A Day Out in Horncastle! A Local Favourite Worth Exploring
I’ve lived in Lincolnshire for 15 years and, until this week, had somehow never stopped to explore Horncastle properly. I’ve driven around its edges plenty of times but never ventured into the town itself. That finally changed when daughter Meredith and I spent a lovely day there, and I now see why it’s such a favourite with so many locals.
Just a 20-minute drive from New Farm Holidays, Horncastle is perfect for a relaxed day trip during your stay at the campsite. It’s full of character, independent shops, antiques, and snippets of history around every corner.
A Town Steeped in History
Horncastle’s story stretches back to Roman times, and you can still see traces of that history as you wander around. The town centre is a patchwork of Georgian and Victorian buildings, each with its own story to tell.
Horncastle was once a thriving livestock market town, well known for its cattle and horse fairs. The town’s agricultural roots are still easy to spot if you look closely. Some of the old market buildings and cobbled yards remain, quiet reminders of the days when traders filled the streets on market days.
If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, the Horncastle Heritage Trail is a great way to uncover more about the town’s past. It guides you past key landmarks, historic plaques, and interesting details you might otherwise miss. It’s perfect for a gentle stroll between shops or over lunch.
Antiques, Curiosities, and Hidden Treasures
Horncastle is known for its antique shops, and it really doesn’t disappoint. You could easily spend hours browsing everything from vintage glassware and ceramics to old furniture, books, and quirky collectibles. Our favourite was the Horncastle Antiques Centre. It’s in a former factory and is huge. Spread over three floors. Take snacks! You’ll be in there a while. Take cash too. This one doesn’t accept contactless payments. Although many of the shops did.
There’s even a printed map showing all the antique shops, well worth picking up when you visit. Each one has its own personality, with shelves and corners full of surprises. We ran out of time to delve into the second hand book shops; we are planning a return visit.
My favourite find of the day? A pair of vintage Adidas trainers from the early 2000s. A tenner well spent!
Charity Shops and Gentle Wandering
Meredith loved the charity shops, and Horncastle has plenty to choose from. We both enjoyed the easy pace of wandering through the town, dipping in and out of little shops and watching the world go by.
It’s the kind of place where you never know what you’ll find, from a well-loved book to a forgotten treasure. Perfect for a slow afternoon when you want a break from countryside walks or campfire cooking.
St Mary’s Church and Market Square
Before heading home, we stopped by St Mary’s Church, a beautiful Grade I-listed building that dates back to the 13th century. It’s a calm, peaceful spot, with lovely stained glass and plenty of detail to admire.
In the centre of town is the Market Square, surrounded by handsome old buildings and independent shops. Even when the market isn’t on, it’s a great place to sit, people-watch, and soak up the small-town charm that Lincolnshire does so well.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re staying at New Farm Holidays, Horncastle makes an ideal day trip or rainy-day adventure. It’s just 20 minutes away by car and easy to combine with nearby Woodhall Spa or a scenic drive through the Wolds.
It’s a reminder that you don’t need to travel far to find something new. Sometimes the best discoveries are right on your doorstep.
After 15 years of living in Lincolnshire, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to visit Horncastle properly, but I’m glad I finally did. Next time you’re at the campsite, I’d definitely recommend setting aside an afternoon to explore this charming little town for yourself – please note, the majority of shops are closed on Sundays!
