Top Things to do in Gainsborough
5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Gainsborough That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Gainsborough, United Kingdom including Gainsborough Heritage Centre, Gainsborough Old Hall, Fair Gardens Plant Centre, Marshall's Yard, Mount pleasant windmill and tea rooms.
Restaurants in Gainsborough
1. Gainsborough Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Our role is to make Gainsborough's history and heritage accessible to all. Our archives include information on companies including Marshalls and Rose Brothers, schools, buildings, local newspapers, burials and cemeteries. We have a wide variety of displays and changing exhibitions, well established research room and a small tea room with full facilities. We welcome all visitors and have a lift to provide disabled access to all floors.
Reviewed By juditho709 - Congleton, United Kingdom
My partner's sister, who teaches in Gainsborough, wanted to visit the centre, which is based in the old telephone exchange, with a view to taking a school party. We popped in on Saturday morning, and had a cheap and cheerful cuppa in the delightful little 'Exchange Tea Room' - free biscuits! - before exploring further. Staffed by charming and knowledgeable volunteers, this turned out to be an unexpected treasure trove of local history. They have three storeys of displays, artefacts and information, including a street scene. On the top floor you can see what was once a flat for the security guard, and still contains its original fireplace with cooking range. Gainsborough was once an important port, and later an equally important manufacturing centre - so the contents of this building are a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to delve into these areas of history; or to research their family history, as the archive includes the records of hundreds of people who were employed by the big companies in the past. I have no local links, but I found it a fascinating and delightful way to spend the morning, and have no doubt we will return.
2. Gainsborough Old Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Regularly described as a “hidden gem in Lincolnshire” this exciting visitor attraction offers a variety of events and exhibitions and an award – winning schools’ education programme. Owned by English Heritage the Hall is operated by Lincolnshire County Council. Gainsborough Old Hall is a large, late- medieval manor house built by the noble Burgh family around 1460. The house boasts an impressive Great Hall; original medieval kitchen; East and West ranges containing a myriad of rooms and a haunted ghost corridor.
Reviewed By Ashfield531 - Ringwood, United Kingdom
The hall is well worth a visit as it retains a remarkable sense of preservation and original features given that it was a private home for a very long period. It is an English Heritage property so members get to enter for free.
3. Fair Gardens Plant Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By cupcakemker - Lincoln, United Kingdom
My friend and I travelled to this garden centre on a very dismal day last week and after looking round decided to have lunch there. We had not booked but had timed it very well as a table had just become vacant. My friend decided to go for a full roast chicken dinner and I had a prawn jacket potato. The dining area was full and the staff were very busy but friendly and attentive. The meals arrived looking very appetising, hot and tasty. We both enjoyed the food but could not manage a dessert as we were full. The garden centre is fully stocked with all the usual gifts, houseplants etc with a large display of Christmas decorations etc... plenty to browse round and a huge selection of plants, shrubs and trees to choose from. Definitely will be revisiting..when we can..highly recommend a trip!
4. Marshall's Yard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By dtorry2012
A modernised (extremely clean) rectangular retail shopping area that is easy to transit either strolling or with mobility assistance, prams etc facilitating economic easy parking and two spaces for charging electric cars. The various retail shopping outlets are of a high standard including a large Wilko, Halfords, Gap, Laura Ashley, Poundland, Clinton Cards etc, also some well known high street opticians and other specialist retail shops selling branded clothing, beauty products and jewellery etc, a fitness centre with swimming pool. Diners can be sure of quality and cleanliness at cafes with outside seating including a very popular Prezzo Restaurant with dancing water fountains and large information screen. PublicToilets are provided near the florist shop on the driver side of the incoming vehicle access road. Nearby is Tesco and Lidl each also providing time limiting parking. The rest of Gainsborough town is worth a visit if only to view what negligence of services can achieve by turning a once proud Lincolnshire engineering town which was once the capital of England (yes it was) into the utter disgrace and shanty that even the German bombing failed to do.
