It’s Discover Lincolnshire Weekend this weekend, and there’s plenty to see and do in and around Boston.

Here’s some of our favourite places to ‘linger longer’ without it costing a fortune.

FREE: The Stump – after you’ve marvelled at the grandness outside and inside, climb the tower for a small charge and get a bird’s eye view of the town and 20 miles around. It has the tallest non-cathedral church tower in the world. You are back in medieval times and the view is of the fourth-richest provincial town in England with a port second only to London’s. https://parish-of-boston.org.uk/

FREE: The Guildhall – a medieval gem dating back to 1390. One of the earliest buildings to be built from that “new-fangled” construction material – bricks. Inside, step into the cells where the Pilgrim Fathers were locked up before they eventually escaped to found modern America. Open Saturday only 10.30am to 3.30pm. https://www.mybostonuk.com/bostonguildhall/

Maud Foster Windmill -the tallest commercial mill in the UK. You can buy Maud Foster ground flour there to take home and make your own delicious loaf. Saturday only 10am to 5pm. http://www.maudfoster.co.uk/

Market Place and market – one of the best medieval market squares in the country and one of the best outdoor markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, seasonal craft market on Thursdays and other occasional events such as the Continental Market. Free family events and entertainment in the Market Place throughout the summer.

The lanes – the medieval feeder lanes leading to the Market Place. Explore these for unique and individual traders and places to eat and drink some of Lincolnshire’s finest fare.

FREE: Riverside walk and marina – stroll the riverside path from St Botolph’s footbridge. If you are feeling energetic cross the Grand Sluice and carry on alongside the non-tidal River Witham where the boats are moored. Photo courtesy of Peter Norton.

FREE: Memorial Gardens featuring the Veterans Way. A peaceful place for grateful reflection.

FREE: Central Park – for a relaxing picnic lunch and somewhere for the children to let off steam

FREE: Witham Way Country Park and nature reserve – wildlife by the River Witham, nature on your doorstep. Just one of a number of  easy walks in the Boston area flatlands. https://www.ifootpath.com/display-ifootpath-walk?walkID=6922

FREE: The Pilgrim Fathers Memorial alongside the river near Fishtoft (look out for the brown signs). Stand in the boot prints of the first to seek a new life in the New World, arrested at this place by the militia and locked up in the Guildhall. They got to America eventually. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_Fathers_Memorial

FREE: Boston Woods – extensive woodland with easy paths throughout. Part of Boston borough’s Magnificent Seven quiet places to visit.  https://www.bostonwoods.co.uk/

FREE: RSPB Reserves at Frampton Marsh and Freiston Shore. https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/frampton-marsh/ https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/freiston-shore/