The Leagate Inn Leagate Road Coningsby Lincolnshire LN4 4RS       t:  + 44 (0) 1526 342370  f: + 44 (0) 1526 345468   Walking If you enjoy walking or cycling, you will find numerous footpaths in the area including wooded conservation areas and acres of forest with free access to the public. Nearby is a link to the Viking Way it's course takes you almost entirely through thinly populated countryside, quiet villages and small market towns. The Viking Way crosses an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over fens, wolds and heath land on a meandering journey across Lincolnshire and Rutland. The walk is a total of 147 miles long but not everyone feels up to walking the full distance and many just walk short stretches at their own pace. Battle of Britain [click on link] Battle of Britain Memorial Flight In World War Two the Dambuster Squadron were billeted at the Petwood Hotel, in the centre of Woodhall Spa a memorial has been erected to commemorate their achievements. Close by is the Battle of Britain Memorial flight at RAF Coningsby, where you can see the last flying Lancaster in Great Britain. Further down the road at East Kirkby is the East Kirkby Aviation Museum. Sports & Activities Nearby in Woodhall Spa is the National golf centre the home of golf in England and the headquarters of the English Golf Union there are two championship golf courses, the Hotchkin and the Bracken. Other sporting activities in the area include, bowls, fly fishing, fishing on the River Witham, Go-kart racing, swimming, tennis. For your leisure is the local Kinema (rear projection cinema) restaurants, antique shops, pubs etc. Lincoln The Historic City of Lincoln is only a thirty minutes drive away, with its cobbled streets and quaint shops, wine bars & restaurants its really well worth a day out. Horncastle The old Roman town of Horncastle is 6 miles away, the town won the Millers Guide award for the best Antiques centre with numerous Antique shops to visit. Fun by the Sea If you prefer to be beside the seaside, Skegness is only 25 miles away and provides entertainment for all tastes, including one of the finest concert halls on the East Coast. Also within easy reach is the Fantasy Island Complex, advertised as the country's largest indoor leisure and theme park. The Historic Leagate Inn: Established 1542 Throughout it's history the Leagate Inn has been host to weary travellers from the length and breadth of the British Isles. Way back in the 15th century throughout the dark and cold winter nights the owners of the Leagate would light a blazing torch on the gable wall facing the fens, this would guide the local people through the treacherous bogs and marshes to a safe haven. The iron ring which held the torch is still there to this day, history shows that the Leagate may be the last fen guide house in Lincolnshire (unless you know different!). At the front of the Inn is an enclosure known as Gibbet Nook Close, it was the site of the gibbet or gallows used for the public execution of criminals, the bodies were left hanging as a warning to others who might think of breaking the law. In the main lounge of the inn, above the fireplace, is an engraving titled the "Last Supper" where it is believed that the last rites were given to the condemned souls. Built above the large fireplace is another historical feature, a priest hole where Roman Catholic priests could hide from the wrath of Cromwells roundheads. In the distant past the Inn was the gateway to Armtree & Wilmore fens having a toll gate which was still in use up until recent times. Now there is a sign hanging on the wall that reads: "This gate hangs high and hinders none victual yours'en and pass along". Supernatural apparition: As with many old Inns with a long history there are supernatural tales to tell, especially so for the Leagate Inn, many of the criminals were given their last supper near the fireplace before they were despatched to another world, hanged on the Gibbet opposite the Leagate in the Gibbert Nook Close. It is not know if the resident ghost (Jack Cooper) is that of an executed criminal or a pub regular, but there he sits near the ingle-nook fireplace mumbling incoherently to his self, not in the darkness of night like most spectres, but in the quite of winter afternoons, from they way he is dressed he may be a tradesman from the sixteenth century, probably a barrel maker as the name suggests, some say they have also seen a Cavalier figure near the ingle-nook fire but we have never seen anything. Character and charm: To this day the Leagate retains that special period style and character with its oak beamed ceilings, oak settles and open fireplaces, with ale from the cask, all this combined with pleasant surroundings and a modern approach to catering for all the customers needs. Outside, the extensive gardens are a wonderful place sit or stroll on a balmy summers day, sit in the shade under the old yew tree. The children's safe play area can be found at the end of the garden where parents can keep a watchful eye. Why not call in for a meal or relax with a drink, take in the atmosphere and enjoy your stay.