The market town of Spilsby is ideally located at the southern edge of the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds and just north of the Lincolnshire Fens, approximately 33 miles from Lincoln and 13 miles inland of the popular tourist resort of Skegness.
The town has remained a rural market town for over 700 years and has remained a similar size now to the beginning of the 19th century. The town is of a traditional market town style, with a main square for the market and four main streets coming off that area.
Although one of the smaller market towns in the area, don’t be deceived as there’s much to do in and around Spilsby. From discovering more about the famous Arctic explorer, Sir John Franklin, to visiting the magnificent Gunby Hall or St James’ Parish Church, or stepping back in time at the nearby Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
For those who want to explore a little more, why not visit St James’ Parish Church. Displaying valuables from the Willoughby de Eresby family, who used to own the entire town of Spilsby, before their home, Eresby Hall, burnt down in 1796.
Gunby Hall is a must for any history enthusiast with impressive walled gardens and a wood-panelled music room, run and owned by the National Trust.
The town centre is a mix of the traditional, with a number of traditional shops, and the more modern; including a supermarket. There is still the traditional market held each Monday, which consists mainly of locally grown produce.
Sir John Franklin, sea captain and governor of Tasmania, was born in Spilsby, in the building that is now home to a bakery. Sir John died leading an expedition to chart the Northwest Passage. There is a statue of Sir John Franklin in the market place.
Located only a few miles outside of Spilsby is the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. The museum is home to one of the rare Avro Lancaster Bombers, ‘Just Jane’, and is a memorial to the 55,500 troops from Bomber Command who lost their lives during World War II.
