Heckington Railway Station along the Poacher Line. Midlands UK.

East Midlands train travelling along the Poacher line

Train crossing a river along the Poacher Line

Train passing through farmland along the Poacher Line

Starting in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the Poacher Line’s 78 mile journey runs through picturesque stations and rolling countryside.

Along the route, you’ll find quaint market towns including Grantham, Sleaford and Boston. Step off the train and visit the many exciting tourist attractions along the way. The Poacher Line ends its journey at the premier Lincolnshire seaside town of Skegness, with long sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions.

Boston is an important part of the Mayflower 400 story. Discover the Pilgrim's story by rail here...

Looking for more inspiration? Check out two great guides to help you plan your visit:

- Explore the Poacher Line on foot with peaceful station walks, download the guide here.

- Discover more about the area with the Poacher Line line guide, download here.

Both guides have been developed with the local insight and knowledge of the Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership. Learn more about the vital work they deliver connecting communities with the railway, here.

Highlights

Visit Lincolnshire’s premier seaside resort, Skegness. With six miles of sandy beaches and beautiful gardens along the promenade there’s plenty to do for all ages

Explore quaint market towns of Boston, Grantham and Sleaford

Save time to discover Nottingham, home to Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest

Find out more

Local line website

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Depending on your direction of travel you can park at Nottingham Station Car Park (NG2 3AS) or in Skegness there are a variety of short and long stay carparks.

The main train connections to The Poacher Line are at Nottingham and Grantham. Look up times.

BY BUS

A number of routes are available that serve stations along the line between Nottingham and Skegness. Timetable and route information can be found at www.lincsbus.info.

CallConnect: This is an on demand bus service which serves every station between Grantham and Skegness. Bookings can be made up to a week ahead and on the same day with one hour's notice (subject to availability). For more information telephone 0345 234 3344 or visit www.lincsbus.info.

Route

Nottingham - Grantham - Skegness

Cost

£26.40 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

2hrs 10

Distance

78 miles | 125 km

Time from London

1:15 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from London St Pancras to Nottingham. Trains are regular (look up times) and take approximately 1 hour 52 minutes.

Places to visit along the Poacher Line include:

Skegness - on the Visit East Lincolnshire website you can find out about a variety of tourist attractions along the coast including Butlin's and Fantasy Island.

Fantasy Island Theme Park - regular bus link from Skegness

National Trust Gunby Estate, Hall & Gardens - accessible by Stagecoach Interconnect 6 bus

Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve accessible by CallConnect bus or by cycling/walking (3.5miles)

Wainfleet – Bateman's Brewery

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park - alight at Winfleet or Skegness and use CallConnect bus

Lincolnshire Aviation Centre - alight at Waintfleet and use CallConnect bus

Boston – Mayflower 400 commeration

St Botolph's, otherwise known as Boston Stump

Heckington – Heckington Windmill

Sleaford – National Centre for Craft & Design

Cogglesford Watermill

Grantham - Belton House, accessible by Stagecoach Interconnect 1 bus.