A historic market town
A traditional Market Place and a market charter dating to 1283.
A warm welcome to Alford, Lincolnshire · Between the Wolds and the coast
Welcome to Alford · Lincolnshire
VisitAlford
A Lincolnshire market town since 1283
A historic market town at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Discover independent shops, five-sailed heritage, handmade crafts and a warm local welcome.
Alford, Lincolnshire · At the foot of the Wolds
1283Market charter
1611Manor House built
7mito the coast
Explore the town
There's a little something for everyone
About the Town
A market town full of character
At the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Alford is a town shaped by centuries of trading, making and welcoming visitors. Its historic Market Place, handsome old buildings and independent businesses reward anyone who takes time to look around.
Discover the remarkable 1611 thatched Manor House, Alford's distinctive five-sailed windmill and a celebrated craft market that has supported Lincolnshire makers since 1974. With the coast a short journey away, Alford is also a lovely base for exploring the region.
Alford Manor House
A remarkable thatched manor house built in 1611, with gardens and rural heritage.
Five-sailed windmill
One of the town's most recognisable landmarks, currently awaiting repairs.
Lincolnshire craft
A long-running craft market and independent makers championing handmade work.
Eat & Drink
Cafés, pubs & local flavours
Find a coffee, a leisurely lunch or traditional fish and chips in Alford's town centre.
Hotel · Restaurant · Bar
The Windmill Hotel
Stay in an historic former coaching inn overlooking Alford's Market Place.
Find out moreS
Café · Plant-Based
Soul Foods
An independent Alford café known for freshly prepared vegetarian and plant-based food.
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Café · Food
Cafe On The Cobbles
A welcoming independent food spot in Alford's Market Place.
Shop Local
Independent shops & makers
Browse galleries, crafts, gifts and independent shops in and around the Market Place.
Handmade · Arts & Crafts
Alford Craft Market Shop & Centre
Discover handmade work by Lincolnshire makers, plus craft classes and workshops.
Find out moreA
Market · Local Produce
Alford Traditional Market
Browse traditional market stalls in Alford's Market Place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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Furniture · Arts · Gifts
Marina's Attic
Independent shop combining creative homewares, art, furniture and unusual finds.
Stay
Make time to stay
From historic inns to rural accommodation, Alford is a convenient base for the Wolds and the coast.
Hotel · Restaurant · Bar
The Windmill Hotel
Stay in an historic former coaching inn overlooking Alford's Market Place.
Find out moreT
Bed & Breakfast
The Anchor House
An independent guesthouse in Alford offering a comfortable town-centre base.
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Bed & Breakfast · Nearby
The Vine B&B
Stay in South Thoresby at the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, a short drive from Alford.
See & Do
Discover Alford
From a 17th-century manor house and five-sailed windmill to creative workshops and a historic market.
Heritage · Museum
Alford Manor House
Explore a remarkable thatched manor house dating from 1611, with historic rooms, gardens and rural heritage displays.
Find out moreLandmark · Heritage
Alford Five-Sailed Windmill
Discover Alford's distinctive five-sailed tower windmill, a celebrated landmark currently awaiting repairs.
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Handmade · Arts & Crafts
Alford Craft Market Shop & Centre
Discover handmade work by Lincolnshire makers, plus craft classes and workshops.
Wellbeing
Feel your best
Explore local health, beauty and wellbeing services. More local businesses can request a listing.
Gym · Fitness
Max Fitness Alford
A local independent gym and personal fitness centre on Beechings Way.
Find out moreV
Wellbeing · Massage
Venia's Health Hub
A wellbeing and beauty-treatment hub in Asserby near Alford.
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Studio · Fitness Classes
Empower Fitness Studio
An Alford fitness studio with a programme of classes including Pilates, yoga and dance fitness.
Families
Days out together
Family-friendly outdoor spaces, history to explore and memorable outings near Alford.
Heritage · Museum
Alford Manor House
Explore a remarkable thatched manor house dating from 1611, with historic rooms, gardens and rural heritage displays.
Find out moreA
Park · Families
Alford Memorial Park
Outdoor recreation and a children's play area close to Alford's town centre.
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National Trust · Nearby
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
Explore a beautiful country house, gardens and parkland near Alford.
Walks & Outdoors
Explore the town & beyond
Step into Alford's historic streets, then venture towards the Lincolnshire Wolds and the coast. Check route details before setting off.
Outdoors · 01
Around Historic Alford
2 miles
A circular walk around Alford's historic town centre, taking in streets, architectural details and the market-town story. Allow around an hour. A route map is available from Visit Lincolnshire.
CircularHeritageTown centre
Outdoors · 02
Market Place to the Manor House
— explore
A short self-guided town-centre wander from the Market Place to West Street and Alford Manor House. Explore the surrounding streets and local shops at your own pace.
EasyIndependent shopsHistory
Outdoors · 03
The Lincolnshire Wolds
— nearby
Alford sits at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Explore nearby villages, rolling countryside and signed routes; check local maps before setting off.
CountrysideViewsExplore
Outdoors · 04
Lincolnshire Coast
— nearby
The sandy coastline around Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea is roughly seven miles from Alford, making it a rewarding additional stop on your visit.
CoastFamilyDay trip
History & Heritage
Centuries of Alford stories
From a medieval market charter to the Manor House, historic church and five-sailed windmill, Alford's heritage is woven through the town.
“Old buildings, local makers and a market tradition that lives on.”
A market since 1283
Alford's market charter dates back to 1283. Markets and trade remain an important part of the town's identity.
A rare five-sailed mill
Alford's distinctive tower windmill dates from the 19th century. It is awaiting repairs, so check access before making a special journey.
A little history of Alford
1283
Alford's market charter
The town receives its market charter and grows as a centre for local trade.
14th c.
St Wilfrid's Church
The historic parish church becomes an enduring landmark above the town centre.
1611
Alford Manor House
The remarkable thatched manor house is built; today it welcomes visitors to its heritage rooms and gardens.
1837
Alford Windmill
A five-sailed tower windmill becomes one of Alford's defining landmarks.
1974
Craft Market founded
Alford Craft Market begins championing quality handmade arts and crafts from Lincolnshire makers.
Today
A lively market-town community
Independent shops, heritage attractions and local events carry Alford's traditions forward.
Discover More
Explore Alford's rich history in more detail
Events & Community
What's on
Markets, craft celebrations and local events are part of Alford's character. Dates and access can change, so confirm with the organiser.
28Nov 2026
Community
Alford's Spectacular Extravaganza
Seasonal celebrations including Santa's Grotto; check the organiser for the latest programme.
01Dec 2026
Christmas
Christmas Tree Festival
A festive display of Christmas trees at Alford Manor House. Confirm times with the venue before visiting.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know
Useful information for exploring Alford, its historic centre and surrounding countryside.
Getting Here
- Alford is in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
- By car: the A1104 runs through Alford, linking inland villages and the coast.
- The Market Place is a useful starting point for a town-centre visit.
- Public transport timetables change; check current local bus connections before travelling.
Getting Around
- The historic town centre is compact and best explored on foot.
- Alford Manor House is on West Street; the windmill is on East Street.
- Visit the local market on Tuesdays and Fridays, normally 9am–2pm (check holiday variations).
- The Lincolnshire coast and Wolds make excellent day trips.
Useful Information
- Town centre: Market Place, Alford, LN13 9EB.
- Alford Manor House: West Street, LN13 9HT; confirm opening during ongoing building work.
- The windmill is awaiting repairs; do not assume visitor access.
- Parking arrangements and restrictions can change; follow local signs.
Best Times to Visit
- Tuesday and Friday: traditional market trading days.
- Spring and summer: heritage visits, gardens and countryside.
- Autumn: quieter streets and seasonal landscapes.
- Winter: festive community activities; verify event dates in advance.
Families & Dogs
- Alford Memorial Park offers outdoor space and a children's play area.
- Many open-air attractions and coastal walks suit families.
- Individual businesses and museums set their own dog and accessibility policies.
- Check attraction opening dates and facilities before you travel.
Useful Contacts
- Alford Town Council and market enquiries: 01507 463590.
- Alford Manor House: alfordmanorhouse.co.uk.
- Alford Craft Market: alfordcraftmarket.co.uk.
- Visitor information: visitlincolnshire.com.
- Emergency services: 999; non-emergency police: 101.