| Long Sutton is a pretty Market town on the Eastern fringes of the county, with its sister Sutton Bridge just up the road.
Like so many Fenland towns, Long Sutton has an illustrious history, thanks to its setting in the fertile silt lands of the Lincolnshire Fens. The Friday Market dates back to the early 13th Century, when the town was a prosperous trading centre. In fact, by the mid 14th Century, Long Sutton was considered to be one of the richest communities in Lincolnshire.
This prosperity continued well into the 20th Century. As recently as the 1950s, eleven trains would daily transport passengers and local produce to and from the town.
Today, both the thriving Friday Market and produce auction remain - together with many examples of fine Georgian architecture. Long Sutton is now better known for its magnificent floral displays that decorate the town and churches, throughout Spring and Summer. It has been named amongst the 'Best Kept Villages' in Lincolnshire, and has again – for the second year running - been named best small town in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.
Be sure not to miss St Mary's Church, famous for its 13th Century lead covered timber spire – built to the same design as Chesterfield's famous twisted spire. However, thanks to Lincolnshire's master craftsmen, Long Sutton's spire still stands straight and true and is now the highest, oldest and best-preserved lead spire in England.
The Butterfly and Wildlife Park, voted Lincolnshire's Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide, is home to hundreds of butterflies, birds of prey and reptiles, and lies just outside the town.Sutton Bridge is the historic gateway between Lincolnshire and Norfolk, just a couple of miles from Long Sutton it boasts several nice walks and 2 lighthouses(!) - one of which used to be the home of the famous Sir Peter Scott. 
Location map - please click for larger image
|
