Bourne is a growing town with a bright and exciting future, however, like many towns and cities all across the UK, the high street in Bourne is under threat due to a multitude of factors, including high business rates & rent, online shopping and supermarkets.
The danger is that if we don't support our local town, the shops will know and love will ultimately have to close down and we will lose the wonderful independent shops that have served our community for many years.
Shopping locally strengthens the local economy, creates more local jobs and reduces your carbon footprint. A vibrant and growing town centre is so important in creating a sense of community and prosperity, and encouraging more people to visit the town.
Remember that for every item you purchase locally, every drink you buy in a local pub and every Bourne restaurant you eat at, you'll be putting money back into the local economy and helping maintain jobs!
A Great Selection of Shops
Bourne has a great selection of shops selling a wide variety of items, meaning there's a good chance you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for right here in Bourne. In fact, you may be pleasantly surprised just how much Bourne has to offer. Far from the onslaught of discount chains and fast food outlets that tarnish some towns and cities, Bourne has a more 'up-market' feel and has been fortunate enough to retain many of its independent retailers, including some trendy boutiques. The town is kept clean and tidy through-out the year, with stunning flower displays in the summer months, making it a pleasant place to spend time in.
Take a closer look at some of our independent retailers
Buckles & Bows...
Located on North Street, this stylish independent ladies retailer stock a wide range of branded ladies footwear, handbags and accessories in all the latest styles and colours. A friendly welcome awaits.
Dani's...
Location on North Street, Dani's is a friendly independent retailer specialising in ladies fashions, local artisan gifts and beautiful costume jewelry. A great place to find that special something.
Bourne Book Shop...
Located on North Street, this friendly book shop is independently run and offers a wide selection of books for children and adults, along with jigsaws. A great place to find that much-loved book.
North Shoes...
Founded in 1876 by William North, North Shoes is a family run retailer selling quality branded footwear in the latest styles. Whether it's footwear for adults or children, North Shoes can provide.
Harrison & Dunn...
This traditional hardware shop located on North Street offers a great range of products, including homeware, kitchenware, DIY, decorating supplies, electrical supplies, light bulbs, cleaning products, and lots more.
The Sweet Shop...
Located in the attractive Angel Precinct, The Sweet Shop sells much more than just sweets and chocolates - you'll also find everything you could need for special occasions, such as balloons, banners and decorations.
Stephanies Flowers & Gifts...
Located within Crown Walk, this established retailer has over 30 years of experience in the floristry world, stocking a wide selection of fresh quality flowers, alongside plants and gifts. They can arrange flowers to suit any budget and occassion.
Spice of Life...
Located in the popular The Burghley Centre, Spice of Life is one of the top independent health food shops in the UK and the oldest in Lincolnshire. They stock Organic, Fairtrade, Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free Foods.
Sophie Allport...
Located on Spalding Road, Sophie Allport offers a collection of homewares, bags, accessories, bedding, home fragrance and collections for pets and children. There is also a selection of items hand-picked by Sophie including furniture, mirrors, lamps and other home accessories.
Mobile World, Bourne...
Location at 1 West Street, Mobile World specialise in providing new and used mobile phones as well as mobile phone repairs for all types of mobile phones.They also offer LCD Replacement, Battery Replacement, Logic Board Repair, Accessories, Car Entertainment Accessories and Unlocking.
Don't Lose Hope...
Located on South Street, Don't Lose Hope is a great asset to the town, selling gifts, cards and home accessories, were every penny of profit funds the counselling, play and art therapy provided by this fantastic charity.
The Craft Centre Bourne...
Located down Abbey Road, this is a lovely independent wool shop stocking West Yorkshire Spinners, Stylecraft and King Cole, plus others things. Regular workshops & classes are also held here.
Bourne Toys...
Located in the Burghley Centre, Bourne Toys is a family-run business selling a wide variety of children's toys, puzzels and games. They also host regular events and have a cafe area.
Unique and Chic...
There is always something different to browse at this unique independent shop located in the Angel Precinct, just off North Street. You'll find a mix of vintage/pre-loved furniture along with soft furnishings and decorative items jewellery and giftware.
Many More...
Bourne is also served by two fantastic butchers, two long established jewellers and several other much-loved independent businesses - it's what makes Bourne that extra bit special.
Alongside our much-loved independent retailers, Bourne benefits from a number of popular high street retailers, including M&S Foodhall, Card Factory, Superdrug, Boots, Yorkshire Trading Company, Heron Foods and Argos. You'll also find a number of estate agents, beauty salons, nail bars, hairdressers and a Post Office. There really is something for everyone in Bourne!
Free Parking & Friendly Service
Shopping in Bourne is certainly a much more laid back and friendly experience than what you would find in near-by Peterborough or other larger towns - there are far less people, meaning less crowds and queuing, and all parking in Bourne is FREE (subject to restrictions), so you should never have to pay to shop here (see http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/bourne/ to find out where parking is located in Bourne).
In the summer months, you'll find the town in its full glory with a vast array of colorful flower displays. During the Christmas season, the town has a lovely festive atmosphere with a fantastic array of Christmas lights and festive displays in shops and businesses - this makes shopping for Christmas gifts that bit more enjoyable. The town is also kept very clean through-out the year by willing volunteers, along with the council, so it's rare to find a great deal of rubbish and graffiti in the town centre. Occupancy rates of units in the town also tend to be above the national average and units that do become empty are often snapped up pretty quickly - a strong indicator that the town centre is thriving.
If you require public conveniences, Bourne has modern and well maintained facilities located at the South Kesteven Community Point and Library (accessed via Burghley Archard and Hereward Street, behind the Town Hall). These facilities are open daily but there is a charge of 20p to use them, which goes towards the maintenance and up-keep of these much-needed facilities. Public conveniences are also located on South Street opposite the Memorial Gardens.
If you don't have a car then Bourne is well-served by a reputable family bus company, Delaine Buses, who have proudly served the town for many years. Delaine, who have their headquarters located in Bourne, have a modern fleet of buses that operate a reliable and friendly service across the town and surrounding areas - this makes it easy to take a trip into town or visit near-by areas. There are several bus stops across the town, with the main bus station being located on North Street. The full timetables operated by the buses can be viewed on the company website at www.delainebuses.com/timetables.html.
Car Parks in Bourne
Please note that parking at The Burghley Centre is restricted to four hours maximum and operates as pay & display during the week and on Saturdays, with the first two hours FREE. Parking is FREE after 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday.
A Vibrant Cafe Culture
Bourne also has a vibrant cafe culture, with a number of stylish coffee shops and cafes, including Costa Coffee (North Street), Beanbag Coffee Shop (North Street Street) and the Wild Heart Cafe (Angel Precinct). You'll certainly never be short of somewhere to stop off and have a well-deserved break from shopping, or just somewhere to meet up and have a catch up with friends and family.
If you need a bite to eat, most of the pubs in the town centre provide a great selection of quality food served though-out the day. There are also a fantastic selection of restaurants offering a wide selection of cuisines, including Sassi's (South Street) - one of the best Thai restaurants in the area! There is even a wine and tapas bar (North Street), and a chinese tapas bar for that something a little different.
Entertain the Kids
If you need to keep the kids occupied for a few hours, why not try Paint A Pot Place, were you and the kids can enjoy yourself painting a pot or two - you can find this fun establishment right in the town centre, down Wherrys Lane. There's also Escape - an indoor soft play centre for children. You'll also find a well equipped children's playground and large playing field on the Wellhead Field (located at the back of the Wellhead Gardens and off Manor Lane), which has bench seating for adults to relax whilst their children play.
Venture a little further afield to the village of Little Bytham and you'll find The Spinney Adventure Play Area & Woods, featuring a picnic site and an amazing adventure playground for children. Near-by Grimsthorpe Castle Park & Gardens also has a great adventure playground for the kids.
For more things to do with the kids, please visit our Entertainment for Kids directory.
Easy Access to Green Spaces
To escape the busy high-street, you can take a walk in the spacious and idyllic park, just seconds from the town centre. Here you find 21 acres of public parkland, including a number of bench seats to sit down and relax, and some pretty streams and walk ways. You'll also find the famous St Peter's Pool - one of the most ancient sites of artesian water supply in the country.
The beautiful Memorial Gardens also sit close to the town centre, with relaxing water fountains as the focal point, surrounded by large weeping willow trees. Abbey Lawns is another attractive green space, used mainly as a recreation ground, with many of the towns sporting events taking place here and a lovely outdoor pool.
Just a 20 minute walk outside the town centre, you'll find the Bourne woods - a vast expanse of ancient woodland, perfect for exploring by foot or cycle.
Lots of Events
Bourne may seem quiet at first glance but there is always lots going on in the town, including several big annual events such as The Bourne Festivel, Bourne Magical Christmas Fayre & Light Switch On, Bourne Firework Spectacular and Bourne Classic Car Show. Near-by Grimsthorpe Castle Park & Gardens, Bowthorpe Park Farm and Burghley Estate (Stamford) also host a number popular events throughout the year.
To see a full list of events in and around Bourne, please visit our Local Events page.
A Growing and Vibrant Town Centre
If you're thinking about setting up a business, Bourne is a great choice! It's a growing and lively town with a vibrant town centre and lots of activities going on through-out the year to bring people into the town. The town centre lies at the intersection between four main roads so businesses in the town centre receive a lot of exposure from passing traffic - those travelling north from Peterborough to Sleaford and Lincoln will pass through the town, as will those travelling in the opposite direction. With a population set to approach 20,000, there's a lot of potential trade for any new business opening in the town.
Bourne also has a big employer, Warners Midlands Plc, based in the town centre so this offers a potential big pool of people who will be looking to take advantage of local businesses in the town centre during their lunch break. Furthermore, there are a good number of office spaces in the town being host to many businesses. Several new homes are also being built in the town centre, which should increase the number of people regularly using the town centre and create more a 'buzz'. The town centre has seen many new businesses open in recent times, most of which have reported doing well. Look around the town and you'll also notice a lot of building work taking place - a good indication that people are investing in the town and feel positive about its future.
To view commercial property currently available in Bourne, please visit: www.rightmove.co.uk/commercial-property-to-let/Bourne.html.
Please find below a short film by South Kesteven District Council about Bourne in Lincolnshire highlighting the town's road and rail connections and promoting it as a great place to do business.