Great reasons to visit Market Rasen

From history lovers to epicureans and racegoers, Market Rasen offers something for everyone, as Andrew Vaux finds.

Market Rasen is a beautiful market town centred around its cobbled marketplace on the west edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The town is also famous for being home to the county’s only racecourse which runs an annual programme of racing fixtures, as well as being a popular concert venue which over recent years has played host to many music stars including Jess Glynne, Madness, Olly Murs, Kaiser Chiefs and Craig David.

When the races first started in the 1800s, they were held on a ‘point-to-point’ basis with the horses and gentlemen riders starting from one of the local inns, over farmland to the finishing point.

Today’s racecourse was bought in 1924. As far as Christmas traditions go, Boxing Day at Market Rasen Racecourse has become a ritual for families across Lincolnshire and beyond, a good opportunity to escape the house after Christmas Day, to come together and enjoy a thrilling festive day out.

Wrap up warm and enjoy the thrill as the Thoroughbreds gallop past while you stand at the side of the track with family and friends. Enjoy seven exhilarating jump races, including the prestigious Lincolnshire National over three and a half miles, which serves as Market Rasen’s answer to the iconic Grand National at Aintree.

For full details of races throughout the year, visit the website www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/marketrasen

HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Lovers of Lincolnshire history can discover a wealth of stories with the town’s award-winning heritage tour.

Market Rasen still retains much of the character of its 19th-century heyday, and the town has stories dating back to pre-Roman times. The interactive tour allows you to explore the area and delve into some of the fascinating stories behind the buildings and locations you see today.

Key features and figures recognised along the route include:
• The Parish Church of St Thomas – there’s been a church building on this site for over 800 years, with written evidence dating back to the mid-12th century. The church was owned by the priory at Sixhills, and priests appointed by the priory looked after the spiritual life and needs of the people of Market Rasen until the 16th century.
The church building has seen many changes over the centuries. There are 14th-century columns in the north aisle and the tower seems to date from around that time too, which suggests a lot of building work was done in the 1300s.
The church was given financial help in the early 18th century for rebuilding, and this suggests there had been some sort of major disaster there – perhaps a fire. There was still more building works in the mid-19th century, completed in 1862 with the addition of the Lady Chapel in 1877. This is the church we see today.
• Dr John Conolly – a leading figure in the treatment of the mentally ill, with his legacy still evident today.
• Railway Station – since it opened in 1848, Market Rasen Railway Station has played an integral part in local life. The townspeople suddenly had more opportunities to travel further afield than ever before. Up until this point the only way to get anywhere was by horse and cart, which could take many hours. When the railway opened, immediately the people of Market Rasen began to use it for both business and pleasure.
• Magistrates’ Court – The Magistrates’ Court and Police Station date from 1849. Before they were built, all court sessions were held at The White Hart in King Street and petty criminals were ‘housed’ in policemen’s homes, with the policeman’s wife expected to feed them!
• The Cottage Hospital – opened in 1868 to provide medical care for the people of the town. This was long before the NHS was founded so in those days, people, no matter how poor they were, had to pay for their medical care. Therefore many people in Market Rasen would pay money each week into a club which would then pay for their medical care if and when they needed it – this system was the start of our modern day healthcare insurance policies.
• The Old Corn Exchange – Corn exchanges were found in most market towns in 19th-century England. They were designed as places where farmers of the locally grown grains (corn, etc.) would meet the merchants who purchased it from them.
• The Market Place – the market place has been in existence for 800 years now. The market was first given a charter in 1219 and as it grew in importance it gave East Rasen (or Little Rasen) the name we have today, Market Rasen. The markets were held on a Tuesday and people from all around would flock to Market Rasen to buy and sell their goods and then relax in the inns around the square – and maybe even abuse whoever was unfortunate enough to be in the stocks that day! Up until 1877, the market place was also used as a livestock market. Another event would be the hiring fairs.

GO OUTDOORS
For the more adventurous visitors to the town, Wilderness Ways is an outdoor learning provider offering bushcraft, axe throwing and outdoor activities for all. For more details visit: www.wildpinespark.com
Meanwhile, discover eight acres of stunning 21st-century gardens, a wildflower meadow, and woodland set in Lincolnshire’s north countryside at Market Rasen. With a south-west facing slope surrounded by open countryside, Brightwater Gardens (www.brightwatergardens.co.uk) boasts an iconic Lincolnshire view from the colourful borders.

Shopping plays a key role in town life. A selection of recommended shops to look up during your visit to the town include:
• Rose and Berries – find a wide variety of great fresh, local fruit, and vegetables at reasonable prices.
• Town and Country Carpets – a family-run business established over 36 years ago stocking nearly every make of carpet, vinyl, woods, laminates, and safety flooring for their customers.
• The Green Life Pantry – Market Rasen’s very own zero waste, plastic-free, weigh your own and refill shop. Find a wide range of dry goods, baking supplies, dried fruit, loose tea and coffee beans, wash detergents, shampoo and soaps. Soft drinks, chocolates and nuts also available.
• Rasen Hardware & DIY – Celebrating 50 years this year, Rasen Hardware & DIY stocks a vast range of hardware tools, building essentials, and more. Pop in and see their friendly team, including four-legged assistant Maisie, who’ll help you find exactly what you need.
• Garnetts Confectionery – a third-generation business, Garnetts Confectionery has been trading in the same shop in Market Rasen for over 100 years! You’ll be spoilt for choice with their fantastic range of quality confectionery. From delicious chocolate to mouth-watering jellies, nougat, fudge and more!
• VT Lancaster & Son Ltd – established in 1892, this family business has been passed through the generations and with the support of the local community resides as the oldest shop in Market Rasen! They specialise in providing the highest quality meats sourced locally, from Lincolnshire Red Cattle to free range pork and lamb.

EATING OUT
There’s no shortage of good eateries where you can settle down and relax after a day exploring the town.

The Advocate Arms (www.advocatearms.co.uk) is proud to serve fine produce at fantastic prices. During the day it serves everything from sandwiches and omelettes to hearty main meals in a relaxed setting. In the evening, it transforms into a fine dining restaurant, boasting a fresh seasonal menu with “Lincolnshire size” portions.

Alternatively, you may choose to take a short drive and visit The Kings Head in nearby Tealby (www.thekingsheadtealby.co.uk) for superb fresh home cooked food, fine Real Ales and a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere. Relax with friends and family in the bar area or dine in their cosy lounge or beautiful restaurant areas. The Kings Head has an excellent large stunning beer garden for alfresco dining in the summer months or just chilling out with a drink or two.

FESTIVE FUN
The town recently announced its regular programme of festive events in the run-up to Christmas.
These include:
• Astra Antiques Fairs (www.astra-antiques.com/antiques-fairs), 8am to 5pm, 4th December – many different dealers from the national trade, to local antiques centres where you can find a whole mixture of antiques and collectables from small items to large reclamation pieces.
• Annual Christmas lights switch-on, 4th December.
• Annual Christmas Market, 7th December, Festival Hall, Caistor Road LN8 3HT.

WELCOME BACK BISTRO BAR AND KITCHEN!
Tammi Franklin and Nicky Brooksbank, owners of the popular The Bistro Bar and Kitchen in Queen Street, have demonstrated how to overcome challenges on a journey resulting in triumph over tragedy.

Earlier this year in April, this family-friendly community bistro, which opened 18 months ago, quickly earning an excellent reputation for food and five star hospitality, was suddenly forced to close after a car crashed into the building causing extensive damage.

In spite of the challenges they faced, Tammi and Nicky remained resolute in their goals, overseeing building work over 12 weeks to restore the venue to its former glory before reopening again in July.

“We were determined to bounce back better and can’t thank our local community enough for their help and support,” says Tammi. “As a social hub hosting bingo, quiz evenings and OAP specials, as well as private parties and outside catering, we take pride in serving meals and lighter bites featuring local produce, as well as homemade cakes, afternoon teas, full English breakfasts and healthy specials.

“We’re delighted to welcome back customers both old and new – it’s been a long road, but we never lost our vision or enthusiasm – we love what we do!”

For more information, follow on Facebook or visit www.thebistrobarkitchen.co.uk

GREENSTRIPE INNOVATIONS: MARKET RASEN’S GARDEN MACHINERY EXPERTS
Conveniently located near Market Rasen, Greenstripe Innovations has built a reputation as the go-to supplier for top quality garden machinery and equipment.

Whether you’re a weekend gardener or a seasoned professional, Greenstripe offers a vast range of tools designed to make gardening easier, more efficient, and enjoyable.

Their extensive selection includes:
• Lawnmowers: From robust ride-on mowers for sprawling lawns to compact push mowers perfect for smaller gardens, Greenstripe’s selection caters to every garden size.
• Robotic lawnmowers: Dreaming of a perfectly manicured lawn without lifting a finger? Robotic lawnmowers deliver effortless, precise mowing at the touch of a button, ideal for both cosy gardens and larger landscapes.
• Hedge trimmers and brush cutters: Keep unruly hedges in check with powerful trimmers and cutters designed for precision and ease of use.
• Chainsaws and pruning tools: Tackle tree maintenance with ease using a selection of safe and effective chainsaws and pruning tools.
• Eco-friendly equipment: Greenstripe’s battery-powered tools offer quieter, greener alternatives to traditional petrol machines, making them a hit with environmentally-conscious gardeners.

Recent expansion
Greenstripe has recently expanded its range by incorporating Tyson Mowers, a trusted name in the industry. This exciting partnership means customers can enjoy an even broader selection of premium machinery, all backed by Greenstripe’s unwavering commitment to quality and service.

Expert support
More than just a supplier, Greenstripe is dedicated to helping you get the most from your gardening tools. The expert team offers:
• Personalised guidance: Friendly advice on selecting the right tools tailored to your specific gardening needs.
• On-site demonstrations: Hands-on demonstrations, allowing customers to try machines before making a purchase.
• Commercial demos: For businesses, Greenstripe offers comprehensive demonstrations of commercial-grade machinery.
• Free robotics consultations: Enjoy a free visit from an expert robotics technician to assess your property and recommend the best robotic solutions.
• In-house servicing: Keep your equipment in tip-top shape with Greenstripe’s servicing and repairs.

Get ready for autumn!
As autumn sets in, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. Whether you’re looking for autumn gardening tools or need end-of-season servicing, Greenstripe Innovations has you covered. Visit their Bishopbridge showroom to explore Greenstripe’s full range, speak with the knowledgeable team, and get your garden ready to thrive next season. Don’t wait – your garden deserves the best!

For more information visit www.greenstripe.net

HELPING TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
As an experienced qualified foot care professional, Nicola Webster takes pride in offering personalised non-invasive treatments at her warm and welcoming clinic in Queen Street.

Opened earlier this year, Nicola offers expert routine foot care treatments such as corn and callus removal, verruca and ingrown toe nail remedies, as well as diabetic foot care and more.

“You will always be greeted with a friendly welcome and on your first visit we will ask you to complete a patient record form, so that we have as much information as possible to be able to offer the safest level of care,” says Nicola, who is well known in the area, having spent many years offering mobile treatments.

“Regular foot care is extremely important, not only will it help keep feet comfortable, but we can also spot any issues that may arise before they become a problem.”

Routine appointments (£35) take up to 40 minutes per patient, depending on what is presented.

For more information tel: 01673 844811 or find on Facebook.

SUPREME AWARD FOR COTE HILL CHEESE
The team at Cote were stunned but delighted when Cote Hill Snowdrop was named Supreme Champion at the British Cheese Awards 2024.

For such a small cheese to beat over 600 other entries was remarkable. Snowdrop is made by carefully ladling the very soft curds into moulds before being left to drain for 24 hours and then salted. The cheeses are matured to allow the geotrichum to develop which gives the cheese its wrinkled appearance and distinct flavour. Snowdrop recently featured in the launch of the Real Cheese Project, a new online club for turophiles.  

Cote Hill Snowdrop is made on the farm by the Davenport family. It joins the Cote Hill range of popular soft cheeses: Cote Hill Blue, Red, Yellow and Lindum, which are all made by hand using fresh Lincolnshire milk.

isitors to the farm can also enjoy a niche shopping experience at the Cheese Shed @ Cote Hill Farm, where the cheese vending machine is stocked with Cote Hill Cheese, plus Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and butter,  as well as an array of local provisions and fresh Lincolnshire milk.

There is also a coffee vending machine which uses freshly ground Stokes Coffee beans.

For more information visit www.cotehill.com

Photographs: Mick Fox

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