Destination Woodhall Spa
Popular with visitors, as well as those looking to move home for a taste of traditional country life, Woodhall Spa has much to offer locals too, as Glynis Fox finds.
Where can you go if you want to enjoy a spot of shopping, swimming, a leisurely walk, a trip to the cinema and a tasty meal?
The answer is Woodhall Spa, where there is also the opportunity to stay in your caravan, or even a wooden lodge!
Spring is the ideal time to take a closer look at the Spa, or even book a short break and discover all that this destination has to offer. Just remember, not everything is in plain sight, so make time to go exploring.
Woodhall Spa is also an extremely popular place to live – being within an easy drive of Lincoln, Boston, Horncastle and other main centres.
If finding a new home is also on your list of things to do, you will be interested to know that this destination has recently mushroomed, thanks to the addition of new housing developments.
SHOPPING AND EATING
So where to start? First of all, let’s go shopping. The Broadway running through the centre of the Spa is where you will find most of the retail and service outlets and quality hotels.
The Broadway Centre, off the main street, is also worth a closer look. It is fronted by a barbers shop and a pet store, but inside you will also find other businesses, including Sophisticake – an artisan cakemaker and decorator who has made special cakes for the Royals.
Sophisticake owner Dawn Blundell, who has been putting her talents to excellent use for more than 40 years, celebrated 21 years in The Broadway Centre in April.
Dawn is justifiably proud to have made cakes for members of the Royal Family, including a celebration cake for King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s wedding.
“The first quarter of the year is usually quieter, but I came back to work after Christmas on 9th January and I have been very busy ever since and finding myself working late and over the weekends,” she said.
“I have completed a variety of orders for everything from wedding to birthday cakes. Orders have included a birthday/anniversary cake for the MP Victoria Atkins and her husband, which was sent to Westminster.”
Woodhall Spa boasts several ladies’ boutiques but don’t worry there’s a shop dedicated to gentlemen’s needs too. Look out for Woodhall Man, which is also based in The Broadway Centre.
Ready for a break and a cuppa? You can also enjoy refreshments in The Melrose Café at the end of this precinct.
Back in the main thoroughfare, another popular business is The Book Fayre which is absolutely bursting with books, so it should be no problem finding titles penned by your favourite authors. Be warned though!
You are also likely to be tempted by the shop’s fantastic range of irresistible gifts.
Ladies in search of new fashions will love popping into SELF and SHE Boutique and could also treat themselves at SHE Lingerie, which is based in Tattershall Road.
Owner of SHE Boutique and SHE lingerie, Christabel Paul said: “Retail is tough at the moment but in our boutique we have a fabulous range of footwear, fashions and accessories, including shoes and bags.
“I opened my lingerie shop a year ago, after the owner of the former Glenn James shop approached me because they were retiring. I decided to take it on because I already had a stock of lingerie and it was a good move.
“Apart from offering a range of lingerie, we offer a bra-fitting service and also specialise in mastectomy bras,” added Christabel.
Woodhall Spa is also home to Peter Scott Shoes. This partly wedge-shaped shop, “Britain’s Smallest Shoe Shop”, is unmissable and is stocked with well-known brands.
The Broadway is also the place to find hotels, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste and appetite, a butcher, hairdressers and much, much more.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Hotels-wise look out for the much-loved Petwood Hotel, with its special bar once frequented by members of The Dambusters Squadron, The Golf Hotel and The Inn, plus The Dower House, which is tucked away in Manor Road.
Being such a popular destination, Woodhall Spa really does have accommodation options for everyone, with other hotels, bed-and-breakfast guest houses, holiday lodges and camper and caravan parking options.
Woodhall Spa is also well-placed for a coffee stop or leg-stretcher if you are passing through the Spa on your way to Lincoln, Boston or Horncastle and onwards to Lincolnshire’s wonderful coastal resorts.
Not all of its charms are immediately obvious though and there are plenty of leisure activities for families and individuals who love sports to enjoy. Unsurprisingly, some are found tucked away within its tree-lined avenues.
Visit for the day or book for a longer stay – the choice really is all yours.
OUTDOOR AND INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
If you love the outdoor life and getting stuck into a variety of activities, then why not discover Jubilee Park or take a closer look at Woodhall Country Park?
Jubilee Park boasts caravanning and camping facilities set within 10 acres of ornamental gardens. Family members can enjoy swimming in the lido and youngsters can have fun in the children’s playpark.
The Park also has a bowling green, croquet lawns, cricket pitch, a fitness suite and a café.
Alternatively, your family might be tempted to stay at Woodhall Country Park and want to pitch up their tent or caravan or stay in a lodge, glamping pod or cabin in a restful wooded area. You can also take your dog on holiday with you.
Golfing fans will want to check out The National Golf Centre with its Hotchkin and Bracken courses and 16-bay driving range. The centre, which is hugely popular, also offers coaching.
If you’d rather chill out and watch a good film, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Woodhall’s famous Kinema in The Woods.
Dating back to 1922, it actually started life as a sports and entertainments venue, but it’s come a long way since then! The cinema, which attracts filmgoers from miles around, has an added dimension. In June 1987 it was fitted with a Compton Kinestra organ in Screen One and it is still played today.
A second auditorium opened its doors in summer 1994, a third was added in June 2019 and cinemagoers were welcomed to Screen 4 in October 2021.
Filmgoers don’t just love going to the Kinema, they also enjoy its “ice cream, hot drinks and sweets” intervals!
SAVE THE DATE
Reach for your diary and make sure you make a date for the family to attend the 17th annual Woodhall Spa Country Show, a popular annual village event.
It takes place on Sunday 19th May and runs from 9.30am to 5pm and parking is free.
You can look forward to fun attractions for children, displays of machinery, livestock competitions, music and entertainment, local traders’ stands and refreshments to keep everyone going.
It’s all happening at The New Showfield in Green Lane – LN10 6QY.
For more information and ticket prices visit the website: www.woodhallspacountryshow.com
SPECIALISTS IN OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
As a well established and trusted local family run business specialising in selling and servicing quality specialist outdoor power equipment, Charles H Hill Ltd of Horsington supplies chainsaws, pole saws, brush cutters, strimmers, hedge trimmers, post hole borers, garden blow vacs, pressure washers and vacuums, all sold at competitive prices.
The business boasts its own on-site workshops staffed by an expert after-sales service team.
There is also a wide range of Honda Power Products, including ride-on mowers and lawnmowers, which carry up to a seven-year warranty, as well as industrial generators, water pumps, engines and rotovators.
If you’re looking for a reliable range of ride-ons, the team can help guide you through a wide range of Husqvarna ride-on lawnmovers including the rider range of front mounted decks with articulated rear-wheel steering for excellent manoeuvrability, and strong Etesia “anti-clog “mowers, which cut and collect grass even in wet conditions.
For more information visit www.charleshhill.co.uk
A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF WOODHALL SPA
Located in the majestic woodland opposite the Bracken Course of the Woodhall Spa Golf Course, The Dower House Hotel offers a sanctuary of tranquillity.
Approached by a tree lined private road and two acres of peaceful gardens, this Edwardian country house hotel emanates an unmistakeable charm.
Nestled within picturesque surroundings, the hotel offers an enchanting backdrop, perfect for a romantic wedding, a rejuvenating short getaway, or a productive business or social gathering.
The Head Chef, renowned for earning AA Rosette status at a sister gastro pub in Nottingham, has recently joined the hotel. With his culinary expertise, he has crafted a diverse and tantalising menu that is bound to entice you back time and time again.
Harry’s Bar offers an expansive selection of drinks and wines to indulge in. Whether you prefer to unwind in its cosy interior or bask in the sunshine on the inviting terrace, there’s a spot for everyone. Delight in their delicious light bites menu for a swift lunch or savour the à la carte options, all available in both the restaurant and bar.
Locally sourced, market-fresh ingredients are expertly curated into exquisite dishes. The wonderful menus at The Dower House are complemented by a carefully chosen wine selection from their extensive cellar.
The hotel has 21 light, spacious and comfortable bedrooms, including the beautiful Hotchkin Suite, the spacious Bracken suite, and the fully accessible Golf View room. Having recently undergone refurbishment, many of the rooms in the hotel are distinguished by a sophisticated, relaxing ambiance, characterised by cool grey tones and tasteful neutral fabrics.
To find out more or to make a booking please call 01526 352588 or email info@the-dowerhousehotel.co.uk
ICONIC TEA HOUSE OFFERS A WARM WELCOME
Established in 1903, the Tea House in the Woods has long been a favourite with those who enjoy first-class food and service with a delightful ambience.
Built in the Edwardian period, the original tea house opened more than 120 years ago and was first run by the Williams sisters, two daughters of London clergyman Dr Williams, superintendent of the Spa baths.
The Williams sisters specialised in serving dainty delicacies of the highest quality and the tea house earned a valued reputation as an excellent food and drink establishment.This same level of commitment remains today and guests enjoy a choice of different dishes throughout the day, from traditional breakfasts and classic afternoon teas, to a varied full lunch menu available in the restaurant.
The restaurant, which also offers gift vouchers, is also open in the evenings for à la carte dining from 5pm with a wide menu choice including grills, gourmet burgers, pasta and pizza, with vegetarian options.
For more information visit www.teahouseinthewoods.co.uk
TAKE A BREAK IN A LUXURY LODGE
Leave your stresses behind and treat yourself to time out in one of Woodhall and Glen Lodge Country Parks’ luxurious holiday lodges.
Set in tranquil woodland outside Woodhall Spa, these spacious, beautifully designed holiday homes offer the perfect destination for a relaxing break or family getaway, with an abundance of wildlife on your doorstep.
Unwind in your very own outdoor hot tub with birdsong as your backing track and the starry night skies as your canopy – or try and spot the many badgers, bats, birds and deer which fill the surrounding habitat.
Each lodge boasts views over the largest of the three fishing lakes which provide an excellent opportunity for a spot of carp and coarse fishing, or pull on your walking boots and explore the local countryside and footpaths.
Visitors can also enjoy a children’s play area with many village amenities in Woodhall Spa only a short stroll away, including the famous Kinema in the Woods and Jubilee Park swimming pool.
Don’t miss the next open weekend with the opportunity to view the stunning lodges for sale from Saturday 25th to Monday 27th May, 10am to 4pm.
Book your appointment by contacting generalmanager@woodhallcountrypark.co.uk
On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, visitors are invited to step back to the 1940s and celebrate with live music, vintage stalls, re-enactments and refreshments. Tickets are on sale now.
For more information visit www.woodhallcountrypark.co.uk
JEWELS AND GIFTS AT UNDERWOOD HALL
If you’re searching for a special thank you for family or friends, the helpful team at Underwood Hall go out of their way to help inspire you with a selection of ideas to suit all budgets.
Located on the Broadway in Woodhall Spa, this well established, highly regarded family-run jeweller is a treasure trove of quality gold and silver jewellery, including a selection of fine antique pieces and classic designs.
Choose from a range of beautiful bangles, chains, necklaces and earrings, as well as classic wristwatches from leading brands such as Sekonda and Rotary.
Make the most of Underwood Hall’s excellent customer care, including ring resizing and restyling, as well as bespoke jewellery design and expert repairs service. Open Mondays to Saturdays, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
For more information contact Underwood Hall, tel: 01526 353815
STEP OUT IN STYLE WITH PETER SCOTT SHOES
Peter Scott Shoes in Woodhall Spa’s Broadway has built a reputation as the “go to” shop with an impressive range of fine footwear for ladies and gentlemen.
One of the current bestsellers is the popular brand Gabor, which has established a strong reputation for delivering on comfort, quality and fit, with its stylish range of trainers among customer favourites.
This season’s top picks from Peter Scott’s summer collection include Gabor’s Wisdom easy to wear two-zip trainer, which is available in a range of bright colours, perfect for everyday wear.
Gabor’s long-lasting footwear gives your feet the support they need when you’re on the go and with exquisite comfort and style in equal measure, you’re guaranteed to find a pair of shoes to suit all tastes and budgets.
Find the shop on Facebook @ Peter Scott Shoes and look for Oliver’s weekly “Shoe of the Week”.
For more information call 01526 353035 or visit www.peterscottshoes.co.uk
Photographs: Mick Fox
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