Cliff Villages – more than a view

Perched on the Lincoln Edge, the Cliff Villages offer opportunities for visitors to explore local heritage, community fun and independent businesses, says Glynis Fox.

Villages sitting along an escarpment running south of Lincoln are extremely popular, particularly with families and house-hunters who want a home which offers them spectacular views.

There are many delightful properties in Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby Graffoe, Navenby and Wellingore, with each boasting its own identity.

Whether you are interested in local heritage, historic landmarks, joining community organisations, running a business or getting involved in events, you will find something of interest.

Mention Waddington and many people immediately think of RAF Waddington, which is now home to Lincolnshire’s world-famous Red Arrows.

However, aside from the camp, there is also the main village. It was already a good size, but it has recently mushroomed thanks to the arrival of more housing.

Home to more than 6,000 people, its businesses include shops and service providers. Its pubs include The Wheatsheaf Inn, which sits on the side of Grantham Road, and The Three Horseshoes in the High Street.

As we went to press, the once-busy Horse & Jockey, which overlooks the Old Market Square in the centre of the village remained closed, but Star Pubs is keen to find someone to run it and it could be you!

On 10th April, from 12 noon until 3pm, Star Pubs is hosting a Showcase Day at The Dandy Lion pub in Newland, Lincoln, when it will be discussing its plans for the refurbishment of the property.

It’s an ideal opportunity for a prospective tenant to find out more about this hostelry, which has traditionally traded with the benefit of four letting rooms.

Apart from its pubs, Waddington businesses include a Lincolnshire Co-operative store and a Budgens supermarket, coffee shops, hairdressing salons and families are served by the Cliff Villages Surgery.

EXPLORING FACILITIES
Workwise, the Quarry Business Park, approached off the main Grantham Road, is where many commercial goods and service businesses are based, providing a useful source of local jobs.

Families with younger children also have a choice when it comes to their education. Waddington has two primary schools – All Saints Academy in Mere Road and the Redwood Primary School in Redwood Drive.
Moving on, the next village is Harmston, with its lovely stone properties and historic All Saints’ Church.

The village also has a Memorial Hall, which is a well-used venue for regular group meetings, parties and other social functions, including family-organised events.

If you enjoy going out for a drink or a meal, Harmston is also home to The Thorold Arms. Chef Paul Vidic, one-time licensee at The Bell in neighbouring Coleby, is at the helm. So, if you are looking to discover somewhere new to eat and drink, why not give Paul and his team a try?

In Coleby, pubgoers and people who have been walking along the nearby Viking Way and enjoying the views of the Trent Valley can quench their thirst at another longstanding pub – The Tempest Arms.

The next village, Boothby Graffoe, stands out for its attractive St Andrew’s Church which sits alongside Grantham Road.

HIVE OF ACTIVITY
Whilst some of the Cliff Villages naturally have more facilities and community groups than others, nearby Navenby is a real hive of activity, with a variety of shops and food establishments. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee break or a bite to eat if you are travelling to and from Lincoln and Grantham.

Fashionistas, who love looking for a bargain, will be drawn to pop into the local nearly new clothes boutique, the Seconda Dress Agency, where they could find a really great buy, including something special with a highly prized label!

If you can’t resist visiting antique shops or are continually searching for items to add to a special range of collectables – whether it be crockery, jewellery or distinctive items with which to personalise your home, there’s another must-visit outlet here.

Navenby Antiques Centre is the perfect place to browse and, who knows, you could find something really exciting.

Should you be in need of a pretty bouquet for a friend, or a treat to celebrate a family member’s birthday, make sure you take time to visit the artisan boutique florist, where you will also find a range of gifts. Petal & Stalk also has a flower school. If you are looking for a painting, you could also pop into the Orchard Gallery.

Navenby is well-served with a Co-operative store, the One Stop Mini Market & Off Licence and Welbourne’s Bakery – a well-known name in Navenby for decades, with a wonderful selection of breads and cakes.

The village is also home to the family-run Reindeer Fish Shop and businesses which concentrate on pleasing those who fancy a mouthwatering Indian or Chinese meal.

Those who fancy a pub outing might choose to book a meal at The Lion & Royal or The Kings Head. Another choice eatery is The Old Filling Station, which offers everything from breakfasts to lunches and cocktails and tapas!

Wellingore is yet another attractive village, whose features include All Saints’ Church, The Marquis of Granby and The Red Lion pubs, and the well-used Memorial Hall.

THE PLACE TO GO!
Are you planning a family celebration, wanting somewhere to host your wedding reception or a 21st birthday party? Why not check out The Venue at Navenby.

A very popular facility, the Venue is a smart place to gather and is regularly used by a wide range of community and activity groups as well as being hired for family gatherings.

It has three rooms which can be hired and the largest area in the building boasts the capacity to host meetings and conferences for more than 200 people.

As well as being used for exhibitions and trade events, it’s also possible for business owners to do a spot of hot-desking in the building! Best of all, it comes with plenty of parking too!

CHOOSE TROOPS FOR TOP MOTOR SERVICES
The Troop family have been involved with the motor trade in and around Leadenham for more than 75 years.

Throughout this time the family run business has always strived to maintain the values and services associated with the well established local brand.

“We have always taken the view that whilst we are a business and operate as such, we are also a service to our local community and many loyal customers. 

“When a family business like ours survives the ups and downs of the modern world, it can only be for one reason and that is the ability to adapt.

“To that end the business has grown to include our own Accident Repair Centre, Service and MOT Centre, Parts and Accessories department, used car and commercial centre with more than 75 vehicles on display, as well as stock of new Isuzu vehicles.”

The business continues to be operated by the Troop family backed by its highly skilled and loyal workforce, many of whom have worked here for more than 10 years.

Their advanced customer service computer records all of the information about your car, all work carried out and the service history.

“We still strive to operate with the principles and values that have always driven us to get better and provide our customers with the best value for money service.

For more information visit www.troopsuk.com

CARING COMMUNITY VETS
Opened in November 2022, Lincoln Edge Vets is a friendly, independent veterinary practice run by Sarah Bartlett BVMS CertAVP MRCVS and Alice Simpson-McDermott BVetMed MRCVS, who share more than 35 years’ experience in small animal general practice.

The welcoming, modern practice in Waddington offers a “traditional” approach as a local village veterinary practice with high standards alongside its caring team of professionals, while striving to keep up to date with new research and veterinary developments.

The practice, which offers easy patient access and excellent parking facilities, features three air-conditioned consultation rooms and a large preparation area for procedures, as well as separate dog and cat waiting areas plus dog, cat and small furry hospitalisation wards.

“We know the local villages have a strong sense of community and we want to get to know you all!”

Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and Saturday from 8.30am to 12 noon. For more information visit www.lincolnedgevets.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

Main photograph: MOD/Crown Copyright 2024

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