The Little App ofBourne

Tourist Information

What to see, where to park, and what is on while you are here. Bourne is a good half-day on its own and a sensible base for Stamford, Rutland Water and the Fens.

Getting here and parking

Bourne is on the A15 and the A151, 15 miles north of Peterborough and 15 miles south east of Grantham. There is no railway station; both those towns are on the East Coast Main Line and are reachable by bus.

Free car parks at Burghley Street, Abbey Road and Manning Road, all within five minutes of the market place. Buses to Peterborough, Spalding, Stamford and Grantham leave from the Corn Exchange.

Car parks, toilets and cash machines in the directory

Staying here

Seventeen places to stay are listed, from town-centre inns to self-catering cottages in the villages. Most visitors staying more than a night use Bourne as a base for Stamford, Rutland Water and Burghley.

Where to stay

Eating here

For food there are 44 cafés, restaurants, pubs and farm shops in the directory, with opening times kept up to date by the businesses themselves.

Where to eat

Places to visit

Bourne Abbey Church (St. Peter and St. Paul)

Historic Sites

Founded in 1138, this Grade I listed church retains much of its original Norman architecture.

Grimsthorpe Castle, Park and Gardens

Historic Sites

A grand stately home with architectural styles spanning from the 13th century onwards. The estate includes extensive gardens and parkland.

The Red Hall

Historic Sites

Built in 1605, this distinctive red-brick building has served various roles, including as a railway booking office.

Bourne Town Hall

Historic Sites

Constructed in 1821 in the Neoclassical style, it has functioned as a market hall and courthouse.

Baldock’s Mill Heritage Centre

Historic Sites

A 200-year-old mill housing exhibits on local history, including displays about racing driver Raymond Mays.

Dowsby Hall

Historic Sites

An early 17th-century Jacobean house, once home to Henry Burtt, associated with the creation of the radio programme The Archers.

Cawthorpe Hall

Historic Sites

A late 18th-century Grade II listed house, possibly with 17th-century origins.

Wellhead Gardens

Historic Sites

A 21-acre parkland featuring waterways and tree-lined paths, especially picturesque in spring.

Bowthorpe Oak (Manthorpe)

Historic Sites

Ancient oak tree with a massive trunk and sprawling branches. Over 1,000 years old and located in the peaceful Lincolnshire countryside with nearby walking trails.

Burghley House & Grounds

Historic Sites

Burghley House offers visitors a grand Tudor mansion with lavishly decorated rooms, stunning Capability Brown gardens and seasonal events including the renowned Horse Trials.

Woolsthorpe Manor (near Colsterworth)

Historic Sites

The historic 17th-century birthplace and childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton, where he formulated his theory of gravity.

Crowland Abbey

Historic Sites

A unique Grade I listed Church of England parish church and ruined former Benedictine monastery in Crowland, Lincolnshire. The Abbey ruins date back to the 8th century.