Alford Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Alford with this comprehensive guide, featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Alford

Tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside of East Midlands, Alford is a charming market town that captures the essence of rural England. With a population of just over 2,000, Alford provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town was once an important centre of trade for wool and agriculture, which is reflected in the historic buildings and quaint shops that line the streets.

List of Places to Visit in Alford

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alford Manor House: A striking Grade II listed building that has stood at the heart of the town for over 500 years.
  • Alford Windmill: A five-sailed windmill that has been restored to its former glory and now serves as a museum showcasing the town’s agricultural heritage.
  • St Wilfrid’s Church: A beautiful medieval church with stunning stained-glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Alford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Willoughby Road Nature Reserve: A tranquil nature reserve that offers some lovely walks along the River Alford.
  • Thoresthorpe: A picturesque village that is perfect for a leisurely stroll and is surrounded by scenic countryside.
  • Withern Mill: A great spot for birdwatching, this wildlife reserve is home to a range of species such as lapwings, redshanks, and wigeons.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alford

  • Alford Circular Walk: A two-hour walk that takes you through the picturesque countryside and offers stunning views of the local area.
  • Lincolnshire Wolds Way: A 79-mile trail that starts in the town of Louth and passes through Alford on its way to the coastline at Skegness.
  • The Viking Way: A 147-mile long-distance path that stretches from the Humber Bridge to Rutland Water, passing through Alford on the way.

Best Things to Do in Alford: Activities and Tours

  • Alford Craft Market Centre: A community-led initiative that supports local artists and craftsmen. The centre offers a range of workshops and activities, including pottery classes and weaving demonstrations.
  • Alford Golf Club: A challenging 18-hole course set in beautiful countryside. Visitors are welcome, and equipment can be rented on site.
  • Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre: A fascinating museum that showcases the history of aviation in the region, with a focus on the RAF stations that were once based here.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alford

Day Activity
1 Explore the town centre, visit the Manor House, and take a stroll in the Thoresby Park.
2 Go birdwatching at Withern Mill and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the River Alford.
3 Take a guided tour of Alford Windmill, followed by a walk along the Lincolnshire Wolds Way.
4 Spend the day at the Alford Craft Market Centre, learning a new skill or trying your hand at pottery.
5 Tee off at Alford Golf Club and then explore the nearby St Wilfrid’s Church.
6 Learn about the history of aviation at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
7 Take the opportunity to explore the local countryside by bike or on foot.

Food and Drink Scene of Alford

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lincolnshire Sausages: Made with coarsely ground pork and seasoned with sage, thyme, and nutmeg.
  • Plum Bread: A sweet loaf made with dried fruit.
  • Haslet: A traditional pork meatloaf.

Local Beverages

  • Bateman’s Brewery: A family-owned brewery known for its award-winning ales, which are brewed using local water and barley.
  • Lincolnshire Cider: Made using hand-picked, locally sourced apples.

Where to Stay in Alford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Half Moon Hotel: A family-run hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional English cuisine.
  • The Windmill Hotel: A charming, historic hotel located next to the town’s windmill.
  • The Old Barn Guesthouse: A beautifully renovated barn that offers spacious, luxurious rooms.

What to Buy in Alford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alford Pottery: Handmade ceramics produced by local artists at the Alford Craft Market Centre.
  • Lincolnshire Plum Bread: A sweet loaf made with locally sourced dried fruit.
  • Lincolnshire Sausages: A tasty souvenir to take home and cook up a traditional English breakfast.

Local Culture and Customs of Alford

Alford is a proud market town that values its history and traditions. The market has been a vital part of town life since the 16th century and continues to be held twice a week. The town also boasts a lively festival calendar, with events such as the Alford Craft Market, the Alford Carnival, and the Alford Classic Car Show.

Best Time to Visit Alford

The best time to visit Alford is from April to September, when the weather is mild and sunny, and many of the local attractions are open. The spring and summer months are also an excellent time to explore the Lincolnshire Wolds and enjoy the local scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alford

Do:

  • Do take the time to explore the local countryside on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
  • Do visit the Alford Craft Market Centre and try your hand at a new skill.
  • Do try the locally produced cider and beer.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to respect the local wildlife and countryside.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the town’s historic buildings and museums.
  • Don’t be afraid to try some of the local dishes and delicacies.

Safety and Health

Safety in Alford

Alford is a very safe town, with a low crime rate and a friendly community. However, visitors should take care when walking or cycling on the country roads.

Health in Alford

There are several medical centres and pharmacies in Alford, and the nearest hospital is in Louth, approximately 10 miles away. Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in England.

Getting to Alford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alford

The nearest airports to Alford are Humberside Airport, which is approximately 35 miles away, and East Midlands Airport, which is approximately 75 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Alford

Alford is well-served by local bus routes, which run to nearby towns such as Louth, Skegness, and Mablethorpe.

Other Options

Driving is also a popular option, with good road links to the A16 and A1104. Train services to nearby towns such as Boston and Skegness are also available.

How to Get Around in Alford

The town centre can easily be explored on foot, and there are several walking and cycling routes in the local area. Taxis are also available for hire, and the local bus service connects the town to nearby villages and towns.

Where to Go Next from Alford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Skegness: A popular seaside town that is known for its long sandy beaches and traditional pier. Skegness is located just 15 miles from Alford.
  • Louth: A charming market town that is famous for its beautiful Georgian architecture. Louth is approximately 10 miles from Alford.
  • Lincoln: A historic city that boasts an impressive cathedral and stunning architecture. Lincoln is approximately 35 miles from Alford.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat in the countryside or an active holiday filled with outdoor adventures, Alford is the perfect English town to explore. From its historic landmarks and museums to its scenic countryside and charming markets, there is something for everyone in this idyllic corner of Lincolnshire.