Take the Scenic Route Along the Brigg Line

With planned engineering works on the Doncaster / Scunthorpe to Cleethorpes route, Northern will be running additional services for one day only along the beautiful Brigg Line.

Four extra services in each direction (eight in total) will run between Sheffield and Cleethorpes, calling at Kirton in Lindsey, Brigg and Barnetby.

It’s a rare chance to enjoy this scenic route, explore locally, and make a full day of it.

Why Travel by Rail?

Taking the train isn’t just convenient it’s one of the best ways to explore the area more sustainably. By choosing local rail travel, you’re helping to:

1. Reduce congestion and carbon emissions, making your day out more environmentally friendly
2. Support local transport routes, to demonstrate that rail services are key for local communities and visitors.
3. Travel stress-free, without the worry of traffic or navigation.
4. Make the journey part of the experience, sitting back and enjoying views of the North Lincolnshire countryside along the way.

Start Your Journey in Brigg

Begin your day in Brigg, one of North Lincolnshire’s most charming market towns. With its rich heritage and friendly atmosphere, Brigg is the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace or stop by for a quick afternoon of shopping.

Take time to stroll along the historic streets, explore independent shops, local markets and discover family friendly places such as Fun Forest soft play to tire out the little ones and The Nook Creative offering a mix of art and unique gifts.

Pay a visit to the Brigg Heritage Centre, where you can explore fascinating local history and gain a deeper appreciation for this vibrant market town.

When it’s time for a break, Brigg offers plenty of cosy cafés, such as Lincolnshire Flapjack or Shipley's Curiositeas. The town boasts a wide choice of pubs and bars, including the traditional Yarborough Hunt for real ale, the welcoming Black Bull, The Dog House, or the award-winning craft beer haven, The Hop Inn. For a leisurely lunch, you can enjoy an artisanal slice from Yellowbelly Pizza, visit 1760 at The Exchange for a restaurant experience, or stop by The Vault and Henry’s Sports Bar for a modern, friendly vibe. And that’s just the start – there are many more great spots to discover across the town.

Whether you’re a regular visitor or discovering Brigg for the first time, it’s a great place to relax and shop local. By spending locally, you’re directly supporting independent businesses and the town’s high street.

Step Back in Time in Kirton in Lindsey

Just a short hop along the line takes you to Kirton in Lindsey, a town steeped in history and full of character.

At its heart is St Andrew’s Church, a stunning 12th-century building and part of the annual Lincolnshire Churches Festival. Join the open day on 16th May where visitors can enjoy:

1. Tower tours with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside
2. A chance to see the bells and clock workings up close
3. Historic displays, including archive material and church silver
4. Family-friendly activities and themed flower displays
5. Refreshments served throughout the day

Find out more about the festival on our social media pages. Facebook/visitnorthlincs @visit.north.lincs

To explore even further, follow the Time Travellers’ Town Trail, a self-guided walk bringing Kirton’s fascinating past to life. Starting in the Market Place simply scan the QR code to access the guide and follow the route on your phone. The trail takes around an hour to complete.

After exploring, take time to relax and refuel. Kirton has a great selection of independent cafés, pubs and eateries. Why not treat yourself at No. 12 Chocolatier, a delightful artisan chocolate shop offering handmade treats that are perfect for a special indulgence or a gift to take home.

The George, Kirton is a welcoming pub at the heart of Kirton in Lindsey, serving great food and drinks in a cosy setting, ideal for a leisurely lunch or an early evening meal after your travels.

If you’re looking for a café atmosphere, Creative Cuppa is a lovely spot to unwind with a hot drink, homemade cake and a touch of creativity, making it a firm favourite with both locals and visitors.

If you’re visiting with family, Jacks Patch Garden Centre is well worth a stop. Alongside its well-stocked home and garden ranges, it now features a newly opened soft play area, perfect for keeping little ones entertained. You can also relax and refuel at The Willow Tree Restaurant & Tea Room, where you’ll find home-cooked lunches and delicious slices of cake.

Explore the Outdoors from Barnetby

For visitors who enjoy fresh air and wide-open spaces Barnetby is the ideal stop. Step off the train and straight into the countryside for a truly relaxing day out.

The village sits on the route of the Viking Way, one of the country’s most well-known long-distance walking trails, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Arriving by train makes it the perfect starting point for your walking adventure.

The stretch at Barnetby-le-Wold offers beautiful countryside views and a real sense of escape. The route is clearly marked with the recognisable Viking helmet symbol on yellow signposts, making it easy to follow.

From here, walkers can enjoy the 14-mile linear route between Barton-upon-Humber and Barnetby-le-Wold, or continue on the 8-mile stretch from Barnetby to Caistor – both offering rewarding scenery and a true countryside experience. Families can also join in the fun with activity packs and I-Spy sheets which are downloadable from the Visit Lincolnshire website.

After working up an appetite, you won’t have far to go, the Whistle and Flute is a friendly, traditional pub located right by the station. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned drink and a home-cooked meal before catching the train home, rounding off your countryside adventure.

Why not try our Barnetby Le Wold route which you can find on our ‘walking in North Lincolnshire section.

Travel Further Along the Line

The Brigg Line doesn’t stop there. These services also connect you to:

1. Sheffield – for city shopping and entertainment
2. Gainsborough – Marshall’s Yard and riverside views
3. Cleethorpes – perfect for a classic seaside day out

Whether you fancy coast, countryside or city, the line gives you the flexibility to build your own perfect itinerary for the day without needing the car.

Plan Your Day Out

With extra trains running for one day only, 16 May is the perfect time to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite spot along the Brigg Line. Plan your journey in advanced by visiting: nationalrail.co.uk

For even more inspiration on what to see and do across the area, visit our Visit North Lincolnshire ‘What’s On’ page. Bookings maybe required, please plan in advance. 

So why not hop on board, support local, and make the most of this special one-day opportunity to experience North Lincolnshire.