As we near the halfway point of the summer holidays, it’s that time where you’re starting to think when do they go back? Or what else can we do to keep them entertained? Days out can get expensive so we’ve compiled a list of 10 low cost days out that everyone can enjoy.
If you’ve had a great low cost day out, don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or use the hashtag #SummerInGainsborough or #GainsboroughIsGreat.
1. Bransby Horses
A firm favourite for families and a great low cost day out, Bransby Horses is just a 20-minute drive from Gainsborough and offers miles of footpaths with the opportunity to meet their equine residents. It’s free entry and has a play park and visitor centre with a gift shop and café.
During the holidays they are running the Mad Hatters Tea Party, an activity children can enjoy whilst they walk around the site. No booking required, just simply ask in our gift shop. Activity costs just £3.50 per child which includes a prize and activity sheet.
2. Head out for a walk
The best kind of free activity you can do is to pull on your boots and head out for a walk. There are plenty of places you can enjoy a stroll near to Gainsborough including Mercer Wood, Owlet Wood and Tuetoes Wood, just to name a few. In town, you can enjoy the Riverside Walk which starts at Trent Bridge and goes all the way to Morton Village.
To keep their interest, create a bingo style activity sheet with a number of things they can find along the way. For example, a tree, a bird etc. or you can print off this handy sheet we’ve found online – Nature Bingo.
If you’re looking for somewhere else to explore, the Lincolnshire Wolds is just under an hour’s drive away and has miles of countryside walks. Take in breath-taking views and stunning scenery at each corner you turn. You can find a walk in the Lincolnshire Wolds by going to the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service website.
Willingham Woods, on the outskirts of Market Rasen is also a great place to explore. There is a large picnic area with a café and toilets and is suitable for walking and cycling. You can also stop by Wrights of Willingham Ice Cream Parlour (less than 2 miles away) on the way home to enjoy their handcrafted gelato ice cream.
3. Soak up history!
Everyday is a school day, and you’ll be bound to discover something you didn’t know about Gainsborough in the town’s heritage trail. This short self-guided trail is a great low cost day out and can take up to 90 minutes and takes you around some of the town’s most historical landmarks. You can find the trail on our website here, or you can contact us for a hard copy.
If you’re wanting more, both Caistor and Market Rasen also have a heritage trail with fascinating stories just waiting to be discovered.
4. Gainsborough Summer Trail
Organised by Mums & Dads of Lincolnshire, head to Gainsborough Library and collect a trail sheet and visit the local shops in and around the town centre. Look out for the summer themed pictures in the shop windows and draw the picture in each box provided. Once completed head back to the library where each child will win a prize.
Available until 31 August. Suggested £1 donation per child to help cover the cost of the next trail. Please makes sure to check the library opening times before you leave.
5. Gainsborough Model Railway Open Days
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August
1.30pm to 5.30pm
A great afternoon out for all ages! Gainsborough Model Railway is one of the largest hand built model railways in the country! Based on the East Coast Main Line from London Kings Cross to Leeds Central, the railway covers 2500 square feet, has over 1200 feet of main line track, and needs ten operators.
Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) are just £12! Find out more on their website.
6. Lunch Fest at Marshall’s Yard!
Saturday 26, Sunday 27 August and Monday 28 August
11am to 6pm (5pm on Bank Holiday Monday)
Expect a jam-packed weekend of live entertainment with live vocal performances, surprise acts and free activities for all to enjoy, plus free face-painting, eating competitions and much more.
Arrive hungry as there’s expected to be a variety of street food vendors serving up dishes with different flavours from across the globe, inclusive of vegan options!
Join their Facebook event for regular updates!
Make a full day of it and pop over to the Gainsborough Model Railway Open Day on the Saturday or Sunday. It’s just a short walk from Marshall’s Yard.
7. Laughton Park
If you’re looking for somewhere for the kids to burn some energy, Laughton Park is the ideal place! For a low cost day out, take a picnic and spend the afternoon soaking up the summer sun. You could also tie it in with a visit to Tuetoes Wood which is just a short drive away.
8. Choose from over 70 different flavours of Ice Cream at Blyton Ice Cream!
You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 70 flavours of award-winning ice cream just 10 minutes’ drive from Gainsborough. From Apple Pie to classic vanilla – there’s a flavour for everyone! They also have sugar free and vegan options too!
There’s also a café serving hot meals, light bites and hot and cold drinks. Kids can also enjoy the children’s play area with crazy golf, table tennis and play park that is suitable for all ages.
For more information visit their website.
9. Let’s go to the Seaside
Now the sun has made an appearance (finally!), why not take a trip to the seaside. To make it more of an experience, why not take the Stagecoach X90 bus from Gainsborough to Cleethorpes! It’s only £6.40 return per person, and if you take a monster pack up with you, you can spend the whole day on the beach.
The X90 bus is available every Saturday until 2 September and departs from Gainsborough Lea Road Station at 8.42am and stops at Gainsborough Bus Station (8.50am). You will arrive in Cleethorpes at approximately 10.05am and the return trip home is at 2.45pm. Plenty of time for a dip in the sea (if you’re brave enough!), a spot of rounders and of course, sandy sandwiches!
10. Get on your bike
There are plenty of cycle routes to explore the in area that make a great low cost day out. The Water Railway from Lincoln to Boston is an ideal route as it is purpose built, and mostly traffic free. From Lincoln, head out to Washingborough and follow the route the Bardney. If you choose the right day, Bardney Manor Walled Gardens will be open, showcasing their beautiful summer gardens. You can find their open days here. Bardney Heritage Centre is also open Wednesday to Sunday and is a popular stop off for cyclists. Further down the route at Southrey, you can also see St John the Devine Church which is far from your traditional English church.
The whole route is 33 miles long and along the way you’ll find commissioned artwork depicting Lincolnshire’s assets and inspired by the words of Lincolnshire’s own Alfred Lord Tennyson. Find out more about the Water Rail Way cycle route here.
We hope you have a great time exploring Lincolnshire this summer! These are just some of the many wonderful places to visit and things to do in the area. For more inspiration you can head over to our Summer in Gainsborough page. You can also find other places to visit in Lincolnshire by going to:
For regular updates follow Discover Gainsborough on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SummerInGainsborough or #GainsboroughIsGreat so we can share your great days out this summer with our followers!