Nestled on the northern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Caistor is notable for its Georgian buildings but dates back to as early as Roman times.
It is thought that there has been inhabitants here for at least 7000 years, with the area becoming a fortified town during the Roman era.
Due to its high position, the Romans built a large fort here, which was encircled by a large stone wall. The remains of this wall are still visible today, and there is a monument to mark the site of the original Roman fortress.
Following the original Roman layout, Caistor’s narrow streets are centred around the market square. There are some beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings here, and the town has a designated conservation area, and includes 56 listed buildings. It is one of the most important conservation areas in Lincolnshire.
Today, the marketplace is fringed by independent shops and cafes. There are some fantastic independent shops here, including a number of family-run businesses. Continuing with the centuries-old tradition, there is a weekly market here every Saturday, offering fresh, local produce.
Nearby you can find the villages of Nettleton, with its Ironstone mining history, Claxby and Grasby with its lovely All Saints Church. There are also many fishing lakes to explore including Claxby Fishery, Wold View Fishery and Caistor Lakes Leisure Park.
Walkers Welcome
The town is popular with walkers with the Viking Way, a 149 mile walking route, running through the town. There is also a short heritage trail that takes you around the town's most notable points of interest. Copies can be picked up from Caistor Arts & Heritage Centre or by emailing tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk.
The ‘Caistor to Tealby’ section of the Viking Way is one of the prettiest walking routes in the Wolds. This section crosses the highest ground, not only of the Viking Way, but in all of Lincolnshire. You can enjoy some incredible views across the countryside, including a direct sightline of Lincoln Cathedral, some 20 miles away. Find out more about the Viking Way here.
For visitors looking for something shorter, the Caistor Circular is an ideal way to explore the Viking Way without having to go the full distance. These circular trails use part of the larger route and are filled with heritage, nature and scenic views. Find the route on Visit Lincolnshire's website, or email tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk to obtain a copy.
