97 Gainsborough – Retford

Journey Overview

This is a route that captures brilliantly the essence of Lincolnshire with the fabulous town of Gainsborough on the River Trent, complete with fab heritage, stunning Georgian architecture, cobbled streets and views of the Trent Valley alongside farmland scenery, tranquil villages and the market town of Retford, seeped in history and with its excellent railway connections to London and North East.

Leaving Gainsborough, the 97 Stagecoach bus begins its journey through the rolling gentle hills of Lincolnshire. The bus ventures past fields dotted with livestock, and the occasional farmhouse comes into view. In the distance, one can see the edge of the Wolds, a range of rolling chalk uplands with steep-sided dry valleys that stretch across the county. As the bus approaches Beckingham, the scenery becomes a bit more urban, with houses and shops lining the road.

Continuing on, the bus travels through Walkeringham, a small village known for its picturesque church and beautiful countryside. From here, the scenery becomes more rural once again, with fields of crops and pastureland stretching as far as the eye can see. The bus then enters Misterton, a small town with a historic market square and charming cottages.

Through quiet Gringley on the Hill, it’s very much an agricultural landscape, becoming more densely populated at Hayton, though very much rural in Clarborough before arriving by the River Idle in the anything but idle bustling market town of Retford with its mix of old and new buildings, shops, and restaurants.  Look out for the imposing church spire and charming Georgian architecture, although the town dates back to the Roman era.

A Fab Day Out!

Starting in Gainsborough, a historic market town located on the River Trent, you can visit the Gainsborough Old Hall, a stunning medieval manor house dating back to the 15th century, which is now open to the public as a museum. After exploring the history of the town, you can relax in one of its many charming pubs or cafes, such as the popular Mustard Pot, where you can sample local delicacies such as pies, pasties, and pints of ale.

Next, hop on the 97 bus and make your way to the village of Beckingham, where you can take a stroll through its scenic countryside and enjoy the views of rolling hills and green fields. In Walkeringham, you can stop by the charming St Peter’s Church, a historic building that dates back to the 11th century and offers a peaceful and peaceful setting for reflection.

As you continue your journey, you’ll reach the village of Gringley-on-the-Hill, where you can disembark and visit the delightful Hilltop Animal Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of rescued farm animals, including horses, pigs, goats, and sheep. Back on board and maybe to Hayton, where you can take a relaxing walk through the beautiful Hayton Castle, a historic castle that dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Finally, one last venture back onto the 97 and your journey will end in Retford, a charming market town located on the River Idle. Here, you can visit the Retford Little Theatre, a historic building that has been converted into a performance space, where you can catch a play, musical, or concert. You can also explore the town’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants, or relax in one of its many parks and gardens, such as the picturesque King’s Park, which is located on the riverbank and offers lovely views of the town.