Deeping has Community with the biggest of C’s ! There is a full range of ‘what’s on’ locally and further afield in our Visitor Information Point in our foyer and library personnel will also help and advise.
There really is something going on most weeks of the year. From yellow plastic ducks (duck race) to beer barrel rafts (raft race), we are lucky to have the beautiful River Welland running through our community. Carnival, Christmas markets and weekly markets too. A dog show, pony show, rose and sweet pea fete, brass band concert, Santa with his Sleigh, beer festivals, coffee mornings, craft events, Literary Festival, musical recitals, allotment show, local history talks, poetry events ……. and so it goes on.
The Deepings is the collective name given to our group of historic villages comprising Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Deeping Gate, West Deeping and Deeping St Nicholas.
The Deepings is thriving with regular markets, varied and busy high streets in attractive historic settings and is home to the ever-growing bi-annual Deepings Literary Festival which attracts many of the greats from the literary world.
This was founded as part of a Benedictine Priory by Baldwin Fitzgilbert. After it was dissolved in 1539 the church was retained for parish worship, while the Priory buildings fell into ruin, until the stone was used to build a manor house in the 17th century. Until recently there was a large barn in the grounds that was demolished to make way for housing.
The largely 15th-century church of St Guthlac is the only church in Market Deeping. On the south face of the tower is a limestone sundial inscribed with “The day is thine”, with a similar sundial on the north face with “The Night Cometh”.
This ancient stone structure began life as a market cross during the reign of Edward III in the 14th century but in 1819 it was moved and converted for use as the village lock up where miscreants were incarcerated for petty offences. Extensive restoration was carried out in 1999 which included taking the lamp off the top of the structure – it had become infamous as the most unusual of street lights!
South of the level crossing on B1166 Crowland Road, there’s the Deeping Lakes nature Reserve. A good number of flooded gravel pits noted for their abundance of wildfowl and waterbird communities. Enjoy the peaceful and tranquil walks that are there for everyone to enjoy.
Here you will find a selection of small independent retailers and a good range of places to eat and drink. Some park in the Market Place (except Saturday) and along the High St. Main car park is behind the Market Sq, accessed via Godsey Lane. There are also a number of shops and cafe’s in the Precints & Market Gate areas adjoining the Market Place through walkways which include public toilets.
If you like an old traditional pub with roaring fire, a good beer garden try the Waterton Arms in Deeping St James. Also, tucked away in manor court there is a award winning bistro, Driftwood.
