Barking at the postman. Tripping over the water bowl. But slowly, Helen began to enjoy their new rhythm. Walks along the Spa Trail became a daily delight. Jack nudged her outside even when it rained, and somehow, she didn’t mind. One morning, sitting under the trees in Jubilee Park, Helen realised she was happy. Not euphoric—just quietly, content. The sort of happiness that creeps in when you’re not watching. She thought of James now and then. Not with sadness—just with gratitude for what had been, and acceptance of what hadn’t. They’d had a good run. But this, somehow, felt just right.
Two months after Louise and Tom left, a letter arrived from Cyprus. Helen replied with a picture of Jack in the garden, looking stately as ever.
She still didn’t consider herself the dog type. But as she poured two cups of tea—one for herself and one with a biscuit dropped ceremoniously into Jack’s bowl—she smiled.
Sometimes love doesn’t need to be grand or complicated. Sometimes it arrives with muddy paws and a tennis ball, and that’s quite enough.
Are you a budding writer? Share your work with us and reach thousands of readers! Write a compelling short story—fictional or, even better, nonfiction—up to 650 words, and send it to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.
Our Little Quiz
A Celebrity Riddle: Tom Jones, performing at Market Rasen Racecourse on Saturday 16th August. On this Day in History: Sunday openings for pubs permitted. Walk on the Wildside: The Sturgeon Moon. Where am I: Wragby. The 41st Wragby Show, takes place on Sunday 31st August.
