Brooklands
On the edge of the thriving market town of Gainsborough, with open farmland stretching away to the south and east, the beautifully laid out development of Brooklands offers a wide choice of homes with a wonderful sense of peace and retreat. Arranged around village green style open spaces and a children's play area, Brooklands is within commuting range of Sheffield, Doncaster and Lincoln.
Local history and heritage
Gainsborough grew in importance as a trading port on the River Trent, attracting a sizeable number of Danes who settled in the community as long ago as the ninth century and added a Viking flavour to the town's story. The kings Sweyn Forkbeard and his son Knut are associated with the area, and by the eleventh century around three-quarters of the population are reckoned to have been of Danish origin. In the eighteenth century, the ferry crossing was replaced by a stone toll bridge: the crossing only became free in 1932, when the bridge was brought into public ownership. Today, evidence of the prosperity of the town survives in the many fine period buildings, such as the 15th century Gainsborough Old Hall and All Saints Church with its original medieval tower. At nearby Heapham, there is even a working windmill which today produces organic flour.
Transport
Located at the intersection of the A631, the A159 and the A156, Gainsborough is in easy reach of Sheffield, Doncaster, Lincoln, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. There are frequent trains from Lea Road Station, less than half a mile from Brooklands, to Lincoln, Sheffield and Doncaster, and good local bus services, with a bus station in the town. Robin Hood Airport is just 12 miles away.
Outdoor activities
The countryside around Gainsborough is excellent territory for the walker or cyclist, and there is a lively local Rambling Club. The local attractions include Laughton Forest, with its waymarked trail through a fascinating site, and the magnificent Clumber Park near Worksop where, set in 15,000 hectares of heath, woods and farmland, there is a serpentine lake, a Gothic chapel and the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe. Clumber Park also holds regular children's events.
Sport and leisure
The West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough, around 15 minutes walk from Brooklands, has recently undergone a major programme of improvements including new changing rooms and family facilities. The Centre's comprehensive facilities include a swimming pool and separate learner pool, badminton and squash courts, a sauna and steam room, sunbeds, 5-a-side football, table tennis and a fully equipped gym, and it offers a full programme of instruction and training. There is also an excellent Golf Club in the town, with two 18-hole courses, one a traditional parkland layout and the other an American-style course featuring large bunkers and lakes.
Entertainment
The Trinity Arts Centre, housed in a converted church within the town centre, includes a 200-seat auditorium and presents a varied mixture of films and live entertainment, including drama, comedy, music and talks. The Centre is regularly used by a range of local organisations including the amateur dramatic society and the folk club. There is also a good selection of bars and inns in the town.
Shopping
There is a Morrison's supermarket less than half a mile from Brooklands in Heapham Street, and the comprehensive selection of shops in the town centre is just fifteen minutes walk away. The recent revitalisation of the town's waterfront includes the conversion of Marshall's Yard, once the Britannia Ironworks, into a retail and leisure complex with 27 stores, including a host of high street names such as Marks and Spencer, JJB Sports and Body Shop, alongside a landscaped plaza with two restaurants.
Education
There are several nursery and primary schools within walking distance of Brooklands, and the Queen Elizabeth's High School, around a mile away, has an excellent academic record.
Health care
There is a medical practice with a staff of five doctors in Caskgate Street, around a mile from Brooklands, and a dental surgery in Bridge Street, in the town centre. |
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