The picturesque town of Market Rasen is located on the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Laced with history, Market Rasen was originally a much smaller settlement known as East Rasen. When it was granted a market charter in 1219, the area became a prominent destination, attracting visitors from across the county. As the town grew in importance, it was renamed Market Rasen.
Visit today and you can explore a wealth of historic architecture; a reflection of the town’s status during different eras. Although there are some grand Georgian buildings here, the architecture is predominantly Victorian. Key locations include the Old Corn Exchange, the 12th century Church of St Thomas and the Magistrates’ Court, which dates back to 1849.
Markets in Market Rasen
Over the centuries, the market place in Market Rasen has played host to an assortment of events, from livestock markets to medieval hiring fairs.
Although the events held here may have evolved, the market place has been an integral part of the town for over 800 years. A weekly market still takes place every Tuesday - although the products on offer are slightly different! Instead of cattle and coal, you can now browse a fantastic selection of Lincolnshire produce, from a variety of local traders.
Local, independent businesses sit at the heart of Market Rasen and the town is home to a wealth of long-standing, family run shops. From ironmongers to butchers, the traditional shops here are a testament to the town’s heritage.
The Market Rasen Heritage Trail
If you want to learn more about the history of Market Rasen, the town’s award winning heritage trail is a great place to start. Free to do, this interactive tour will take you to key landmarks across the town, delving into some fascinating stories along the way.
There are 20 signs to track down, each of which is linked to a story on the Market Rasen Heritage Tour website. As you embark on a historical tour of the town, the past will be brought to life through images, videos and voices.
Off to the Races!
Horse racing has taken place in the Market Rasen area since 1828, but it was in 1924 that the official Market Rasen Racecourse was opened. The only racecourse in Lincolnshire, this popular venue has been welcoming guests for over 100 years.
Although the site was relatively small when it first opened, it quickly became a popular haunt with racing fans. During the 1930s, there was a surge of visitors as more people came to enjoy the excitement of the races. Events were paused during World War II, as the racecourse buildings were used by the military, but post-war, improvements were made to provide guests with an even better experience. By the 1960s, Market Rasen was a firm fixture on the racing scene, and world-famous jockeys and horses would compete here.
Despite its humble beginnings, Market Rasen Racecourse is now one of the most prominent racing venues in the UK, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. Unlike many racecourses, you can enjoy a year-round schedule of events here, from summer race meets to family days at Christmas.
