The market town of Spalding is located on the River Welland in the South Holland district of Lincolnshire. Some believe the area was settled as far back as roman times, but there is no definitive date as to its establishment. Today the town is probably best known for its famous landmarks and its fun festivals.
The thing that runs Spalding's commerce is its vegetable and flower industries. Because of its central location in a major region for crop growth, Spalding is the home to dozens of thriving agricultural areas. One thing the town and area is best known for is its Tulips. Thanks to its abundant tulip fields some say it has close links with the Netherlands and they even host a Tulip Parade the first Saturday in May. This major attraction has a procession of floats decorated by tulip petals, each with various themes. The years in which the tulips bloom late you may find the tulip pedals substituted with daffodils. The parade is held during the Tulipmania festival which runs from the middle of April to near the end of May. Because of this interest in the flower Spalding hosted the World Tulip Summit in 2008 drawing some 200 delegates from around the world to their Tulip Festival.
If you patronize the town during the month of October you can enjoy the Pumpkin festival. While not having the notoriety of the Tulip Festival, this festival showcases the town's pumpkin feats complete with a parade in the gourds honor. This festival has nothing to do with Halloween or the carving of jack-o-lanterns. However, it is still a fun time to enjoy the crisp autumn air and the beauty of the orange gourd.
While wandering the town you will find many interesting buildings to see. There is the Ayscoughfee Hall, once a simple 15th Century house is now a museum. Visitors can tour the home and see what it was like to live in the 15th Century. While there, be sure to tour their magnificent gardens.
Also a fine attraction is the Bulb Museum. Since Spalding is known for its agricultural achievements it's no wonder why this museum is popular with tourists. This museum is dedicated to those who have worked in the bulb industry from 1880 to preset. You can find photographs and other exhibits as they pertain to the bulb industry in Spalding. You may learn that there is more to the bulb than you think.
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