Woodhall Spa for Visitors
In short: Woodhall Spa, five minutes from Bainside, grew up as a Victorian spa after a search for coal in 1821 found mineral water instead. Visitors today come for the Kinema in the Woods, Jubilee Park and its heated outdoor pool, the Dambusters memorial and the Petwood Hotel, the Cottage Museum, and golf at the National Golf Centre.
How the Spa Began
In 1821 John Parkinson sank a shaft near Woodhall looking for coal. He found none, but the water that overflowed from the shaft gained a local reputation as a cure, and in 1839 Thomas Hotchkin built the Spa Bath and a hotel, the start of the “Woodhall Iodine Spa” and of the village as it is today. The old Spa Baths are no longer open.
The Kinema in the Woods
The Kinema has shown films since 1922 in a converted late 19th-century pavilion, and is believed to be the only full-time cinema in the country still using rear projection. Its Compton Kinestra organ is played regularly at film shows and concerts. See the Kinema website for what is on.
Jubilee Park and the Lido
Jubilee Park has 10 acres of gardens and a 33-metre outdoor pool heated to 29°C, open from April to November, along with bowls, tennis, croquet and cricket clubs and the village’s children’s play area. It is run as a charity: jpws.co.uk.
The Dambusters in Woodhall Spa
617 Squadron, the Dambusters, flew from RAF Woodhall Spa, and its officers made the Petwood Hotel their home; the hotel’s Squadron Bar keeps their memorabilia. The Dambusters memorial, unveiled on 17 May 1987 at the junction of the B1191 and B1192, is a wall shaped like a breached dam, carrying the names of 204 aircrew. Our aviation heritage guide adds the Memorial Flight at Coningsby and the Lancaster at East Kirkby.
The Cottage Museum
The Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum on Iddesleigh Road opens Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). Check the museum visit page before you go.
Golf
Woodhall Spa Golf Club dates from 1891. Its Hotchkin course was laid out by Harry Vardon and redesigned by Harry Colt, and the Bracken course opened in 1998. Today it is the National Golf Centre, the home of England Golf: woodhallspagolf.com.
Woods and the Tower on the Moor
Ostler’s Plantation, a Forestry England wood on Kirkby Lane, is open dawn to dusk, welcomes dogs and has Second World War bunkers among the trees. Also near Woodhall Spa, the Tower on the Moor is what remains of a 15th-century hunting lodge built for Ralph, Lord Cromwell of Tattershall Castle: only its octagonal stair turret still stands. For walks and cycle routes from the village, see walks and cycling near Bainside, and for places to eat, our things to do and pubs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Woodhall Spa from Bainside?
Five minutes by car. Bainside is at Kirkby on Bain, just outside the village.
Is the Woodhall Spa lido heated?
Yes. The 33-metre outdoor pool in Jubilee Park is heated to 29°C and opens from April to November.
What is special about the Kinema in the Woods?
It has shown films since 1922 and is believed to be the only full-time cinema in the country still using rear projection.
Where is the Dambusters memorial?
At the junction of the B1191 and B1192 in Woodhall Spa. Unveiled in 1987, it names 204 aircrew of 617 Squadron.
Is there golf at Woodhall Spa?
Yes. Woodhall Spa is home to the National Golf Centre, the home of England Golf, with the Hotchkin and Bracken courses.
Next step: choose your base for Woodhall Spa
Bainside is five minutes away: compare pitches, glamping pods and the holiday let, or see all our prices.
What to Do at Bainside
Pitches from £25, glamping pods with their own fishing peg from £70, a holiday let sleeping four from £90, and a 1.75-acre lake for day tickets. All adults only, five minutes from Woodhall Spa.
