Kirton: Discover church art and history

Kirton brings its history to life in different ways: in a church, a former inn and memorial sites. There is also a guided walking group; Kirton Marsh offers good access for cyclists and bicycle stands. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether architecture, remembrance or active pursuits will shape your stay.

Church art from different periods

The tower of the Church of St Peter and St Paul has a battlemented parapet, gargoyles and corner pinnacles. The battlements define its upper outline, while the gargoyles and pinnacles add their own architectural accents. The stained glass also spans different periods: the church retains pieces dating from around 1360 and from the early 16th century. These two dates make clear that the stained glass does not belong to just one historical period. For anyone interested in architectural forms, Kirton offers a variety of details to compare: the outline of the tower and the works in the glass from different periods.

Monuments with stories of their own

The Kirton War Memorial is an obelisk made of Cornish granite and is Grade II listed. It was unveiled on 12 November 1922 and commemorates 68 local servicemen who died in the First World War. The Churchyard Cross offers a different perspective: this cross, also Grade II listed, dates from the 14th century and was altered in the 18th century. It is made of dressed limestone and wrought iron. Its form, materials and date of origin offer several clues to help distinguish the different stories behind these monuments. With children, these details can prompt questions: How can you recognise an obelisk, and what does a cross altered over the centuries tell us? The forms and dates mentioned provide concrete starting points for conversation.

A former inn and its later use

The Old King's Head is a Grade II listed former inn whose origins date back to the early 16th century. It is considered a rare example of Fenland artisan mannerism. A complete restoration led to its conversion into a nine-room bed and breakfast, a café and a community room. The building therefore offers a glimpse of both early architectural history and a later change of use. Together with the church and monuments, it provides a varied view of Kirton: its historical features take different forms, from architectural details to memorial sites and a documented conversion.

On foot or by bike

The Boston Community Walks initiative offers a guided walking group at Kirton Town Hall on Station Road from 13:30 to 15:30. If you would like to take part, check the specific date in advance. Kirton Marsh offers good access for cyclists as well as bicycle stands. These are two different ways to plan active time: a guided walking group with stated hours, and a place with designated cycling access. This information can help with planning your itinerary without treating the two activities as a single offering.

When choosing a holiday destination, the activities you want to enjoy may be the deciding factor. If you are particularly interested in church architecture, historical stained glass and monuments, Kirton offers several specific topics to explore, each distinct from the others. If you would like to include some active pursuits, you can consider the walking group and cycling access at Kirton Marsh separately. This makes it easier to assess Kirton as a place to look for a holiday rental based on which of these interests suit your trip.

Discover more destinations: Grantham, Alford, Scunthorpe, Waddington, Scampton, Lissington, Waltham, Market Rasen.

Return to the main travel guide: Lincolnshire.