Pictures of England
 Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Gainsborough

in the county of Lincolnshire

Riverside Walk, Gainsborough. View from Trent Bridge

About Gainsborough

The lovely market town of Gainsborough flourishes along a sweep of the River Trent which opens up pleasant riverside walks revealing much of the areas flora and fauna as well as interesting pieces of modern sculpture.

It is a town with many visual delights with an 18th century three arched bridge taking traffic across the Trent towards Nottinghamshire. It has several distinguished buildings, amongst these is The Old Hall, a timber framed house built in the 1500's which is now a museum. The house, in virtually original state remains very much as it was left by its builder - Sir Thomas Burgh. Interestingly, the Pilgrim Fathers met at the Old Hall in the late 16th century.

Richmond House, in pretty Richmond Park is worthy of note, it is now licensed for wedding's and has an attractive lawned area to the front and a children's play area at the rear.

All Saints Church dominates the town, this has an impressive medieval tower and a nave which is a rebuild of the mid 18th century. It has lovely stained glass from the 19th and 20th centuries, one by Morris and Co. This is a calm, beautiful place, well worth spending time looking around.

Around a mile from the Old Hall lies Gainsborough Castle, an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress founded by Roger de Poitou. The layout of the castle is traditionally Norman with two bailey's and the motte inbetween and is surrounded by wide, deep ditches. Lying beneath a tight cover of branches, this eyrie, atmospheric site is best visited in winter.

Gainsborough has an interesting history, it is sometimes referred to as "the capital that never was" this is due to King Cnut's alleged attempt to turn back the tide in the River Trent at Gainsborough. In the Dark Ages it was a capital city of Mercia. In more recent times the town grew prosperous from its river trade, the size of the Trent bridge prevented most barges from going beyond it, thus goods had to be offloaded at Gainsborough.

Visitors to Gainsborough will find much to absorb them, the streets are lined with pleasing shops, and there are cafe's, restaurants, pubs and hotel accommodation to suit all tastes. For relaxation there are leisure facilities including sporting, cinema and theatre with music being on offer in pubs and clubs.

An interesting feature of Gainsborough is the town sign bearing the motto "Striving for the Gain of All" and looking around at the warm red brick properties built since the late 17th century, the motto certainly bears more than a hint of truth!

Add town to favourites

Submit a history of Gainsborough

Recommended towns & villages near Gainsborough

Sunset at Gringley on the Hill, Nottinghamshire

Gringley on the Hill

This charming hill-top village lies in spacious countryside close to the Chesterfield Canal. It shows an abundance of picturesque red-brick properties including out lying farms with ancient barns and dovecotes...

Information | Pictures (10) | Hotels

A picture of Ingham

Ingham

Ingham, from its earliest dawning's at the time of the Doomsday Book has enjoyed a tranquil existence. The village lies in a lovely area between Lincoln and Gainsborough, amidst some of the shire's most stunning scenery...

Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels

A picture of Skellingthorpe

Skellingthorpe

This is a large village lying around three miles from Lincoln which is fringed by the Fosdyke Navigation. Visitors will find a few shops, pubs and an interesting Anglican church...

Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels

A picture of Nettleham

Nettleham

This is a most delightful Lincolnshire village with dreamy stone cottages, a picturesque village green, and a sparkling beck around which well fed ducks and moorhens colonise...

Information | Pictures (10) | Hotels

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Lincoln

This fine cathedral City was called Lindon by the Ancient Britons' and later the Romans' knew it as Lindum. In AD48 a Roman garrison was set up to command the meeting of the.....

Information | Pictures (483) | Hotels

All towns in Lincolnshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Gainsborough

A picture of Gainsborough Old Hall

Gainsborough Old Hall

Gainsborough Old Hall is one of the largest and most outstanding surviving examples of a late medieval house in the country. It.....

Information | Pictures (54) | Hotels

Wetlands Waterfoul Reserve at Lound near Retford, Notts. -

Wetlands Waterfoul Reserve

..

Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels

Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire

Doddington Hall

This is a superb, large Elizabethan house with a truly impressive roofline. It was built in around 1600 by Robert Smythson, with.....

Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels

Gothic Revival Chapel at Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire

Clumber Country Park

The peaceful landscape of this delightful country park gives visitors lovely summer memories of time spent ambling around.....

Information | Pictures (223) | Hotels

Bandstand at Langold Country Park, Nottinghamshire

Langold Country Park

Until the 1980's, Langold Park was provided as a recreational facility for miners by the coal board. The local council took over.....

Information | Pictures (9) | Hotels


All attractions in Gainsborough
All attractions in Lincolnshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Gainsborough

Book the The Angel Inn in Dame Lane, Mission, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England3 stars

The Angel Inn

Dame Lane, Mission, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction W)
Looking for a great traditional inn in a friendly village setting? The Angel at Misson near Doncaster meets your needs. The Angel Inn at Misson near Doncaster boasts a long history. Built 200 year...
More info and book online..  Price from £45.00

Book the West Retford Hotel in 24 North Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, England

West Retford Hotel

24 North Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, England (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction SW)
The West Retford Hotel is a C18th manor house is set in 3 acres of lawns and gardens in the heart of Nottinghamshire. An ideal countryside location, with Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park nearby & Lin...
More info and book online..  Price from £14.00

Book the Ye Olde Bell Hotel in Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire, England

Ye Olde Bell Hotel

Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire, England (10.1 miles, 16.2 km, direction W)
Set within tranquil gardens on the edge of Sherwood Forest, the Ye Olde Bell Hotel is full of charm and character. In the heart of Nottinghamshire's beautiful countryside, we are 10 minutes from the ...
More info and book online..  Price from £55.00

Book the Granby Hotel in 52 High Street, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England

Granby Hotel

52 High Street, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction W)
This recently refurbished hotel rests in a historic market town, where you will find a warm welcome and modern facilities. Comfortable, value for money accommodation includes a full English breakfa...
More info and book online..  Price from £50.00

Book the The Crown Hotel in High Street, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England3 stars

The Crown Hotel

High Street, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England (10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction W)
Step into The Crown and you will immediately discover a chic, idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This highly contemporary and creative environment is the ideal setting for...
More info and book online..  Price from £50.00


More Gainsborough hotels...

Nearby travel help

Gainsborough Central Station(0.3 miles, 0.4 km)
Gainsborough Lea Road Station(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)
M180 Junction 3(11.0 miles, 17.8 km, direction N)
M180 Junction 2(11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction N)
Humberside International Airport(21.7 miles, 34.9 km, direction NE)
Sheffield City Airport(25.1 miles, 40.3 km, direction W)
Gainsborough to London(133.6 miles, 215.0 km, direction S)

User Login

UK Hotel Search

Enter destination:

(town, attraction, airport, postcode or hotel name)
Select date:
Nights:
Rooms:

Picture Tours