48 Hours for History Buffs

Fydell House

Fydell House is a Queen Anne house in the heart of Boston’s Cultural Quarter, bought by Joseph Fydell in the 1700s, the most prominent family in Boston. The Fydell family were merchants and later wine importers, who also served as MPs, Mayors & Judges. It’s worth visiting the house for a free tour of the ground floor, to explore its beautiful walled garden or enjoy a cup of tea in the tearoom.

Guildhall Museum

Also, the visitor centre, the Guildhall Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Boston and wider Lincolnshire, as well as the history of the building itself and its involvement in imprisoning the Pilgrim Fathers.

St Botolph’s Church

Fondly known as ‘The Stump’, St Botolph’s Church makes for a fascinating trip. There’s lots to discover, including its stunning architecture and 272 feet tower. Take a step inside this towering landmark and you’ll learn more about Boston’s pilgrimage history and how The Stump helped sailors on the North Sea.

You could even book on to the Tower Experience and venture to the top of the tower yourself, for panoramic views across the fens!

The Refectory

Located in St Botolph’s Church, The Refectory café provides a stunning backdrop for a coffee and cake, or a light lunch. With spectacular stained-glass windows creating a warm golden glow within the church, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax during your visit to Boston’s town centre. The Refectory is located directly below the impressive church tower, so if you’re planning on challenging yourself to the Tower Experience climb, the café awaits below, to round off an exciting visit to the church.

Maud Foster Windmill

This fine English tower mill was built in 1819, for Thomas and Isaac Reckitt, to carry on their business as millers, corn factors and bakers. In the 1820s a bakehouse was added, and a steam engine was installed to supply power to a bone mill (where bones were ground for fertiliser) and to a "Roman Cement" mill built to the north of the granary. Following ownership changes, the mill’s survival is now owed much to Mr Basil Reckitt, the great grandson of Isaac. By the time the present owners, the Waterfield family, arrived on the scene in June 1987, the condition of the mill had again deteriorated considerably, but the aim was to put Maud Foster Mill back into working order - and to use it – so, extensive repairs were undertaken. The mill celebrated its 200th birthday in 2019 and with a fresh lick of paint in 2021 that brings the story almost up to date. Now, you can climb all 7 floors of this 200-year-old windmill, one of the finest and tallest windmills in the British Isles, as well as visit the mill shop.

Boston History Tours

Offering hour and a half tours, or longer outings of three-four hours, you can join Jane Keightley, travel writer and tour guide, in exploring Boston’s glorious past, including its significant growth in the medieval period and its important role in the story of North America. Jane also offers a History of Boston’s Pubs Tour and a ‘Beastly Boston Tour’ for children, sharing wonderful - and slightly spooky – facts about Boston.

We’ll Meet Again WW2 Homefront Museum

Pay a visit to We’ll Meet Again Museum, to embrace wartime history brought to life. The award-winning WW2 Homefront Museum is based at Freiston Shore, adjacent to a series of WW2 coastal defences, built to protect the Port of Boston – forming part of this historical experience! There is tons to explore, including a genuine Anderson Shelter, a variety of exhibits and even a chance to ‘experience The Blitz’ with a recorded narrative delivered by an American WW2 reporter of the time.

The Old Kings Head at Kirton

Originally built as a coaching inn, in a large and bustling town, The Old King’s Head is steeped in over 400 years of history, boasting charm and character with original beams, “wonky doors” and fireplaces with a log burner. In 2016, Heritage Lincolnshire purchased the property and started fundraising to ensure the building was saved and following major restoration and conversion, The Old King’s Head re-opened in 2021, as a B&B and café with a meeting room. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside or pop to after a visit to the nearby RSPB sites and to taste some of Lincolnshire’s finest produce, with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday lunches all freshly made with locally sourced ingredients.

Boston has plenty more history to explore, from heritage walking trails to immersive tours, there's a wealth of activities to fill your stay including:

• The Boston Buoys Trail
• The Boston Belle
• The Bubblecar Museum
• Pilgrim Fathers’ Memorial
• Sibsey Trader Mill