The Pinewoods
Woodhall Spa
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
7.63 ha (18.85 acres)
Grid reference:
TF193632
Map reference:
Explorer 273
OS Landranger 122
Situated in the heart of the charming and historic village of Woodhall Spa, The Pinewoods is a hidden gem.
The 7.6-hectare wood, which is made up of beautiful broadleaf woodland, is brimming with wildlife and is probably the only wood in the country where you can enjoy a retro movie experience at the unique on-site historic cinema.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Autumn colour
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to The Pinewoods
Situated in the heart of the charming and historic village of Woodhall Spa, The Pinewoods is a hidden gem.
The 7.6-hectare wood, which is made up of beautiful broadleaf woodland, is brimming with wildlife and is probably the only wood in the country where you can enjoy a retro movie experience at the unique on-site historic cinema.
From the A15, turn onto the A17 in Holdingham towards Kings Lynn, Skegness and Boston. Then, take the A153 exit towards Sleaford and Horncastle and turn left, following the A153. At the roundabout, take the second exit on to the A153 towards Skegness and Horncastle.
Continue for another 8km (5 miles) on the A153, drive straight through Anwick and follow the road left into North Kyme. Travel through the village and follow the road right onto North Kyme Drove (A153).
After a further 8km (5 miles), crossing the River Witham, turn left onto Market Place in Tattershall and continue onto Lodge Road.
Continue for 3.2km (2 miles) then follow onto the B1192, turning left at the junction and passing through Kirkstead. Continue onto Tattershall Road into Woodhall Spa. Cross the roundabout onto Stixwould Road and there is a lay-by for parking on the right, just before the turning for Coronation Road.
Coronation Road runs along the northern boundary and King George Avenue passes through the wood, offering various access points.
From Horncastle, take the B1191 through Thornton and Roughton Moor to Woodhall Spa, turning left onto Stixwould Road.
The nearest train station is located in the village of Metheringham, 12.8km (8 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The closest bus stop is near Woodhall Spa Hotel on the Broadway (B1191).
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
Coronation Road runs along the northern boundary and King George Avenue passes through the wood, offering various access points.
The wood has no boundary fence and there is a well-used path network which is generally dry underfoot, except in winter or after prolonged rain. The central path running north to south between Coronation Walk and Coronation Road is suitable for wheelchairs and has seating. Other paths are flat and may be passable by wheelchair or mobility vehicle in dry conditions
There is a lay-by for parking on Stixwould Road, which forms the western boundary, and a car park off the High Street, next to the public toilets. There is also informal parking in lay-bys next to the wood, off King George Avenue.
The nearest toilets are located on Spa Road and are open 6am-8pm in the summer and 8am-5pm in the winter.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Grey squirrels are aplenty in The Pinewoods, and can often be seen climbing the trees or scurrying along the forest floor in search of food. Listen out for the rhythmic hum of the great spotted woodpecker, or see if you can spot a treecreeper creeping up the trunk of a tree. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the muntjac deer that frequent the wood.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
Featuring a wide and varied range of tree, plant and fungi species, The Pinewoods is a great place for nature lovers to explore. Admire the beauty of the broadleaved trees and fascinating fungi varieties while walking around this brilliant woodland.
Look out for:
Habitats
With a range of broadleaf trees and a scattering of conifers, The Pinewoods features a mix of habitats, ideal for attracting a variety of different wildlife species.
Explore:
About The Pinewoods
History
In 1811, John Parkinson planted many pine trees over an area known as Scrub Wood, in order to produce pit props for his nearby coal mine. Although the mine eventually flooded and was sealed, the water seeping from it was rich in minerals, prompting a small bath house to be built in 1830.
Due to the popularity of the spa, a more extensive spa bath system was built in 1834, along with the luxurious Victoria Hotel. The woods, which were adjacent to the hotel grounds, soon became a favourite relaxation spot for visitors.
The Victoria Hotel burnt down in 1920. It is now the site of the Coronation Hall, but in some places the hotel’s foundations can still be seen as lines of small hillocks, giving the area the local name of the ‘Ups and Downs’.
The Pinewoods played a role in the Second World War, as the wood was used to hide vehicles and ammunition. The 617 Squadron, of Dam Busters fame, was based at RAF Woodhall Spa. You can still see concrete platforms and foundations of buildings dating from that time.
Folklore stories say that a man wearing a cloak and a tricorn hat drifts through the woods, and a phantom woman in white and the sound of wailing has also been reported by The Paranormal Database.
A lasting legacy
This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
Learn what your gift could meanThings to do in The Pinewoods
Walking
The Spa Trail is a simple, traffic-free route that is perfect for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair and pushchair users. This three-mile (4.8km) path and bridleway runs from Woodhall Spa to Horncastle, with several sculptures dotted along the route.
Visit Woodhall Spa Community for more information.
Kinema in the Woods
Why not round off a lovely walk in the wood with a trip to the cinema? Kinema in the Woods is, as the name suggests, located in the woods and is a great place to enjoy a film. The retro cinema has been around since 1922, and regularly shows a selection of films, both old and new. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the area.
Visit Kinema in the Woods.
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
