Louth is a market town in Lincolnshire, one of the eastern counties of England. It is claimed to be the oldest town in England.

Get around

Louth is a fairly small town, and is largely walk-able, especially all the main points of interest around the Church area. Stagecoach Lincolnshire (formerly RoadCar) run the local bus service, although it can be rather unreliable at times. A 'Nipper' ticket is available to travel around Louth-ask the bus driver about this.

See

• St James' Church The tallest parish church spire in the UK and also Lincolnshire's top tourist church.
• Hubbard's Hills a well-loved area of green space in the town, with an ice cream shop, a lake great for paddling and lots of ducks to feed.
• Westgate Fields nearer the middle of town than Hubbard's Hills, Westgate Fields is a nice location for a picnic or just to see the giant Wooden Leaves there.
• Louth Art Trail consisting of the Wooden Leaves, three Meridian Line sculptures and a rather disappointing 'Wind Directional Pointer', following the Art Trail is a good way to explore the town.
• The Meridian Line runs through the town. A plaque outside Moby Dick's Fish and Chip Shop commemorates where East and Western Hemispheres meet.
• 1 Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Station Road, Ludborough, DN36 5SH (7 miles north of Louth), ☏ +44 1507 363881.  

Do

• Go up the spire - a rather tiring journey to the top, but on a nice day there are lovely views to be had.
• Go paddling at Hubbard's Hills - fun for everyone, especially if followed by a picnic or an ice cream.

Buy

Louth's centre isn't large, but has some charming shops on offer. Most of the larger chains (e.g. WHSmiths, HMV, M&S) have stayed out of Louth, and the shops are still mostly local, independently run outfits.

• Spencer's is a bookseller's, stationer's and newsagent. It also sells a variety of cards and gifts.
• CoJo's. Is a sports shop, selling sporting clothing and equipment. The shop sign also, rather confusingly, claims it sells 'Pop accessories' as well 
• Eve and Ranshaw proudly states it has been open 'Under 9 Reigns' on a sign by the door, and it is respected as such. A large department store, it is renowned for its homewares, and is where many people in the area buy their tablecloths, generally 'for best' (its history means it can charge a little extra). Sells everything else expected in an English department store, with a rather more refined style than, say, Binns or Debenhams.
• Dragonfly is four shops - the original, Dragonfly Gifts, Dragonfly 2 and Dragonfly Kitchen. All good for a special gift or home accessory - a great range of unusual items.
• For Your Walls sells original art and prints as well as offering an excellent framing service. Gift items are also available. Don't forget to take a dog treat for the boys!
• Royston's Deli, 75 Eastgate, Louth, Lincolnshire. (middle of Eastgate, opposite Burnt Ash Lane, between Venus and Dragonfly Cards), ☏ +44 1507 604143. Royston’s Deli is Louth’s new fine food shop. Cook and bake everyday in kitchen at the back of the shop to produce a range of ready meals, pastries and breads and also sell fine delicatessen foods from around Europe. Meat is supplied by local butchers Meridian Meats and our baking contains only free-range eggs, organic flour and rich Longley Farm butter. Seasonal crops come from Tithe Farm in North Somercotes. 

Eat

• Mr Chip's is a legendary (in the area) chip shop, and well worth a visit. Fish and Chips to eat in or take away
• The Wheatsheaf is a pub on Westagte serving a variety of traditional ales and delicious (mostly locally produced) pub food
• Chuzzlewits is a fine tea shop on Upgate. Being served afternoon tea by waitresses in Victorian dress is an experiece perfectly suited to the charming surroundings of Louth. Try a Fat Rascal (brilliant scone-type cake) or a more traditional scone with cream and jam for a delightfully English tea.
• Farmers' Market. Louth Farmers' Market is held on the 2nd Friday and 4th Wednesday every month in Market Place, Louth. Lots of fresh local food including organic vegetables, free range pork, local cheese and lots more. 

Drink

Locals will tell you Louth has over fifty pubs - pretty impressive considering its fairly small size. Although fifty might not be altogether accurate, it's not far off, so finding a drinking hole to suit won't be much of a challenge.

Sleep

• Number Nine. Fully equipped and re-furbished Georgian cottage, self-catering, sleeps 4. Parking, garden and patio. Close to close to Westgate Fields and Hubbards Hills, church and pubs and restaurants. 
• Cloddygate Farm Organic B&B (Cloddygate Farm Bed and Breakfast), Owes Lane, Skidbrook, Louth LN11 7DE, ☏ +44 1507 358679. Welcoming 19c farmhouse B&B situated in open farmland on the Lincolnshire coast near the market towns of Louth & Alford and seal colony at Donna Nook. Full English/vegetarian breakfast using local organic produce, home made preserves and eggs from the garden. Ideal for cycling, walking, fishing & photography. 
• Park Resorts Sunnydale. Between Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe is located close to the beach and consists largely of static caravans. There is a good choice of entertainment and restaurants, a swimming pool and also a stocked fishing pond. Also open to tourers. 
• Kenwick Park. a large estate that includes a golf club, swimming pool and health and beauty centre. The accommodation is at the more expensive end of the spectrum either in the hotel or in luxury lodges. 

Go next

Routes through Louth

Grimsby/Cleethorpes ←

NW  SE

→ Spilsby → Peterborough