One of ‘Lincolnshire’s most fascinating estates’ relaunches summer heritage tour after sold-out success

History lovers from across Lincolnshire have one more chance to discover the ‘incredible array of incidents’ behind Revesby Estate’s storied past, as told through a special guided history walking tour this summer.

Back by popular demand for one day only, after June’s sold-out Heritage Experience received rave reviews, the eagerly awaited follow-up tour will be hosted by historian Adrian Gray. He will take guests on an immersive walking tour through some of the Revesby Estate’s most historic locations, before concluding with a sumptuous two-course summer lunch prepared by local caterers.

Beginning at the Estate’s park gates at 10am, guests will explore the Kangaroo Park, the site of the former home of the famed scientist, explorer and botanist Sir Joseph Banks, and the restored Rose Arboretum, all while hearing terrific tales about the people and places that helped shape the Estate and village across generations.

Historian Adrian Gray, author of ‘Tales from Revesby’, said: “These walks are always great social occasions as we talk over the stories of Revesby’s people amidst some beautiful scenes. Gentle walking, good company, great stories and excellent food… there’s no better way to spend a day!”

The walk will include visits to the Village Green and St Lawrence’s Church, a Victorian-decorated Gothic parish church built in 1891 by Charles Hodgson Fowler on the site of earlier Georgian and Norman churches, with strong links to the renowned Banks family and the Stanhope family, one of the most influential aristocratic families of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Following a welcome drink and light but indulgent summer lunch in the Village Hall, the afternoon continues with an exploration of the site of the original Revesby Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1142 as a daughter house of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire.

The lunch will be prepared by local catering business Deli 2 Your Door. Run by Jane and Steve Thornborough, who also sell Revesby Estate venison at Horncastle Market every Thursday and Saturday, the eatery provides only the highest quality homemade dishes with grass-fed meats and fine foods.

Peter Wiggins-Davies, Owner of Revesby Estate, said: “Revesby really is one of Lincolnshire’s most fascinating estates and historian Adrian Gray has dug deep to unearth an incredible array of incidents and personalities that combine to tell the true, and often unusual, stories of the region. 

“We were absolutely overjoyed to see last month’s sold-out Heritage Experience and we hope that everyone who missed out on this intriguing glimpse behind the curtain of some of the most renowned families of 19th- and 20th-century Britain will join us later this month. 

“We’ve extended the offering this month to include a special Heritage Weekend Package, which will feature a two-night stay at one of our exclusive holiday cottages, steeped in history and nestled in woodland by the reservoir. We do hope you’ll join us.”

The history walk and summer lunch are expected to last approximately four and a half hours, with a walking distance of around three miles. Tickets cost just £50 per person, which includes a contribution towards the church and memorial project.

Jo Priestner, Careers Co-ordinator for Horncastle’s Banovallum School, attended June’s event and said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the informative history talk and tour of Revesby Estate by Adrian last month. The lunch was superbly prepared; I really enjoyed the day and highly recommend the experience to others.”

With just 30 total spaces available, visitors are invited to purchase online through the Revesby Estate website to secure their place. Those interested in the two-day Heritage Weekend Package, available for £399 per couple, are invited to book directly by calling 01507 568395 or emailing the estate’s office at support@revesbyestate.co.uk.

To learn more, visit www.revesbyestate.co.uk.