Living in Market Rasen

The community spirit in Market Rasen is tangible, with a distinctly welcoming feel. The town regularly convenes locals for its weekly market, where fresh produce and local crafts take centre stage, and the annual Market Rasen Festival brings together families and visitors alike. Volunteering and civic engagement are strong, seen in active societies such as the Lions Club and Rotary.

Green spaces are plentiful: Willingham Woods is just to the east, providing miles of woodland walks, picnic sites, and cycling routes, while De Aston Park offers recreational space for families. Regular church and village hall events foster a sense of local belonging, and sporting clubs—including football, cricket, and bowls—connect residents of all ages.

Market Rasen is generally perceived as a safe and peaceful town, with crime rates notably lower than those of larger cities and urban areas in Lincolnshire. The local policing team is visible in the community, and neighbourhood watch schemes help to foster a sense of security among residents. Most crime reported in the area is relatively minor, such as anti-social behaviour or vehicle-related incidents.

Efforts by both the town council and Lincolnshire Police focus on maintaining a visible community presence and encouraging crime prevention initiatives, including active communication through social media and community forums. As with most rural towns, residents are advised to remain vigilant, but Market Rasen retains a reassuring reputation for safety.

Parking in Market Rasen is generally considered convenient. The town centre offers several public car parks, alongside some on-street parking options—these are typically free or available at low cost, and parking issues are rare. Residents living in older parts of the town or closer to the centre may use permit schemes, but overall, congestion is minimal compared to larger towns.

Market Rasen is well served by road, with the A46 providing rapid access to regional hubs and the A631 enhancing east-west movement. Traffic levels are usually moderate, even during race events, and road maintenance standards are generally good, making daily travel straightforward. The town’s semi-rural setting makes it popular with commuters who seek a stress-free road experience.

Nearby towns and cities:
Lincoln – approx. 30 minutes via A46 (17 miles)
Grimsby – approx. 30 minutes via A46 (22 miles)
Gainsborough – approx. 35 minutes via A631 (18 miles)
Scunthorpe – approx. 40 minutes via B1202/A18 (26 miles)

Despite its relatively small size, Market Rasen offers a characterful selection of places to eat and drink. The centre of town is home to independently owned pubs such as The Advocate Arms and The Aston Arms, both popular for their traditional atmosphere and hearty menus. Cafés like Jossals and The March Hare offer artisan coffee, cakes, and home-cooked lunches. For those seeking takeaway options, there are various fish and chip shops, pizza outlets, and Asian cuisine available nearby.

Evenings are generally low-key, but Market Rasen Racecourse regularly hosts not only horse racing but also live music events, making it a hub of local nightlife during race days. The town also boasts a traditional social club and occasional events at the Festival Hall. For livelier options, many residents travel into Lincoln for theatres, bars, and late-night venues.

Families will find that Market Rasen boasts a supportive and resourceful environment. Local schools are reputable, contributing to a strong educational foundation from early years through to sixth form, with De Aston School at the heart of the secondary provision.

Parks and outdoor play areas such as De Aston Park and the nearby Willingham Woods are ideal for exploration and picnics, while a choice of nurseries and childcare providers—like Fledglings Pre-school—make life easier for working parents.

Safety is a key attribute, with low crime rates and a visible police presence. Family activities are centred around local festivals, sports clubs, and events at the racecourse and Festival Hall, helping newcomers to integrate smoothly.

For pet owners, Market Rasen is an extremely accommodating place to live. The town's position on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds ensures residents are never far from countryside walks, with Willingham Woods and local trails proving particularly popular for dog walking and outdoor adventures. Several veterinary clinics, such as Riverside Veterinary Care, are located in and around the town, and local pet shops provide all necessary supplies.

Cafés and pubs often welcome dogs, and pet-friendly housing is widely available, especially in outlying areas where gardens are common. The community as a whole takes a relaxed attitude to animals, and both new arrivals and visitors will discover excellent facilities and plenty of green space for pets to enjoy.

Market Rasen is well-situated for both local and regional transport. The town benefits from its own railway station, providing direct links to Lincoln (approx. 20 minutes by train) and Grimsby (around 25 minutes). Trains also provide less frequent services to Cleethorpes and Barnetby, making it possible to access the wider rail network—including connections for travel to London, Sheffield, and beyond via changes at Lincoln or Barnetby.

The main road link is the A46, connecting the town south-east to Lincoln and north-east to Grimsby. The A631 runs east-west, providing good access across the Wolds to Gainsborough and westwards towards Doncaster.

For air travel, Humberside Airport is approximately 16 miles north and offers domestic and some limited international flights. East Midlands Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport are accessible for more extensive travel options.

Key Commute Times:

• Lincoln – approx. 30 minutes by car, 20 minutes by train
• Grimsby – approx. 30 minutes by car, 25 minutes by train
• Scunthorpe – approx. 40 minutes by car
• Gainsborough – approx. 35 minutes by car

Market Rasen has a well-regarded selection of educational institutions catering for families with children of all ages.

Primary Schools in Market Rasen
The main primary school in the town is Market Rasen Church of England Primary School, which is known for its strong Ofsted ratings and established community links (most recently judged “Outstanding” by Ofsted in June 2012). Smaller surrounding villages offer additional options, such as The Grasby All Saints Church of England Primary (Grasby) and Faldingworth Community Primary School (Faldingworth), both within a short drive.

Secondary Schools in Market Rasen
De Aston School is the main secondary provider in the town, a well-regarded academy which serves students aged 11-18 and features a modern sixth form. Ofsted rated the school “Good” in October 2020. De Aston offers a broad curriculum and a strong sense of community.

Colleges and Sixth Forms
The sixth form at De Aston School delivers a mix of A-level and vocational qualifications—students seeking wider choices frequently attend colleges in Lincoln itself. Lincoln College (16 miles away) offers extensive post-16 options and further education courses.

Universities near Market Rasen
The closest university is the University of Lincoln, which is growing in regional reputation and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Bishop Grosseteste University, also in Lincoln, is another option, specialising in education and the arts.