Traditional market town with a 120-year-old sweet shop is under an hour on the train from Nottinghamshire
The town is packed with Georgian and Victorian architecture
We often say here on Nottingham World that there isn’t any need to leave Nottinghamshire in search of enjoyable and interesting days out this summer.
With beautiful National Trust sites, chocolate box villages and acres of rolling countryside, you’re unlikely to get bored here in Notts.
That said, it would be wrong to dismiss the advantages of venturing a little further afield.
Nottinghamshire’s position smack-bang in the middle of the country makes it a great base to explore other counties.
The neighbouring county of Lincolnshire, for instance, is packed with many charming towns and villages just waiting to be explored this summer.
The vast majority of these spots are a short drive from Notts or, even better, accessible by train.
What is there to do in Market Rasen?
The town of Market Rasen sits on the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It’s about a 30-minute drive north-east of Lincoln, meaning you could easily visit both places in a day.
Home to just under 5,000 people, Market Rasen is a relatively small town but that only adds to the appeal for visitors because all areas can be explored on foot.
The town is best-known for horseracing, with many events taking place at the renowned Market Rasen Racecourse throughout the year.
With cobbled streets leading to both Georgian and Victorian architecture, Market Rasen is a quintessential English market town.
Visitors can explore the small town centre within as little as an hour, before relaxing in one of the nearby pubs, restaurants or cafes.
Market Rasen’s historic sweet shop
If you’re someone with a sweet tooth, make your way to 43-45 Queen Street during your time in Market Rasen.
Here you’ll find a bright orange building filled with so many different types of sweets Willy Wonker himself would be impressed.
The shop is home to Garnett’s Confectionary - a 120-year-old sweet shop that’s been run by the same family for generations.
Whether you’re after some banana bonbons or some traditional liquorice, a visit to Market Rasen isn’t complete without a stop at Garnett’s.