WoodhallSpa
A place of quiet distinction. Pine-scented lanes, Victorian and Edwardian grandeur, warm welcomes and stories that shaped a nation.
A village unlike any other
Woodhall Spa is one of Lincolnshire's most distinctive and charming villages. Nestled among pine and birch woodland that gives the air it's singular freshness, this Victorian spa town has quietly evolved into one of the county's most rewarding destinations.
From it's origins as an accidental spa discovery in the 1800s, through it's proud RAF heritage and the legend of the Dambusters, to it's world-class golf course and beloved Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa is a place that rewards those who take the time to explore it properly.
Places to stay
PremiumGlenesk
Self-catering apartment accommodation in a period Edwardian villa on The Broadway, sleeping up to ten guests in three private apartments.
PremiumBainland Lodge Retreats
A luxury lodge spa retreat just outside Woodhall Spa, with hot-tub lodges, glamping, a spa, outdoor pool and family activities across 45 acres.
PremiumPetwood Hotel
Historic country-house hotel famous for its association with 617 Squadron, offering accommodation, dining, beautiful gardens and Dambusters heritage.
Attractions & leisure
PremiumJubilee Park
A charity-run community park and heated outdoor lido at the heart of Woodhall Spa, with a children's play park, tennis courts, bowling green and gardens.
PremiumWoodhall Spa Cottage Museum
Discover Woodhall Spa's social and wartime history inside a rare Victorian corrugated-iron bungalow, with photographs, displays and stories.
PremiumKinema in the Woods
A wonderfully distinctive woodland cinema dating from 1922, combining current films with old-fashioned charm and its famous Compton organ.
Independent retailers
PremiumThe Book Fayre
A wonderfully traditional independent bookshop packed with new and second-hand books, gifts and an especially interesting selection of military and aviation titles.
PremiumFlemings
Flemings is a beautifully curated clothing shop in the heart of Woodhall Spa. offering men's and women's clothing, footwear and accessories from leading British and international country and lifestyle brands.
PremiumEnchanted Bloom
Independent florist offering fresh flowers, bouquets, gifts and floral arrangements from a quaint shop in the centre of the village.
Restaurants, pubs & cafés
PremiumThe Village Limits
The Village Limits is one of those places that is a favourite and regular haunt with locals and visitors to the area are excited to find. The food is classic pub food but prepared to a high standard.
PremiumThe Nest At Bainland
A bistro-inspired dining destination at Bainland Lodge Retreats. Please note you need to be a Nest member to book.
PremiumTea House In The Woods
A Woodhall Spa institution dating from 1903, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening meals in a wonderfully characterful setting amongst the trees.
Health, wellness & beauty
PremiumThe Spa At Bainland
Luxury Spa experiences, soothing facials, massages and more at the stunning Bainland Lodge Retreats. Nest membership is required to book.
Premiumillume clinic
Independent skin and aesthetics clinic providing specialist skincare and beauty treatments in a private Woodhall Spa setting.
PremiumAshlex Hair and Beauty
Independent hair and beauty salon offering professional hairdressing and beauty treatments.
Family days out & about
PremiumJubilee Park
A charity-run community park and heated outdoor lido at the heart of Woodhall Spa, with a children's play park, tennis courts, bowling green and gardens.
PremiumJubilee Park Play Area
The children's play area within Jubilee Park — climbing frames, swings and slides set among the trees beside the lido.
PremiumWoodhall Spa Cottage Museum
Discover Woodhall Spa's social and wartime history inside a rare Victorian corrugated-iron bungalow, with photographs, displays and stories.
Woodland walks & open air
The classic village walk, is a peaceful, traffic-free trail, following the route of the old spa railway towards Horncastle. Gentle, flat and accessible to most. Takes in the original spa bath ruins and the woodland that defines Woodhall Spa and winding through birch and pine woodland and countryside with sculptures, wildlife and plenty of opportunities to explore.
A longer circular route following the River Bain through open Lincolnshire farmland and quiet lanes, returning through the village. Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the year.
A historically themed circular walk passing key Dambusters sites, including the old airfield perimeter and memorial, through quiet woodland with interpretation boards along the route.
A short, easy walk taking in the architectural highlights of the village centre — the Kinema, the golf hotel, the memorial and the distinctive Arts and Crafts buildings that give Woodhall Spa its character.
A tranquil nature reserve of woodland and heathland near Woodhall Spa, offering a peaceful place to enjoy local wildlife, seasonal colour and the surrounding countryside.
Explore this attractive nature reserve bordering Ostler’s Plantation, where heathland and woodland provide a wonderfully peaceful setting for walking, wildlife watching and enjoying Lincolnshire’s countryside.
Discover miles of peaceful forest paths among towering pines, heathland and the remains of Woodhall Spa’s wartime airfield, once home to the famous 617 Squadron.
A peaceful, traffic-free trail following the former railway towards Horncastle, winding through woodland and countryside with sculptures, wildlife and plenty of opportunities to explore.
Stories that shaped a village
Woodhall Spa's history is richer, stranger and more consequential than you might expect from a quiet Lincolnshire village.
"One of the most singular and unexpected places in the English Midlands."
The Accidental Discovery
Coal miners drilling near the village strike an unexpected iodine-rich brine spring. The spa waters are found to have remarkable medicinal properties, setting the village on a new course entirely.
The Victoria Hotel & Spa Opens
The first purpose-built spa establishment opens, drawing visitors from across England seeking the curative waters. The village begins to take on it's distinctive Victorian character, with fine houses and promenades laid out in the woodland clearings.
The Golf Course is Founded
The Woodhall Spa Golf Club is established on the heathland east of the village. What begins as a genteel Victorian pastime grows into one of England's finest golf destinations, eventually ranked among the top courses in the world.
Kinema in the Woods Opens
A converted cricket pavilion in the pinewoods begins showing films using rear projection — a technique it maintains to this day. The Kinema becomes an institution, and one of the last surviving rear-projection cinemas in the world.
The Dambusters' Home
617 Squadron — the Dambusters — relocates to RAF Woodhall Spa following the famous bouncing bomb raids on the Ruhr Dams. The officers' mess at the Petwood Hotel becomes the heart of the squadron's daily life for the remainder of the war.
A Village for All Seasons
Woodhall Spa today retains its unique character — a place of exceptional natural beauty, rich heritage and genuine warmth, quietly going about being one of the best villages in England.
Delve into Woodhall Spa's fascinating history in more detail
What's on
Woodhall Spa Scarecrow Trail
Collect your trail map from the Book Fayre between 10am and 4pm and track down the scarecrows around the village. With a film theme this will be fun for all ages.
Midnight Opening . A Court Of Splintered Harmony
The Book Fayre will open at 11pm for the midnight launch of Sarah J. Mass’s new ACOTAR book, A Court Of Splintered Harmony. Limited copies available, so call 01526 354501 to book your place or reserve a book.
Aqua Spooky Splash
A Halloween-themed aquacise session featuring spooky music and an evening of fun and exercise in the outdoor pool. Open to participants aged 16+.
Spa Singers - Concert Of Remembrance
The Spa Singers present a Concert Of Remembrance at St Peter’s Church, starting at 7pm. Free entry but donations to the Woodhall Spa Royal British Legion are optional.
Aqua Wave Ravers
Another rave-inspired aquacise evening combining pool fitness with popular rave tracks. Members and non-members aged 16+ are welcome.
Firework Night and Lancaster & Mosquito Taxi Runs
Firework Night and taxi runs of the Lancaster and Mosquito at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
Everything you need to know
Getting Here
- By car: A153 from Horncastle (8 miles west), or B1192 south from Woodhall junction
- By bus: Brylaine service connects to Lincoln and Horncastle and many local villages
- Nearest train: Metheringham station (6 miles) with Lincoln connections
- From London: Approx. 2.5 hours by road via A1 and A158
- Parking: Free parking in The Broadway car park and surrounding streets
- Electric vehicle charging points on The Broadway behind Peter Scott Shoes
Getting Around
- The village is best explored on foot — most attractions are within easy walking distance
- Electric vehicle charging points on The Broadway behind Peter Scott Shoes
- Taxis: Streetwise Taxis is the sole local provider. Call Steve 07860 519 159 Liz 07376 296 365. Always book early. No, we don't have Uber!
- Accessibility: Most village centre paths are flat and accessible
Useful Information
- Public toilets : Spa Road, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QN
- Post Office 01526 352 211
- Boots Pharmacy 01526 352 105
- Dry cleaning/laundry 01526 354 040
- Photocopy/printing 01526 354 949
- Streetwise Taxis 07860 519 159 / 07376 296 365
- Nearest A&E: Lincoln County Hospital (18 miles)
- Emergency: 999 | Non-emergency police: 101
- Mobile coverage: Good in the village centre
- Contact us: hello@visitwoodhallspa.com