From the Humber to The Wash, the traditional county of Lincolnshire starts south of the River Humber. With the exception of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe, it is primarily a rural county. Besides the county town of Lincoln, there are small market towns such as Gainsborough, Brigg and Alford. Along the North Sea, there is also popular seaside resorts like Mablethorpe and Skegness.
The city of Lincoln is indelibly linked with its magnificent cathedral on Minster Yard and its nearby castle. If the setting of one of Britain's finest cathedrals isn't enough to inspire you to hold a conference there, what else will? Conference venues include LPAC [Lincoln Performing Arts Centre], The Engine Shed and The Hub. If you're expecting a vast number of delegates or considering an outdoor venue, why not consider the Lincolnshire Showground?
Further south, Boston is a fine market town best known for The Stump (St. Botolph's Parish Church), owing to the height of its tower which dominates the skyline. Its prosperity grew thanks to its role as a seaport. Historically, it has had a transient population and has held numerous trade fairs. Along with a few other conference venues in and around Boston, the Boston Conference and Management Centre fulfils a similar purpose today.
Twenty miles north east of Boston is the seaside resort of Skegness. The arrival of the railway made it a popular resort for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire holidaymakers. Today, it is still popular owing to its sands, pier and amusements. The Embassy Theatre is a multi-purpose venue suitable for conferences as well as first class live acts. Close by is Ingoldmells, where Skegness' Butlins camp and Fantasy Island amusement park are situated. Both towns have outdoor markets and a variety of walk-around shops. Twenty miles north of Ingoldmells is Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe. The latter resort was a favoured holiday spot for the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
On the western side of Lincolnshire, the market town of Gainsborough is worth a visit. There is a good mix of small shops and chain stores. Some are part of a retail park on the site of Marshalls' engineering works. Gainsborough Old Hall, a short walk from the main shopping area, is hailed as one of the most impressive and best preserved medieval manor houses. It is also available to hire as a conference venue for smaller groups.
Further south is Grantham, the birthplace of Sir Issac Newton. For many people, the gateway to Skegness or London King's Cross, but if you look beyond this, it is a rather pleasing market town with a mix of multiple and local retailers. Further down the A1 is Stamford, a town with a great number of Georgian buildings. The whole of the old town and St. Martin's has been made an area of architectural or historical interest which is of national importance.
For sports fanatics, Lincolnshire has no shortage of footballing sides. As well as Scunthorpe United, other sides in the county include Grimsby Town, Lincoln City and Boston United. Horse racing fanatics would be placated by the Market Rasen racecourse, which is also a suitable conference venue.
Most of Lincolnshire is accessible via the A1 and A57 roads. The A158 takes in Horncastle before finishing in Skegness, with the A46 from Lincoln to Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Lincoln, Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Skegness and Boston also have regular rail services. Whether rural splendour or traditional seaside entertainment influences your conference venue, Lincolnshire will suit you down to the ground.
