Nestled on the northern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Caistor is a small but busy market town.
Like many of the towns in the Wolds, Caistor harbours a wealth of history. 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. Throughout the 19th century, this area would have played host to a variety of farming fairs. Sheep, cattle and horses were all traded here, and the town welcomed visitors from across England.
Like many of the towns in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Caistor became a major centre for the wool trade. Hosting some of the largest sheep fairs in the country, there was a lot of wealth in the area, and some incredible architecture was built.
There are some beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings here, and the town has a designated conservation area. As this includes 56 listed buildings, it is actually one of the most important conservation areas in Lincolnshire.
Today, the marketplace is fringed by quirky 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, showcasing a variety of local makers, bakers and producers.
Walkers Welcome
As the Viking Way footpath runs through Caistor, the town is a popular stop-off for walkers. It is an accredited ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, a nationwide initiative launched in 2007 to encourage people to explore on foot.
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.
