The name Sleaford comes from its position as a crossing point 'ford' of the River Slea. The historic market town of Sleaford is centrally located within Lincolnshire and has a main line railway station giving good connections to Lincoln, other Lincolnshire towns and other major cities and destinations.

Sleaford and the surrounding villages have various family-run specialist shops to browse in and a good selection of excellent pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation and plenty of fine old buildings to discover.

Follow the 'Sleaford Riverside' trail from Navigation Wharf where the Hub, the National Centre for Craft and Design occupies a restored former seed warehouse. Nearby is Navigation House, thought to be the only surviving canal office in the country, and then meander to Cogglesford Mill - a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Slea Navigation.

The town has a population of around 18,000 and is within the North Kesteven District which covers an area of approximately 356 square miles. Surrounded by flat fenland countryside, it is an attractive and busy small market town whose skyline is dominated by the 144-foot stone spire of St Denys' Church. It has an ancient heritage and notable historic buildings include the remains of its 12th-century castle where the ailing King John is said to have been taken after his accident in The Wash.

Historically the town's economy was based upon agriculture and today agriculture remains an important employer. The town also possesses a diverse range of manufacturing companies producing items from agricultural machinery to plastics, and electronic equipment to container products. The tourism, retail and service sectors are also being increasingly developed.