Exploring Boston

Andrew Vaux takes a trip around this historic market town, which lies to the east of the county, and discovers there’s plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Christmas comes early to Boston this year when the town’s Bargate Green Car Park is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’, featuring attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

The highlight will be an ice-skating experience with a synthetic ice rink – new for 2024 – alongside several traditional fairground rides, beautifully framed by the newly illuminated Christmas lights introduced in 2023.

The ice rink will be open for skating throughout the weekend, with its official launch on Friday 29th November to kick off the Boston Christmas Festival of 2024 running through to 6pm on Sunday 1st December.

The Christmas Festival will bring traditional Christmas market food and drinks being served, including mulled wine and Bratwurst sausages, as well as the traditional hog roast, cakes and pastries, and many other traditional favourites.

The market will also feature stalls selling Christmas gingerbread, handmade wooden items, jewellery and Christmas ornaments and decorations, as well as pet essentials from The Little Blue Pupcakery.

Don’t miss entertainment from several community acts, local bands, talent shows, and more who will perform over the three-day festival. 

WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Young or old, you’ll never be short of things to do in this picturesque market town.
Popular attractions include:

• River cruises – enjoy public and private hire sea and river cruises from Boston. Cruise up and down the tranquil waters of the River Witham, or experience bracing trips out to sea where you can spot the seals. On the cruises you’ll see habitats from the seaward side and get up close to the birds. Most years, over 100 species can be spotted, averaging about 60 species per cruise. Sightings of waders include plovers, dunlin, knot, redshank and godwits. In addition, birds of prey are often seen, plus wildfowl and harbour seals. The cruises provide interest to all, from the avid birder to anyone with a genuine interest in nature. Each cruise is led by local RSPB volunteer guides who can help with bird identification, as well as pointing out places of local interest.The Boston Belle has been cruising up and down the River Witham and on The Wash from Boston since her relaunch in 2002. In 2018, a new riverboat, Prince George, was launched expanding the company’s cruising ground and private hire capacity. For more information visit www.bostonbelle.co.uk

• St Botolph’s Church – discover one of the largest parish churches in England. St Botolph’s (also known as the Boston Stump) has one of the tallest medieval towers in the country. The nickname Boston Stump, or simply The Stump, is often used as a reference to the whole church building, or for the parish community housed by it.

• Frampton Marsh – this internationally important landscape provides habitats for wintering wildfowl and migrating and breeding waders. There are a variety of freshwater habitats – avocet, redshank, skylark and whimbrels can be seen in summer, with thousands of ducks gathering in the scrapes in winter. Expect to see good numbers of avocet in the spring and summer, as well as large flocks of lapwing. In the winter, hunting hen harrier and brent geese. Redshank are a real success story here, with more than 200 pairs nesting regularly. For more information visit www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/frampton-marsh

• The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre – this unique aviation heritage site at nearby RAF Coningsby houses the Lancaster PA474, Douglas Dakota ZA 947, six spitfires, two hurricanes and two chipmunks inside the hangar. Experience exclusive up-close access to these famous aircrafts that are well-known for appearing at British state occasions, notably theTrooping of the Colour, as well as attending other key international events. Enjoy this celebration of Lincolnshire’s unique, diverse and impressive aviation heritage. For more information visit www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight-visitor-centre

• Lincolnshire Wildlife Park – an exciting family-friendly attraction at nearby Friskney is home to a large and diverse range of animals from all parts of the world. Discover Bengal tigers, playful Lemurs and much more. Explore the UK’s largest collection of parrots with around 100 different species to enjoy. Learn interesting facts from the expert keepers in their daily talks and discover an array of unique close-up animal experiences, perfect for animal-lovers and thrill-seekers alike. First opening its doors to the public in 2003, this animal attraction is now one of the largest in Lincolnshire, recently winning several awards for its amazing community work. The park also has its very own themed restaurant named The Rainforest Diner, where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food and drink, as well as the interesting reptiles and amphibians on display. For more information visit www.lincswildlife.com

RELAX AND REVIVE
Once you’ve explored the town’s delights, why not sit down and relax with some well-deserved food and drink. There’s no shortage of eateries and local hostelries in the town.
Choices include:

• Goodbarns Yard, 8 Wormgate – located in the most historic part of Boston, fronted by a medieval street by the Boston Stump, this pub also offers scenic outdoor eating in its heated decking area. Enjoy light lunchtime snacks and traditional home made meals, including its popular rack of ribs, in a comfortable setting around the bar or in the restaurant. For more information visit goodbarnsyard.com

• Monkey & I, 9 Church Street – a popular Thai restaurant offering a fresh and authentic menu featuring traditional rice, fish, vegetable, stir-fried, noodle, curry, grill, and sizzling dishes. For more information visit www.monkeyandithai.co.uk

• Boston Lock Café, 27 Witham Bank East – an independent café set in a beautiful 17th-century warehouse overlooking the River Witham and Sluice Bridge in the heart of the town. The café offers a range of teas, coffees, cakes, and snacks. For more information visit www.bostonlockcafe.co.uk

• Ye Olde Red Lion, Donington Road – this award-winning country pub, which dates back to 1665, offers a unique menu serving Lincolnshire Tapas, described as “traditional fare, served untraditionally”.

Championing local ingredients, all produce used in their Lincolnshire Tapas dishes is fresh and includes potatoes supplied from their farm, fruit, and vegetables supplied by J Hull Wholesale Sutterton, seasonal game from Lincolnshire Game Company of Swineshead, meat supplied by Boston Sausage and Price & Fretwell, and fresh fish supplied by Moorcroft of Grimsby. For more information visit the website at redlionbicker.co.uk

ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS
Whilst there’s no doubt Boston is steeped in history, ongoing projects will ensure the town remains fit for the future.

The regeneration of a public realm area is a step closer with the submission of a planning application.

This marks the first phase of the Rosegarth Square regeneration project, which was awarded £14.8 million in government funding. 

The planning application will now be assessed by planning officers and if approved the area will soon begin to be redeveloped for everyone to enjoy. This will include the relocation of the town’s iconic buoys to maintain the Heritage Trail’s prominence, a new sensory garden which can also be used as a quiet space for contemplation, and new amphitheatre-style seating area.

Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is a major milestone in transforming this run-down part of town into an exciting new space for everyone.

“The aim of this first phase of the project is to enhance connectivity within the town centre. We aim to create a new high quality public realm which will improve the experience for residents.”

Meanwhile, a significant step in the development of the new state-of-the-art mental health inpatient unit in Boston has been recently marked by the laying of the first bricks.

The new unit, which will be based at the Norton Lea site on London Road, is being built by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and will include a new 19-bed mixed-gender adult inpatient ward.

Kevin Lockyer, Trust chair, said: “Everyone involved in this project has worked so hard to get us to this important milestone and I can’t thank them enough.

“The new ward has been co-designed with our Experts by Experience, healthcare professionals and construction experts. Our new state-of-the-art facility will create a therapeutic space for those to whom we provide care.”

The new ward will replace the outdated dormitory style accommodation on the existing Ward 12 at Pilgrim Hospital.

For further information and help in planning your trip, visit: https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/boston-tourist-information-centre

BOSTON SOLICITORS COMPLETE MAJOR OFFICE RENOVATIONS
Sills & Betteridge LLP, one of the region’s leading law firms, has recently completed substantial work to its Main Ridge West offices.

The firm’s investment to modernise and upgrade the premises, which included a new roof and significant reconfiguration of the building, reinforces its ongoing commitment to serve the local community and create a better-quality working environment for its team.

Dating back to the 1850s, the well-located building has served the firm well for many years. However, with working methods evolving and the team having grown, in collaboration with John Roberts Architects, they looked at ways to modify and expand the ground floor space whilst elevating their presence in the town.

A merger with Jebb & Tunnard saw the firm move into Boston in 2007. Four years later, they joined forces with Richard Tinn Solicitors. The team now handle a wide range of personal legal services including wills, trusts and probate, residential property, family law, personal injury, crime and motoring offences.

Lawyers from the firm’s large commercial team visit Boston regularly to assist local businesses with corporate matters, commercial property, employment law and litigation.

For more information tel: 01205 364615 or visit www.sillslegal.co.uk

PAWFECT PRESENT IDEAS
Named after owner Nikki Downs’ two much loved original bullmastiffs, SkyeBubble offers a unique quality collection of original country themed gifts designed to capture the close bond between pets and owners.

“I aim to create and design my own range of gifts that are unique, complimented by other high quality gifts from other companies,” explains Nikki, who is exhibiting at the Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair on Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December. 

Among SkyeBubble’s most popular gifts currently are the Mulberry Hoofing Around Tea Towel and Cushion, Dog Showing Lead and Collar Bag, Pawfect & Beauty Cosmetic Bags and the Absolutely Love Dog Walking Cushion.

Nikki, who has been showing her bullmastiffs for many years and is set to exhibit at Crufts 2025 with her current pet Mulberry. She has also launched a new original range called Absolutely Love Dog Showing, which includes a special Dog Showing Lead & Collar Bag, Notebook & Pen Set, and Tea Towel Set.

“SkyeBubble has evolved from launching in 2016 with just a table at a local craft fair, where I sold a few soft furnishings and cards, to now exhibiting at large country shows and gift fairs along with the website.

“This year SkyeBubble exhibited over three days at the Chatsworth Country Fair in Derbyshire for the first time. We also sponsored the Best in Show at The Family Dog Show, and it was lovely to have the winners come onto the stand and spend their vouchers.”

For more information visit www.skyebubble.co.uk 

BUTTERFLY HOSPICE FLIES HIGH
The Butterfly Hospice in Boston is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Retiring CEO Bridget MacPherson reflects on a decade of care.

“This milestone marks a significant chapter in providing exceptional life-limiting and end-of-life care at The Butterfly Hospice in Boston and wider Lincolnshire,” says retiring CEO Bridget MacPherson. “The patient experience is so important, so every effort is made to ensure their stay is as close to being at home as possible. The littlest of things matter – family photos or visits from the cherished family pet, a favourite meal – all can be accommodated.”

The hospice, which welcomed its first patients in August 2014, provides free 24-hour specialised patient care. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, the hospice offers a place of tranquillity to those in need of respite, symptom control or end of life care, whilst providing full support to families including bereavement support.

In 2022, the opening of the Butterfly Therapy Village marked a significant and much-needed offer to the local community. Here, the Butterfly Therapy Service offers personalised 1-to-1 support to anyone dealing with a life-limiting condition or bereavement. In addition, wellbeing support groups are now also offered as part of the service.

The Butterfly Hospice Trust has continued to improve and update its facilities, with a programme of refurbishment and decoration. All of the patient bedrooms face into the beautifully sculpted, yet wild gardens, which host family gatherings, parties and weddings. In this last year, bucket list dreams including a motorbike meet, a tractor rally and plane flyovers have all come true – to relive a life of years gone by, or to trigger cherished memories.

Beacon of hope
From its inception, the Butterfly Hospice has been a beacon of hope and comfort to those living with a life-limiting illness.

“The dream of having a hospice in Boston came from the community, and has been enabled to flourish and grow. We have a highly valued partnership with Lincolnshire Community Health Service, who deliver the care. The impact of this has led to a hospice service, where all people feel safe and connected.

People who stay for respite care will make repeat visits and have the option to choose the Butterfly Hospice as their preferred place to die. Family members and loved ones continue to connect with the staff at the hospice, often for many years following a death.

“At the Butterfly Hospice, every day is about making a difference. The unwavering support from our community transformed a dream into a reality. Here we are, 10 years on, a testament to that collective faith and effort.

“Our uniqueness stems from our mantra of being ‘the local hospice for local people’ and this holds true today. I am delighted to have passed on the baton to another local lady, Heidi Freeman, who will continue to pioneer and champion for the Butterfly Hospice.”

For more information visit www.butterflyhospice.org.uk

AWARD-WINNING HOME CARE
Founded in 2004, Walnut Care at Home is a family-run, home care provider which delivers high-quality adult home care across Lincolnshire.

“Walnut Care is here to provide support, so you can truly enjoy time with your loved one without the worry. Our award-winning carers provide support right at home, offering assistance with everything from personal care to preparing nutritious meals, all while putting your loved one first.

“We work alongside you to shape a personalised care plan that suits your loved one’s needs and wishes, keeping their comfort and independence at heart. Our goal is simple: to help your loved one live a safe, dignified, and gloriously ordinary life while giving you peace of mind.

“With Walnut Care, you can relax knowing they’re in safe, compassionate hands. Let us lighten the load and take some of the pressure off – reach out to us today to see how we can support you.”

For more information visit www.walnutcare.co.uk

THE BEST OF HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Located on the Revesby Estate in Moorby, near Horncastle, Expressive Audio is a family-run business with more than 30 years’ combined experience in quality HiFi and home cinema.

The company offers a range of products, featuring British brands including Arcam, Cyrus, Chord Company, Fyne Audio, KEF and Rega.

“We love music and cinema, and we are passionate about helping people to get the most out of their record, CD, streaming, and movie collections.

“Our aim is to allow you to get as close as possible to the experience of live entertainment, from the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer analogue or digital, have a large budget or small, and want new, used, or a mix, we’re here to meet all your audio, visual, and home automation needs.”

Don’t miss this month’s free “Bring Your Own Music Night” on Sunday 15th December between 7pm and 9pm at The Red Lion in Revesby – bring along your favourite music in vinyl, CD or digital form to share with like-minded people in a great venue on a specially selected HiFi system. The event is completely free, just show up with some music!

For more information, call 01507 499047, visit the showroom at Moorby Yard on the Revesby Estate, or visit www.expressiveaudio.com

PLAN YOUR XMAS PARTY AT THE ADMIRAL RODNEY!
Based in the heart of Horncastle, this award-winning Grade II listed coaching inn offers hospitality, cosy rooms and traditional-yet-refined festive dining options, making it the perfect backdrop to your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

From breakfast to supper and everything in between, their seasonal menus feature the finest, locally sourced ingredients. The chefs at The Admiral Rodney combine their love and passion for food to create dishes you will adore.

Whether you’re planning your Christmas Day Dinner, looking for somewhere to stay in Horncastle over December, or organising the family get-together around New Year, check out the inn’s 2024 Christmas Brochure on the website to begin organising your party. Selected Christmas Party Nights are also available.

Then you can simply arrive and let the team at The Admiral Rodney spoil you during the festive season.

To book your Christmas package or event visit www.admiralrodney.com, call 01507 523131 or email admiralrodney@innmail.co.uk and speak to their friendly team.

Photographs: Mick Fox

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