ELTIPS AV R T
That was the solemn promise I made to my wife Liz as we left for a weekend away in Lincolnshire. And I had activities planned to prove it.
Our digs were The Petwood Hotel, a large mock Tudor country house that was converted into a hotel in the 1930s. It would become the officers’ mess of 617 Squadron, the men behind the Dambusters raids, in the Second World War.
Because of this RAF connection and the numerous airfields nearby, there is plenty to see for war buffs.
Woodhall Spa has a monument to 617 Squadron and the Battle of Britain heroes, plus some quaint old shops which take you back in time.
And on its outskirts, close to a disused railway line, is the fabulous Cottage Museum based in a renovated Victorian corrugated iron bungalow. We spent a happy two hours nosing through pictures taken by local man John Wield who recorded life in the spa village in Victorian times.
History lesson finished, we took afternoon tea at Teahouse in the Woods – a lovely setting to enjoy a cuppa and a cake.
From there we took a walk through trees to the other end of the village where we found Jubilee Park. It is a popular camping and caravan spot and we were visiting to try its outdoor lido filled with water at a welcoming 25 degrees.
After an hour’s swim we packed up and travelled to Lincoln, a 20-minute drive away.
We were already a bit worn out and the city’s steep narrow streets were a challenge.
But we pressed on, popping into some of the many curio and antique shops and cafes on our way up to the castle and cathedral.
Lincoln is worth a longer visit but we had to rush back to Woodhall as for dinner at the Dower House Hotel, another country house hotel with great food and a fab location.
It’s just a short walk from the village and right next to the first fairway of the Bracken golf course which, together with the more IF you are planning to play golf, book early at woodhallspagolf.com and check out the golf breaks and offers. For a lesson, contact Neil Harvey, the club’s head PGA coach, on 01526 351 837. ARRIVE in Lincoln early to dodge congestion, or better still use public transport to avoid parking charges. CHECK out the diary of events for Woodhall Spa. For example, an annual 1940s festival is held on July 16-17 next year. famous Hotchkin golf course, makes up Woodhall Spa Golf Club.
Designed in 1903 by golf legends Harry Vardon and J.H. Taylor, the Hotchkin course is named after the founder of the spa at Woodhall, who bought the land at Coal Pit wood and discovered the water contained high levels of minerals.
In 1838 he built the spa’s first pump room and bath house.
Heritage
Our last day in Woodhall was equally busy, starting with a large English breakfast in the oakpanelled restaurant at the Petwood.
We then put on our walking shoes and set off for a stroll around the grounds before jumping into the car for a visit to Metheringham Airfield, one of the heritage centres just a few milesil outsidet id theth village.ill WeW met t some great volunteers who maintain the museum, hangars and displays which explain its war history.
By 1945 the RAF and USAAF had 49 airfields in the county, with Lancaster Bombers based at half of them. Most of these airfields have disappeared but a few remain as heritage centres or memorials.
We had tickets to see a film in the quaintest venue – the Kinema in the Woods. Opened in 1922 it still operates with a back projection system. It has also kept its resident organist who emerges from under the floor at the interval to entertain as tubs of ice cream are eaten.
We sat watching the latest Marvel movie in a 1920s cinema theatre in the middle of the woods.
After a walk back through the woods to the Petwood we had time for a quick change before wandering down to the hotel’s main restaurant for a fantastic three-course dinner followed by a nightcap.
A lovely way to finish off a busy weekend in a beautiful part of old England.
The only thing I didn’t have time to do was play a round of golf... Next time, that’s a promise. FACTFILE: For information on Woodall Spa see woodhallspa.org. Nightly room rates for the Petwood Hotel start from £99 for a Classic room B&B, visit petwood.co.uk to book. Golf: Green fees, Hotchkin course: £78 (May to Oct inclusive), £55 (Nov to Apr), Bracken: £54/£40.