Belchford

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Belchford is a small village of about 200 inhabitants, in the heart of Lincolnshire, in Northern England. The steep hills and deep valleys which surround the village are always a surprise to the numerous walkers and other visitors who come from outside, as Lincolnshire has a reputation for being flat. However, Belchford lies in the Lincolnshire Wolds, which are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running from Louth in the north, to Horncastle in the south. This makes it a popular destination for ramblers, as well as hangliders who use the ridges from the Bluestone Heath Road to launch into the valley. The Wolds has always been one of the main arable farming areas of England, and is home to Lincoln Red cattle, having previously hosted Lincoln Longwool sheep and the now extinct Curlycoat pig.

The village history dates back to ancient times connected with the Romans and the Vikings. The Viking Way is now a nationally recognised public footpath and passes through Belchford by the Blue Bell Inn, on its way from the Humber in the north to Rutland in the south. During the Reformation of the English Christian church, in 1536, the vicar of Belchford was hanged, drawn and quartered for treason, after leading a rebellion against the crown.

The village is served by the Blue Bell Inn, which has been trading for hundreds of years. It is now home to a well renowned restaurant, as well as a friendly bar area, which serves a number of local brews as well as the more well known beers.