Great for Walking & Cycling

Spilsby is set amidst the green rolling hills of the Wolds, and is wonderful cycling and walking country. There are a number of cycling and walking signposted routes around the town and travelling further afield.

Historical Market & Auction

The town was named after the ancient Dane, Spiller. The market has been held for over 700 years and the bustling open-air Monday auction is a real treat for visitors.

Buttercross & Spilsby Theatre

The Buttercross in the Market Place is said to date from the 14th century and the stately Sessions House of 1826 is now home to the Spilsby Theatre.

Sir John Franklin

Dominating the Market Place is the fine bronze statue, (crafted by Charles Bacon), of Spilsby's most famous son, Sir John Franklin.

Franklin, arctic navigator and explorer, was born in the town in 1786. Having joined the Royal Navy aged just 14, he commanded expeditions where on one occasion he and his crew survived by chewing the leather of old boots. At the age of 57, he commanded his final expedition to find the North-West Passage between Canada and the Arctic, where tragically the expedition disappeared. A plaque on the wall of the Franklin House Bakery marks John's birthplace and a memorial to him can also be found within the parish church.

St. James' Church & the Willoughby de Eresbys

The current parish church of St. James was originally built in the 14th century. It houses 14-16th century tombs and memorials in the Willoughby Chapel to the family who originally obtained the town's Market Charter, the Willoughby de Eresbys.

For further information about the community in the town of Spilsby click here