Gateway to the seaside

A picturesque town with good road links to popular local coastal destinations, Alford is also a great base for exploring rural Lincolnshire.

The attractive, historic market town of Alford sits on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds just seven miles from the East Coast, should visitors wish to strike out to the popular seaside destinations of Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Chapel St Leonards and Skegness.

The town is full of historic interest with its five-sailed windmill (currently awaiting repairs), 17th-century manor house and 14th-century church. Several craft markets are held throughout the year, as well as a popular Christmas event.

Alford has already been busy hosting a variety of vibrant community and seasonal gatherings this year, headlined by outdoor theatre and festive events and market days.

KEY OF THE DOOR
Housing developments are heavily focused on sustainable, high-quality family homes and ongoing local regeneration. 

The premier site is the Bridgeways Development off Willoughby Road by Chestnut Homes, which won Residential Project of the Year at the Greater Lincolnshire Construction & Property Awards.

The category sought to award a development with high-quality designs, excellent construction and environmental benefits, as well as evidence of strong engagement with the local community.

Bridgeways consists of two-, three- and four-bedroom new homes, alongside green open space, woodland and public footpaths, with a stream running through the centre, creating a vibrant and sustainable community with residents’ wellbeing at its core.

Additionally, other housing projects, such as Castle Road and various private builds, offer modern three- to five-bedroom turnkey properties. Local councils are also debating proposals for an additional 200 homes off Tothby Lane to address local demand. 

FUTURE OF HISTORIC WINDMILL
Discussions continue on the future of Alford Windmill after residents overwhelmingly backed a transfer of control in a parish poll.

Voters in Alford had been asked whether Alford Town Council should take ownership of the landmark windmill, amid ongoing discussions about several historic mills currently owned by Lincolnshire County Council. The poll resulted in a clear majority in favour of the proposal, reflecting strong local support for bringing the historic site under town council ownership, as campaigners continue to stress the importance of preserving Lincolnshire’s milling heritage.

Heritage groups say these structures are key symbols of the county’s rural identity and play an important role in attracting visitors.

In its glory, Alford windmill was a seven-storey, five-sail, Grade I listed windmill built in 1837 by Alford millwright, Sam Oxley.

The next steps will see Lincolnshire County Council considering all applications and deciding which organisation it would like to work with.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Alford Craft Market events run until 29th November, but don’t expect any old craft market, as this is Alford Craft Market! 

Established in 1974, only Lincolnshire craftsmen and women are permitted at the curated events, with stallholders having to be approved by the committee before displaying only high-quality, handmade items.

As we go to print, the next event scheduled to take place at Alford Corn Exchange is during the August Bank Holiday Weekend, 28th-31st August, from 10am to 4pm each day. Admission is free, and there will also be a tea shop.

TO THE MANOR BORN
Built in 1611 of Georgian and Victorian design, Grade II listed Alford Manor House is reputedly the country’s largest thatched manor house.

Run by volunteers, the house was restored in 2006, which proved to be very timely as work revealed that many of the floor joists were no longer in contact with the walls.

The house features a wooden frame with reed and plaster, all encased in brick. The rooms contain historical items, and visitors can enjoy frequent temporary exhibitions, gardens, a café/tea room and Museum of Rural Life (previously known as the Hackett Barn), which is situated at the rear of the building and houses over 300 years’ worth of Alford’s historic artefacts. It is open from mid-February to mid-December.

Recently, the museum has been working on several projects, including the installation of six “Tiny Tags”. These sensors constantly monitor the temperature and humidity of a room, enabling the museum staff to ensure the best environment for artefacts, thereby prolonging their life in good condition.

Visitors can experience a glimpse of daily domestic life from a bygone era. Many of the Alford area’s former local businesses and trades, including Soulby Sons & Winch brewery, Heeley’s dispensing chemists, Hildred’s sweet factory, a wheelwright and many more are well represented, including a shoemaker, with exhibits including leather patterns, old studded boots, clogs and hobbing iron.

There is also a well-equipped blacksmiths’ shop in the former cowshed. 

Each January, Alford Manor House sets out a calendar of events for the upcoming year, including the Agricultural Weekend, a two-day showcase of local farming and countryside traditions, to be held from 12th-13th September between 9am and 4pm at Alford Manor House. 

The annual town Christmas market and Santa’s Grotto kicks off on 28th November, from 12noon to 5pm, followed by the Christmas Tree Festival on 1st December. 

TIME FOR A STROLL
To gain the best perspective of any town, enjoy a walk through its streets and surroundings. One such route is a circular walk of two miles, centred on three market places. There is a wealth of 17th and 18th-century buildings to enjoy, including the thatched Manor House, and the splendid St Wilfrid’s Church, situated in an elevated position in the town centre.

The mix of all the architectural traditions is a testimony to the great age of the church, boasting Romanesque, Anglo-Norman, Gothic and Jacobean elements. Some original features include a fine Jacobean pulpit, 15th and 16th-century stained glass, and an ornately carved wooden roof screen with delicate traceries.

Alford Mill Rundle Walk is a fairly easy, level circular walk that takes you around the market town and across open farmland along the route of the Mill Rundle.

This dog-friendly walk covers 3.25 miles, and the current route dates from the mid-1970s when the Drainage Board and the District Council rerouted the watercourse.

Prior to the rerouting, localised flooding occurred in Alford and development was limited by the existing surface water systems, many of which are now culverted.

Walkers may come across muddy patches at times on the more sheltered sections, so it is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Whilst there are a number of definitions of the word Rundle, the most appropriate in this case would be denoting a small stream.

Another favourite, but longer route, is the charming, circular 8.5-mile walk from Alford to Well. There are steady climbs through beech woods to Ulceby, before following the road down to Skendleby Psalter.

From here, the route wanders back to Well with its rare classical church and Well Vale Hall and its lakes. On a clear day there are views of the coast and Wolds from the higher ground.

SEEKING THE NEW WORLD
Willoughby lies just three miles from Alford and is the birthplace of Captain John Smith, one of the leaders of the Virginia colony in North America.

A window in St Helena’s Church commemorates his exploits. Smith attended school in Alford and later Louth, before leaving home at 15 to seek adventure.

By 1606, when he joined a group sailing from England to establish a colony in Virginia, he was already an experienced soldier.
His skills, however, were not entirely appreciated, and he arrived in the New World in irons – his helpful suggestions had not gone down well in an age when deference was all.

But life in Jamestown was tough with disease, starvation and attacks by Native Americans. Smith took over as president of the colony in 1608, enforced order, made everyone work and traded with the Natives for food.

He was a good publicist and the colourful story of his rescue by Pocahontas, an Indian chief’s daughter, who married another settler, Captain John Rolfe, is now part of folk history.

FABULOUS FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL
Situated in Alford’s West Street, Soul Foods is a small and friendly award-winning café/bistro which specialises in plant-based dishes. Their vegetarian/vegan menu features delicious home-made cakes, plus sweet and savoury treats and a variety of beverages, ideal for any time of day.

The wide choice of nutritious dishes are all made from scratch using local seasonal produce where possible, with plenty of dairy and gluten-free options too.

“You don’t need to be vegetarian to join us, everyone is welcome,” says owner Wendy Seabrook, who opened the Soul Foods back in 2023.

“Our menu changes daily and customers can enjoy our beautifully presented colourful plates of delicious food made with fresh locally sourced wholesome ingredients with the emphasis on feeding mind, body and soul. Our aim is to create a relaxed, friendly and inviting atmosphere. Customers often say they are coming in for a ‘Soul Foods hug’.”

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2.30pm. Eat in or takeaway.

For more information call 01507 813359 or find on Facebook/SOUL-FOODS

A HOLIDAY HAVEN FOR ALL AGES
Nestled in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, just minutes from the coast, Woodthorpe Leisure Park is a five-star, family-run haven where countryside charm meets modern comfort. This park offers something for everyone: luxury lodges, cosy cottages, glamping pods, and traditional camping, with pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible options.

Set amid lush woodland, the park’s serene setting is perfect for relaxation, while its fishing lakes, 18-hole golf course, and unique driving range invite outdoor adventure. Guests can stock up at the on-site shop or savour hearty meals at Woody’s Restaurant and Bar.

Fall in love with the lifestyle? Holiday homes are available for purchase, letting you enjoy Woodthorpe year-round.

Plan your escape today at www.woodthorpeleisurepark.com or call 01507 450294, because some places aren’t just visited, they’re experienced.

STYLE YOUR HOME AT ASKEWS
Established in 1992, family furniture retailer Askews has been serving Lincolnshire for more than 30 years from their three unique Lincolnshire locations: Alford, Horncastle and Mablethorpe, while also championing some of the best British manufacturers.

“The ‘A Team’ at Askews would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Alford and beyond for their continued custom and support over the years.

“At our flagship store housed within Alford’s iconic Old Methodist Church, you can find a wide selection of sofas, beds, living, dining and bedroom furniture, as well as a varied array of accessories, rugs, mirrors and bedding such as pillows and duvets.

“We remain 100% committed to selling quality, reasonably priced furniture, with as much from British manufacturers as possible.

“Our historic building sits in the heart of town and is creatively laid out with individually decorated room sets which we find help customers visualise our products in their home more easily.

“Our customers come back to us not just for our array of beautiful furniture, but for our easygoing, no pressure sales atmosphere with helpful, knowledgeable staff on hand only when you need us.

“Don’t just take our word for it – check out our 5* reviews for yourselves!”

Askews Of Alford is open Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-2pm. For more information visit www.askewsfurniture.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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