A view from The Cliff

Whether you’re interested in local heritage, historic landmarks, community fun or supporting independent businesses, you’ll find something of interest in and around The Cliff Villages.

The Cliff Villages are a collection of historic, scenic parishes sitting atop the Lincoln Edge (Cliff) escarpment running south of Lincoln and provide far-reaching views over the Witham Valley.

Characterised by stone-built, red-roofed properties and, in some cases, ancient churches, the key villages along the A607 include Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothy Graffoe, Navenby, Wellingore, Welbourn, and the southern picturesque Leadenham and Fulbeck. The area is deeply rooted in history, with Roman and Danish influences. 

LEG STRETCHERS
There is nothing better than a walk around some of these attractive rural communities. One such circular route of two-and-a-half miles (4km) uses field paths, tracks and minor roads around Boothby Graffoe and Navenby.

Part of the walk follows the Viking Way, a long-distance footpath that runs from the banks of the Humber to the shores of Rutland Water. Established in 1976, its name reflects the influence of the Danes in the eastern counties of Britain. Look out for the Viking helmet symbol on way markers.

You will also walk along sections of a route that was laid out nearly 2,000 years ago – the Roman road known as Ermine Street. Prepare yourself for wide horizons and spectacular views. The starting point is on Main Street, Boothby Graffoe.

The village of Fulbeck is tucked away from the A607 with a charm all its own and best appreciated on foot.

Enjoy a circular route starting from the sports field car park opposite the church. There are some fine 18th-century stone houses, and dominating the village is Fulbeck Hall, home of the Fane family from 1632 to 2000.

Much altered after a fire in 1733, the Hall became the headquarters of the First Airborne Division in 1943.

It was here that Operation Market Garden was planned that resulted in the famous battle at Arnhem in 1944. Choose fine weather to appreciate stunning vistas up and down the escarpment and across the Trent Valley to the rolling landscape of east Nottinghamshire.

For more information on local walks visit www.visitlincolnshire.com or www.alltrails.com

TAKE A TOUR
Meet at the Tempest Arms, Coleby, at 10am on 28th April for coffee and biscuits before enjoying ‘Three Churches and a House’, organised by the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology.

This guided tour will take in three cliff edge churches at Harmston, Coleby and Boothby Graffoe, plus Boothby Hall. The morning will include visits to All Saints’ Church, Harmston, and All Saints’ Church, Coleby.

The Grade II listed church at Harmston has a Romanesque tower. The nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1712 and again in 1868. The impressive church at Coleby has an early tower, crocheted spire with flying buttresses and pinnacles with a Norman arch to the tower. Adjourn to the Tempest Arms at 1pm for lunch before visiting St Andrew’s Church at Boothby Graffoe. The church was completely rebuilt in 1842.

This will be followed by a tour of Boothby Graffoe Hall, a large house with parkland and splendid views over the Witham and Trent valleys.

It fell into disrepair during World War II and was remodelled and reduced in size in 1952. Many interesting decorative features of the original house survive. The tour costs £30 and includes coffee, lunch and donations to the churches.

LIFE IN MINIATURE
The Venue at Navenby is a registered charity, whose purpose is to provide facilities to the residents of the village and surrounding area. With the aim of developing a growing events programme, the space is used by many local businesses, offering an array of recreational classes and workshops. A youth club and dementia café also use the space to support the community.

The Lincolnshire Dollshouse and Miniature Fair will take place at The Venue, Grantham Road, on 10th May from 10.30am to 3pm.

The fair welcomes traders selling a variety of 1/12th and 1/24th miniatures for dollhouses, room boxes and project needs. Present will be a variety of specialists to help you with everything furniture to gardening, kitchen and food supplies to dolls, wallpapers and fabrics. Also, there will be building supplies and house decorating to touch up or finish your miniature projects. Adult admission is £3.50, and children 5-15 years old, 50p. More details can be found at www.miniaturefairs.co.uk

WASH AND BRUSH-UP
Don a pair of washing-up gloves and do some laundry the old-fashioned way at Mrs Smith’s Cottage at 3 East Road, Navenby. Using dolly tubs, washboards and a mangle, the Wash Day Weekend takes place on 14th August from noon until 3pm.

The humble cottage and garden belie a palpable sense of pride and contentment, from “the room”, reserved for high days and holidays, to the cosy kitchen where Hilda Smith’s rocking chair sits by the range.

When the council urged Mrs Smith to modernise, she resisted their insistence on an inside toilet, and continued climbing a ladder to her bedroom, aged 102.

This independence preserved a cottage which has been largely unchanged since the 1800s. With her continued interest in the future and what children had to say, the cottage now includes a Learning Centre, and hosts exhibitions, as well as providing hands-on learning for school groups.

MILITARY MIGHT
Leadenham Military History Club is an informal, amateur club whose aim is to deliver informative talks, presentations and workshops on all aspects of military history.

On 28th April, ‘Storm over Yorkshire’ will be presented by James Handley at Leadenham Village Hall.

James will be speaking about the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644. Expect weapons and armour by way of illustration.

On 26th May, Ian Prince will present ‘Hannibal and the Second Punic War’, taking the audience back to the 3rd century BC with a look at the achievements of the renowned Carthaginian general.

Kathy Blake’s presentation on RAF Digby Operations Room is on 23rd June. Kathy is a guide at the Operations Room Museum and will showcase illustrative items. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Admission is £5 per person with refreshments available.

Visit www.thelmhc.co.uk for updates.

EVERY WITCH WAY
In 1584, Reginald Scott released his book The Discoverie of Witchcraft, which aimed to expose the truth behind what was believed to be “witchcraft” at the time, including a section detailing the methods used by magicians to create their effects.

It was his hope that the book would put an end to innocent people being tried, imprisoned and hanged for witchcraft. Sadly, it would not.

On Saturday 2nd May, pop along to Greg Chapman’s ‘Discovery of Witchcraft’ at 5 Memorial Hall Drive, Wellingore, from 7.30pm-10pm. His new show combines magic, storytelling, history, comedy and more on witch trials from the 15th century through to the 20th century. Tickets are £14.

FESTIVAL FEVER
Wellingore Memorial Hall is the setting for BanterFest Lincolnshire 2026. Now in its fifth year, the boutique folk festival takes place on the weekend of 25th-27th September and will feature up-close and intimate concerts from some of the biggest A-list artists in the folk world in a cosy venue nestled in the idyllically rural village.

This friendly gathering will have everything people love at bigger festivals: on-site camping, singing, dancing, sessions, workshops, real ale and top nosh, as well as the light-hearted and soon-to-be-traditional Banter’Lympics, but with that close-knit, part-of-a-family feel. Sponsorship support once again will be thanks to Harmony Voyages, who run speciality music cruises and Costa Festivals.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Horse & Jockey in Waddington recently reopened after a seven-year closure and a £750,000 refurbishment by Star Pubs.

The revamped, family-friendly venue features a 130-seat courtyard, sports, and regular live entertainment. Originally a 16th-century coaching inn and built of local limestone and oak framed, the Grade II listed building is situated in the heart of the village. The interior is open plan but divided into separate areas. This historic inn offers rooms with breakfast, plus a restaurant serving pub fare. For more information visit www.horseandjockeypubwaddington.co.uk

INSPIRING DESIGNS AT COOK & SLEEP
Based in Navenby, Cook & Sleep is a family-run business with many years’ experience in supplying high quality kitchens and bedrooms at affordable prices.

“Our showroom is open to anyone looking for inspiration. We combine years of experience with an extensive range of quality kitchens and bedrooms to ensure your design and function requirements are met within budget. We will walk you through the design and selection process before organising and completing the fitting and will be on hand to deal with any questions.”

At Cook & Sleep you will find a superb range of worktop samples, storage solutions and appliances on display.

“If you’re looking for a beautiful Shaker style kitchen, our skilled team can help you choose the perfect design from our comprehensive selection, available in a choice of 45 colours.

“Our mix and match service also allows you to select the aspects you love and our team will be on hand until the last piece is in place and your dream kitchen becomes a reality!”

The showroom open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm, or by appointment.

For more information visit www.cooksleep.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

---

We Recommend