Discover Messingham

Messingham combines nature observation, animal experiences and interesting church architecture to create a diverse destination. Those planning a trip with a range of ideas for each day will find both landscapes with lakes and birds and activities for families, as well as insights into the history of the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Lakes, birds and paths through nature

A notable starting point is Messingham Sands Fishery. The site contains eight lakes, covering 56 acres. This unusual number of bodies of water makes the site an attraction in its own right when exploring Messingham. If you would like to combine different nature experiences during your trip, you can plan the lakes as one focus alongside the destination’s other landscape experiences.

Messingham Sand Quarry Nature Reserve offers a different experience. It has a regularly mown circular trail with two birdwatching hides. Almost 200 bird species have been recorded in the nature reserve. This provides a specific reason to set aside time for nature observation during your stay. The circular trail and observation hides are particularly appealing to travellers who want to spend their days not only visiting attractions, but also enjoying peaceful observation outdoors.

For a walk, the Messingham Walk begins at the Memorial Field Sports Ground on Northfield Road. This designated starting point makes orientation easier when planning your day. You can treat the walk as a separate activity and distinguish it conceptually from the observation opportunities in the nature reserve.

Church history with two distinctly different building phases

The Church of the Holy Trinity is of interest to visitors who want to include historic architecture in their trip. The arcades in the nave date from the 13th century. By contrast, most of the rest of the church was rebuilt between 1818 and 1821. The building therefore displays different historical layers: medieval arcades stand alongside a main section rebuilt at a later date. This clear combination of older fabric and a more recent building phase makes the church a suitable destination for a cultural change of pace between nature experiences.

Animal experiences for different travel plans

At Messingham Zoo, the focus is on close encounters with smaller, friendlier animals. The zoo also offers interactive exhibits and feeding sessions. Tailored programmes are available for families, as are programmes for school groups and for people interested in nature and wildlife. This means that a visit to the zoo can be tailored in different ways: families can choose a shared experience, while those interested in nature and wildlife can place greater emphasis on the thematic focus.

The right accommodation for your stay in Messingham

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Messingham, it is worth deciding in advance what kind of trip you want. If you would like to combine lakes, birdwatching and walks, the nature activities should take priority. If, on the other hand, you are looking for variety through animal experiences and historic architecture, the zoo and Church of the Holy Trinity can shape your daily itinerary. This allows you to choose accommodation in Messingham according to the interests of your travel group, without having to limit yourself to just one type of holiday. For families, the zoo’s programmes are a specific planning consideration; for travellers interested in culture, the church provides a focus in its own right.

For further trip planning, you can also visit the dedicated destination pages for South Kyme, Branston, Kelby, Rippingale, Saltfleet, Ingoldmells, Bradley and Binbrook.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lincolnshire.