Market town with sweet shop that’s ‘like something out of Willy Wonka’ is East Midlands hidden gem
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The town is just a 30-minute drive from Lincoln
There’s a school of thought that truly quintessential English market towns are a thing of the past, but here in the East Midlands that’s simply not the case.
As predominantly rural counties, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire are packed with beautiful towns that many visitors compare to entering a time warp.
With their cobblestone streets, centuries-old pubs and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why such towns attract so many visitors.
Often packed with independent shops, many businesses in market towns have been run by the same family for generations.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to market towns here in Nottinghamshire, from the stunning architecture of Southwell to the hustle and bustle of Newark.
Nearby Lincolnshire also excels when it comes to market towns, and many of them are just a short drive from Notts.
The ‘historic’ town of Market Rasen
The town of Market Rasen sits on the western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It’s about a 30-minute drive north-east of Lincoln, meaning you could easily visit both places in a day.
Home to just under 5,000 people, Market Rasen is a relatively small town but that only adds to the appeal for visitors because all areas can be explored on foot.
The town is best-known for horseracing, with many events taking place at the renowned Market Rasen Racecourse throughout the year.
With cobbled streets leading to both Georgian and Victorian architecture, Market Rasen is a quintessential English market town.
Visitors can explore the small town centre within as little as an hour, before relaxing in one of the nearby pubs, restaurants or cafes.
Why Garnett’s Confectionary is ‘like something out of Willy Wonka’
If you’re someone with a sweet tooth, make your way to 43-45 Queen Street during your time in Market Rasen.
Here you’ll find a bright orange building filled with so many different types of sweets Willy Wonka himself would be impressed.
The shop is home to Garnett’s Confectionary - a 120-year-old sweet shop that’s been run by the same family for generations.
Whether you’re after some banana bonbons or some traditional liquorice, a visit to Market Rasen isn’t complete without a stop at Garnett’s.
Sweet-lovers can pay the shop a visit between 9am and 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
For journeys across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands, Trainline offers a straightforward way to check routes, compare fares and buy tickets in one place.
The service brings together timetables and prices from different rail operators, so you can see the options side by side before you travel. It also highlights savings that can be made by booking Advance tickets or using a Railcard.
Journeys from key hubs such as Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and East Midlands Parkway are all covered, with the option to plan longer trips to London St Pancras, Leeds, Sheffield and beyond.