< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LOUTH With a fascinating history, quirky, independent shops, a dynamic arts community, and flourishing food scene, Louth is a favourite market town for many. W idely recognised as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’, Louth is a picturesque market town with a rich history. Beginning its life in Saxon times, Louth gained its name from the word Hlud, meaning loud, referring to the fast-flowing River Lud which the town sprouted up either side of. As the Danes took over in the 9th century, they left Louth with many of its street names, as well as destroying a late 7th century monastery. By the Domesday Survey in 1086, Louth had become a significant settlement of 124 households and was 42 Á The ‘Capital of the Wolds’ The ‘Capital of the Wolds’ LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 LOUTH © stock.adobe.com/Gill42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LOUTH already a market town, laying the foundation for its trading fame as history’s clock ticked on. The town’s importance grew when Bishop Alexander of Lincoln founded the no longer standing Louth Park Abbey in 1139, the dissolution of which spurred on the town’s role in starting the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536 at St James’ Church, protesting Henry VIII’s religious reforms. Through the 18th and 19th centuries, Louth prospered as a prime market town, bolstered in 1770 with the opening of a canal, which ultimately closed in 1924 following the arrival of the railway and a decline in income. Work has been underway to help bring life back to the canal, 100 years since its use by commercial boats, with a slipway recently created for paddleboarders, kayakers and canoers to enhance its use for leisure. For the arts, the 19th century established Louth as a culture capital of east Lincolnshire, with the town associated with famed poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, who attended the grammar school — though he recalled hating every moment of it — and printed his first poems in Louth. With such a deep history, Louth maintains its character today, as a market town full of Georgian and Victorian architecture and landmarks, combining its heritage with modern amenities. Weekly markets remain, highlighting the region’s finest produce and enriching the town’s vibrant shopping scene. Ideal for those who enjoy visiting independent retailers and boutiques, explore New Market Hall and cobbled streets to find a raft of quirky shops, from fashion to antiques, creating a town with such variety that you will be keen to return. A dream for foodies too, Louth was hailed by TV chef’s The Hairy Bikers as a ‘food Mecca’, providing a wealth of specialist shops — from bakeries to butchers to artisan cheese shops — tearooms, cafes, restaurants, pubs, © stock.adobe.com/ColinLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 LOUTH breweries and distilleries; take the Louth Food Trail to discover all there is to sample, or visit the Louth Food and Drink Festival to delight in vast delicious delicacies. Aside from the culinary arts, to get your creative fix the town’s Riverhead Theatre and Town Hall provide a varied calendar of events. Moreover, the Playhouse Cinema with its art deco facade, a conversion of a former Victorian chapel built in 1821, presents releases from blockbusters to arthouse films. To get your toe tapping, a jazz club holds the music of New Orleans and Dixieland at its core but regularly 45 Á © stock.adobe.com/Colin44 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Givingyourbusinessahelping hand Tofindouthowwecanhelpbuildyourbusinessvisit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Officesin Boston,Bourne,Horncastle, Lincoln,Louth&Skegness CHARTEREDCERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Accounts-TaxReturns TaxPlanning-Book-Keeping Audits-BusinessAdvice R. ARNOLD Funeral Directors Independent Family Funeral Directors Est 28 Years We take care of the smallest of details with compassion and dignity, we personalise every service for each family. Woodhall Spa 01526 341 707 Lincoln: 01522 542 701 Sutton-on-Sea: 01507 442 300 Mablethorpe: 01507 473 100 Alford: 01507 463 200 Louth: 01507 608 200 Email: rarnoldlincoln@gmail.com www.rarnoldfuneralservice.com Woolliss & Son Butchers –– AWARD-WINNING LINCOLNSHIRE BUTCHERS –– LOOKING FOR A TOP QUALITY BUTCHERS IN LINCOLNSHIRE? Look no further, we have a proven track record when it comes to providing top quality cuts of meat and home made pastries at a competitive price. We are proud of our locally sourced produce and our 5 star hygiene rating. 29-31 Mercer Row, Louth LN11 9JG. T: 01507 603230 E: orders@woolliss-butchers.co.uk W: woolliss-butchers.co.uk Eve Street | Louth | Lincs | LN11 0JJ T: 01507 604 828 E: leakesmasonry@aol.com www. leakesmasonry.co.uk L EAKE ’ S M ASONRY L TD Memorial Masonry Specialists Since 1840 New granite and marble memorials, additionals and cleaning work undertaken.LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 LOUTH 17 Market Place, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 9PD Tel: 01507 604029 www.striacroft.co.uk Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Jewellery & Watch Repairs Pre Owned Rolex Watches features more mainstream jazz and Blues, and art galleries showcase everything from the traditional to the bold. For heritage lovers, a charming street scene offers a medieval church, Gothic mausoleum, and Georgian and Victorian houses, with over 200 listed buildings in the town. A stop at the iconic St James’ church is a must, the site of the Lincolnshire Rising. Dating from 1170, the building hosts the tallest steeple of any medieval parish church in Britain. Completed in 1515, to the top of the weather vane is 293 feet one inch. The Louth Museum, meanwhile, shines a spotlight on the history of the town, with 200,000 years of local archaeology, the story of the Ghost of the Green Lady, and the largest national collection of Victorian woodcarvings by Thomas Wilkinson Wallis to be found amongst its exhibitions. Louth is additionally a brilliant base for getting in touch with nature. In the heart of the Wolds, scenic woodland, rolling hills and peaceful waterways make for perfect hikes. Not needing to travel far, just a mile outside the town is the beauty spot Hubbard’s Hills, formed by melting glaciers after the last ice age. The chalk valley surrounded by wooded slopes meanders the River Lud, opening as a public park in 1907. Recognised as a local gem, it has since welcomed generations of families and visitors for picnics, walks, to cross the stepping stones and paddle on warm days. Meanwhile, for a more high-octane activity, Cadwell Park, nicknamed the ‘mini-Nürburgring’, sits five miles south of Louth. Winding through open park and woodland, the race circuit holds a key place in the hearts of motorsport fans, whether as a spectator or participant. With a fascinating history, dynamic arts community, unique shops, and delicious bites, it’s easy to see why Louth is a favourite market town for many in Lincolnshire. This summer, why not experience its character and lively streets yourself? © stock.adobe.com/GillThree premium cars that define style and performance In the car market, premium brand vehicles represent sophistication, comfort, and advanced technology. For buyers in Britain, these cars reflect success and personal style. This article examines three new premium brand models currently available, each offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features. 46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORINGBMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon BMW boasts a strong reputation for innovative and stylish models known for their quality and reliability. The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon showcases this with its distinctive design, featuring the iconic kidney grille and sleek lines. Produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, it combines all-electric capabilities with advanced digital features. The i5 M60 boasts a powerful 601hp electric drive, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 142 mph and a range of 282 to 320 miles. Its adaptive recuperation technology enhances energy efficiency, while the EFFICIENT mode can extend the electric range by up to 25% by limiting speed and comfort functions. The MAX RANGE mode enables travel at 60 mph, providing minimal comfort features for extended trips. Charging is convenient, with a combined charging unit that supports AC charging of up to 22 kW and DC charging of up to 205 kW, allowing for an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. This means 97 miles can be added in just 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station. In summary, the i5 M60 xDrive perfectly blends innovation, luxury, and sustainability, setting high standards in digitalisation and design while maintaining the driving pleasure synonymous with the BMW brand. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 COUNTY MOTORING48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Lexus LBX The LBX is Lexus’ smallest model, featuring a self-charging hybrid system. Despite its size, it delivers a powerful combination of modern design, luxury, and practicality. Upon entering the cabin, you’re struck by its minimalist yet high-tech interior. The spacious layout promotes a serene driving experience with an uncluttered look. Key controls are conveniently placed, allowing you to stay focused on the road while enjoying the car’s dynamics, especially when cornering. Comfort is impressive, resembling that of a larger saloon, with back seats well received by passengers due to their elevated position, which provides better visibility. The front seats offer eight-way power adjustments to accommodate a range of preferences. A notable tech feature is the 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument display. Powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, the latest LBX delivers 134 bhp and achieves 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds (front-wheel drive) or 9.6 seconds (all-wheel drive), with excellent fuel efficiency of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions starting at 102g/km. The LBX provides precise steering and a smooth throttle response, resulting in a balanced and engaging driving experience that combines luxury and functionality.ALL LAND ROVER VEHICLES 1948 - 2025 ALL RANGE ROVER VEHICLES 1974 - 2025Next >