Boston Area Guide

The historic and quaint market town of Boston represents the best of Lincolnshire lifestyle. Standing on the River Witham close to its estuary at the Wash, Boston was once the largest port in Europe, a heritage which resonates in the town’s depth of history and charm. This characterful location offers an electric mix of town, country and coast, with a cobbled stoned town centre nestled between glorious countryside and miles of wide-open beaches.

Lincolnshire is the proud home to some of the greatest traditional seaside resorts in the country and thriving natural coasts. Whether you’re seeking fun for the whole family or a serene walk on unspoilt golden sands, Lincolnshire’s coast offers some of the country’s most diverse and impressive landscapes.

Highlights & Attractions

St Botolph’s Church, affectionately known as the ‘Boston Stump’, stands tall and striking against Boston’s landscape, boasting the highest tower (exclusive of spire) of any parish church in the country. You can look straight through the large gothic windows and see inside the tower, giving it an air of delicacy despite its great size and grandeur. The church is free to enter, and pets are welcomed. Visitors can also climb 209 steps for the Tower Experience, visit the Refectory Gift Shop or simply reflect in the sacred and tranquil space.

During medieval times, Boston’s town was a thriving centre of trade with continental Europe via the estuary of the River Witham into the Wash. Boston Guildhall was at the fulcrum of the towns trading activities. Built in the late 14^th century and once owned by the Guild of St Mary, the building with its immaculate and lovingly preserved features is now a fascinating museum. Boston Guildhall hosts an intriguing collection of artefacts which walk you through the story of Boston’s maritime and trading history.

Though it may be more modern and affluent than ever before, Boston remains a traditional old market town at heart. Its cobbled town square hosts a busy market twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can experience the town as a hive of excitement and activity. Many visitors finish off their shopping spree at Dolphin Lane, the towns distinct narrow alley which is filled with Boston’s most interesting independent shops, cafes and bars.

Discover Lincolnshire’s beautiful Blue Flag Award Winning beach, Mablethorpe. Sky and sand appear to go on forever, just like the list of things to do here. From an amusement arcade to kayaking and canoeing, crazy golf, sailing and even windsurfing, this exceptional beach has no shortage of family attractions.

Skegness’ also boasts a Blue Flag Award Winning beach, known for its long and wide stretch, lined with countless seaside attractions, traditional British shops and pubs and of course, classic fish and chips. Each year, visitors flood to the famous Pleasure Beach and the colourful array of nostalgic and exciting arcades, making this beach and town perfect for weekend fun come rain or shine.

For sightseers, Donna Nook is equidistant to Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes, where Grey Seals find the 6-mile section of coastline is just the perfect spot to introduce their pups to the world. This is a rare wildlife spectacle, where visitors can see more than 2,000 new pups from a safe viewing area to reduce disturbance. The reserve consists of dunes, slacks and inter-tidal areas, and coastal processes alter the natural features from year to year, making each visit completely unique.

For those looking for a quiet, peaceful retreat, Sutton on Sea contents itself with attractive gardens and a children’s paddling pool in addition to its wide sandy shores. Sunsets along this beach are known for being spectacular, with the orange sky reflecting on the water and lengthening the shadows of beach’s colourful huts.

The characterful inland resort of Woodhall Spa is located just 16 miles away and is famous for The National Golf Centre and offers a wonderful selection of independent shops, tea rooms, restaurants as well as the unique Kinema in the Woods and the superb outdoor heated swimming pool at Jubilee Park. The Petwood Hotel is steeped in British history, once home to the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron, and provides award-winning food, afternoon tea and special events surrounded by acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Travel & Transport

Boston is well connected to surrounding towns and cities by road and rail, with Lincoln and Peterborough both being less than an hour away via the A17 and A16 and Nottingham an hour and 30 minutes’ drive away.

Boston’s train station is on the Grantham to Skegness Line, offering services to both towns within 50 minutes. A change at Sleaford train station, 22 minutes away also offers services to Nottingham, Lincoln and Newark.

Boston is also served by a comprehensive bus network, operating in and around Boston with services further afield to neighbouring areas such as Grantham and Sleaford.

East Midlands Airport and access to international travel is also within easy reach, only 70 miles away from Boston.

Local schools

Boston offers an array of high performing schools and colleges, many of which are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

St George's Preparatory School, London Rd, Boston - established in 2011, this independent school is housed in a Grade II listed building, the former home of the town architect William Wheeler, and caters for the children aged 3–11 ys6tsars and is rated as Ofsted outstanding in 2019.

St Hugh’s School, Cromwell Ave, Woodhall Spa – a co-educational preparatory school founded in 1925 offering both day and boarding options for children aged 2-13 years and rated excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2018.

Boston Grammar School, Rowley Rd, Boston - a selective grammar school sixth form college for boys aged 11 to 18 years and girls attending the sixth form aged 16 to 18 rated good by Ofsted in 2021.

Boston College, Skirbeck Rd, Boston - a predominantly further education college, providing accessible A-level courses, vocational training courses and Diplomas over four campuses. Rated good by Ofsted in 2017.