The Deepings

Discover Market Deeping and the Deepings

The Deepings is the collective name given to a delightful group of historic villages in South Kesteven comprising Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Deeping Gate, West Deeping and Deeping St Nicholas.

With a history dating back beyond the Bronze Age, the charming town of Market Deeping stands proudly on the River Welland, to the east of Stamford.
Today the town is thriving with regular markets, a varied and busy high street in an attractive historic setting and is home to the ever-growing bi-annual Deepings Literary Festival which attracts many of the greats from the literary world.

A rich heritage

The Deepings owes its architecture and character to the merchant wealth flowing from the ancient River Welland and the former Deepings to Stamford canal, with its towpath perfect for walking and cycling. A walk down the glorious Georgian Church Street is a must, stopping off at the 13th Century St Guthlac’s church built by Margaret Beaufort - the mother of Henry VII - which retains many Anglo Saxon features and has two sun dials.

Among the other gems to be found in the Deepings is the magnificent Priory Church in Deeping St James, originally a Benedictine priory which dates back to 1139. And just around the corner is the tiny market cross lock up of 1819, capable of housing three criminals.

Places to eat and shop

Visitors will find plenty of places to eat in Market Deeping, including The Bull and The Deeping Stage in the Market Place - both historic coaching inns having been formally on the main road to Lincoln. There’s also an award-winning fish and chip shop, restaurants, charming tea rooms and cafes. And for the shoppers, there’s a selection of boutiques and independent shops to entertain, including the irresistible Market Deeping Antiques and Craft Centre.

Discover the great outdoors

Water remains the attraction at Deepings Lakes, a 160-acre Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Deeping St James - a perfect spot for walking and bird watching. And with animals in mind, visitors can enjoy the lakeside setting which is Misty Meadows Alpacas, offering the opportunity to meet and walk with alpacas.

In the meantime, there is much event fun to be had in the river. The annual Raft Race in August and Duck Race in September give the river a new lease of life with the community coming together to celebrate these popular annual events.