Mill Stream Retreat truly is a little piece of tranquility located in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds (AONB). Listen out for the Otters, enjoy a spot of stargazing in our incredible open skies, toast marshmallows round your firepit or simply kick back, do nothing and enjoy a glass or two of bubbles in your private hot tub. For the more adventurous, fishing, cycling and walking are all available on site or just as you go out of the gate as well as lots of other activities and places to see nearby. Whatever you decide to do, we can guarantee you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and wanting to come back!
Places to Visit Locally
Legbourne
Legbourne is the pretty Wold’s village in which the Retreat is located. Although its only small it has plenty to offer including two pubs, a village shop, church, two playparks and miles of beautiful footpath walks and cycle routes through stunning Lincolnshire countryside.
Legbourne Village Shop – At the of Mill Lane (near the church) the shop is very well stocked with fresh fruit & veg, meat, bakery products as well as other essentials, alcohol and newspapers etc
The Queens Head – Great pub providing quality food and beverages. Only a 10 minute walk away, to get there go left out of the Retreat when you get to the top of Mill Lane turn right and follow the road until you get to the pub which will be on your right hand side.
The Royal Oak Inn (The Splash) – A very popular pub located only a few hundred yards away. You can walk to The Splash by turning right out of the retreat gate and following the river until you reach a ford, go over the little bridge and you will see the pub on your left. (This route is pedestrian only, if you would like to drive you need to turn left out of the retreat gate, left at the top of Mill Lane, drive out of the village and take your next left at the corner follow the road until you reach the first corner, take a left and you will then come to the ford, the pub will be on your left hand side. www.royaloaksplash.co.uk
Louth
This beautiful Georgian market town is a gastro delight for ‘foodies’ Hailed by TV Chef’s The Hairy Bikers as a “food mecca”, Louth is one of the UK’s best-loved foodie hot-spots and certainly not to be missed.
Visit the bustling weekly markets and sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest produce, selling everything from speciality cheeses through to Lincolnshire Plum Loaf.
If you can’t visit on a market day, you will not be disappointed. Louth has such a lot of fabulous food shops to explore, including butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and a cheese shop.
Whether you have a passion for shopping or an interest in history, this charming market town offers an array of attractions and activities: from the stunning St James’ Church sporting the tallest parish spire in the country, to the shopping area dotted with countless inns, cafes and magnificent Georgian and Victorian houses.
Spout Yard is a great sun-trap park complete with an outdoor theatre, children’s play area and picnic tables. There is also a purpose built art gallery and exhibitions of local artists run throughout the year.
Just beyond the town lies Hubbard’s Hills, a steep-sided chalk valley; perfect for walking or an ideal spot for a picnic.
There is also a traditional cinema, museum, indoor soft play and mini indoor play town for children (Little Louth)
The Coast
From arcades and theme parks to miles of sandy beaches and nature reserves, Lincolnshire’s coastline pretty much has it all! Here are a few highlights however please do visit The Lincolnshire Coast – Visit Lincolnshire for endless attractions and information.
Mablethorpe (20 minutes):
Mablethorpe is one of Lincolnshire’s popular coastal towns with a magnificent Blue Flag Award Winning beach consisting of two miles of soft golden sand. This friendly town has something for all ages, it’s no wonder that Mablethorpe is such a popular holiday destination for a family getaway on Lincolnshire’s beautiful coast. If you’re planning a family getaway, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat, drink and relax. From donkey rides to crazy golf and more, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Looking or something more active? Mablethorpe attracts thrill seekers in their hundreds every year as it plays host to numerous adrenaline pumping activities including kite buggying, jet skiing and amusement park rides. For an extra special treat enjoy entertainment from talented magicians or watch a show from one of the performing musicians… all of this live entertainment is on offer at the beachside bars and restaurants that are just a stone’s throw away from the stunning sandy shores.
Donna Nook: (25 minutes)
Donna Nook is a treasured landscape in the UK with Britain being home to 40% of the world’s grey seal population. Grey seals return to Donna Nook every November-December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes. Seals are very protective of their pups, move faster than you think and can deliver a nasty bite, so keep to the viewing areas. Donna Nook is also noted for uncommon bird migrants. The site is a vital habitat for 47 regular visiting bird species, over 250 migrant bird breeds and a multitude of interesting plants. Look out for moorhens, coots and meadow pipits regularly on site plus seasonal redshank, lapwing and tern.
Huttoft Beach: (30 minutes)
Also known as Moggs Eye Beach, is a real jewel of Lincolnshire’s long and sandy coastline. Backed by grassy dunes and a long terrace car park, the beach is perfect for peaceful picnics, relaxing afternoons or as a base for walking and cycling along the coastal path. It’s also a rare gem that is a dog-friendly throughout the year, and so it’s an ideal spot to bring four-legged friends for a run-around on the spacious sand.
Cleethorpes: (25 minutes)
Breath-taking scenery, fabulous beaches, mouth-watering food, top attractions and fascinating history. Cleethorpes has something for everyone, where else do you have award-winning beaches, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and first-class visitor attractions.
Mablethorpe-Skegness Coastal Road:
On the Mablethorpe to Skegness coastal road you will find numerous coastal villages and resorts to suit all. Ranging from stunning nature reserves to busy traditional English seaside resorts. There are fabulous walks and bike routes (Cycle 2000 route) that take you right along the sea front.
We recommend ‘The Fat Seagull’ restaurant up at Sandilands for delicious home cooked fare.
The City of Lincoln
Lincoln is an absolutely fabulous city boasting both an incredible Castle and simply stunnng Cathedral, the castle is in fact the only place in the world where you can see both a copy of the Magna Carter and the Charter of the Forest. The City offers an experience rich in history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture and a wealth of places to eat and drink.
The city is easily walkable for visitors with good mobility – the main shopping and tourist area stretches from St Marks Shopping centre in the south up to the Cathedral Quarter – known locally as ‘Uphill’.
Steep Hill, voted Britain’s Great Street, connects ‘downhill’ and ‘uphill’ Lincoln. Yes, it is steep as its name suggests, but well worth the walk!
The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside ready to be explored with walks and cycle routes, where you’ll find quaint market towns, beautiful scenery, and aviation history.
Cadwell Park
Discover one of the best motor cycling circuits in the UK just 7.5 miles south of the retreat. Most famous for hosting the British Superbikes, visitors can also enjoy the adrenaline rush of Track Days, driving experiences and selection of other exclusive events throughout the year. Visit www.cadwellpark.co.uk for more information and details on how to book.
Market Rasen Racecourse
Market Rasen Racecourse, which is part of The Jockey Club, stages over 20 jump racing fixtures each year.
The venue is one of the friendliest places in the country to watch jump racing, with events held throughout the year. The beautiful track, in a lovely rural setting where it has been since 1924, is best known as a premier summer jumping racecourse. Top races include the Listed 188bet Summer Plate and 188bet Summer Hurdle, both run during the annual Ladies’ Day in mid-July. The family-friendly atmosphere, its stunning countryside views and exciting races make Market Rasen a great day out for everyone.
Market Rasen offers a range of enclosures on its feature racing days to suit every pocket and to ensure visitors can enjoy their day. Visitors to the County Enclosure can enjoy fantastic views of the racecourse, with sloping lawns to the parade ring, not to mention a selection of great bars and restaurants. Tattersalls Enclosure, in the heart of the racecourse, includes the parade ring, winners’ enclosure, weighing room and pre-parade ring. During a number of midweek fixtures, the racecourse offers a one enclosure policy, allowing everyone to access all the facilities at an affordable price.
Families, especially at Market Rasen, are well looked after, with a number of Family Fun Days held during the calendar. Bouncy castles and other entertainment are available on selected days in the Lawn Enclosure. Two picnic car parks offer visitors an alternative view of the racing.
At almost all meetings, accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge.
The racecourse attracts one of its largest attendances of the year at its traditional Boxing Day meeting, which is part and parcel of the Christmas festivities for thousands of people in Lincolnshire.
Activities
Walking
Explore the great outdoors breathe in that fresh country air and enjoy Lincolnshire’s beautiful, open, scenic landscapes with its miles and miles of footpath walks as soon as you step out of the retreat gate. There are some fabulous ones nearby including Red Hill Nature Reserve, Louth Vales, Hubbards Hills, the Viking Way and The Lindsey Trail, take a look at Wolds Walks – Visit Lincolnshire for countless more routes!
Cycling
Lincolnshire is situated in England’s East Midlands, running from the Humber Estuary down to The Wash, and is one of the country’s most welcoming but least discovered cycling destinations with a route to suit all ages and abilities. From beach promenade cycling to road biking and the more adventurous mountain biking, you will certainly find all of that here in our wonderfully scenic county.
Some fantastic routes include the Spa Trail, Lincolnshire Wolds challenge, Historic Lincoln and surrounding areas, Humber to the Wash and many many more. Check out Cycle Lincolnshire – Visit Lincolnshire to find the route that is perfect for you.
Nearby Outdoor Activities
We are lucky to have a range of outdoor activities right on our doorstep here at Mill Stream Retreat. Here are a couple that we recommend:
Alpaca Walking – Just a 5-10 minute drive away is Holmfield Alpacas in the lovely village of Little Carlton. Here you can go out for a beautiful walk in the Wolds countryside alongside a fluffy Alpaca friend. They also offer wet and needle felting workshops and you can purchase Alpaca wool and fibre to take away, throw in some tea and cake and it makes for the perfect afternoon!
Back2Bear – Located at Kenwick Park (5 minutes by car or 20 minute walk) is the amazing Back2Bear. Here you can learn knife and axe throwing, outdoor survival skills like shelter building and firemaking aswell as other activities such as archery, lazer tag, nerf wars and Gelsoft. Check out their website for the full pricelist and how to book – www.back2bear.co.uk
Water Sports
Being both rural and coastal we have a vast range of watersports on offer locally:
EBB & FLO – Located in Cleethorpes (25 minute drive). Discover fantastic services, products and experiences promoting positive physical and mental well-being, environmental education, awareness and sustainability. Enjoy the sea air and the great outdoors through a variety of water sports including SUP, SUP sunrise and sunset sessions, surfing, yoga and kayaking. They also have a fabulous jewellery and lifestyle range to purchase. Visit www.ebbandfloliving.co.uk to buy and to book!
Gin School
Just a 15 minute drive away you will find Louth Distillery where yes, that’s correct you can indeed go to Gin School!!
Here you will delve into the world of distillation, by making your very own gin and learn about how Pin Gin came to be. You’ll spend an amazing few hours in our brand new distillery school, a great experience to share with friends and family. Who will make the best gin?! As well as taking home your personalised gin creation, you’ll also get a 10% discount to spend in our shop and a FREE tote bag to help carry all of your gin home! A Gin School for One Experience means that you will get your very own still and be in charge of creating your own recipe and your own personalised 70cl bottle of gin! A Gin School for Two Experience is based on two people creating a recipe together and a 70cl bottle for you to share! Visit www.louthdistillery.co.uk to book!
Do be sure to let us know if you are going to book an experience as we can give you a special code exclusive to Mill Stream Retreat which will entitle you to 15% off your booking!
