| Hanthorpe is a quiet rural hamlet in the south of the county of Lincolnshire in the District of South Kesteven, forming part of the Welland Region. Situated north of Peterborough, south of Lincoln, east of Stamford and west of Spalding, Hanthorpe is convenient for the many events of national significance. We are well placed for events which take place at the East of England Show-ground, the Spalding Tulip Festival in May, the Stamford Shakespeare season, (June- August) at Tolthorpe Hall, the John Clare Festival at Helpston and the Burghley Horse Trials in September. |
| The nearest market town of Bourne is steeped in history and has been a settlement since the Roman invasion growing into a Saxon village and, the birthplace of Hereward the Wake the last Saxon warrior to resist the Norman invasion. Bourne is the home of the late Raymond Mays known worldwide as “Mr. Motor Racing”, who founded and built ERA and BRM racing cars. A variety of shops can be found including crafts and antiques, plus a market every Thursday and Saturday. |
| The Cathedrals of Lincoln and Peterborough are within easy reach by car, as are the towns of Sleaford, Boston, Grantham, Nottingham, Oakham, Melton Mowbray and the north Norfolk and east Lincolnshire Coast. |
Grimsthorpe Castle, the home of the Willoughby de Eresby family is just one of the many nearby attractions. Its formal gardens, parkland, deer herd and tea-room are open from April to September.
There are many attractive and picturesque stone villages nearby, including Billingborough, Irnham, Folkingham and Corby Glen which celebrates the annual Sheep Fair in October each year. |
Hanson's Chocolate House at Folkingham, a Belgian chocolate workshop and visitor centre is well worth a visit, as is the Bowthorpe Oak, featured in the Guinness Book of Records. This ancient oak, has a girth of some 40 feet the largest in Europe and open all year.
A short car journey will let you explore the delights of some of the historic houses and castles nearby. Belton House and Woolsthorpe Manor the birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton, are both National Trust Properties, and Burghley House, Harlaxton Manor and of course Grimsthorpe Castle. |
| Forestry Commission woodland walks where picnics can be enjoyed, include Bourne Wood, Morkery Wood, Twyford Wood and Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue a unique and historic topiary avenue within Clipsham Wood. |
A visit to Cactusland, the country's leading and largest retail cactus nursery is just ˝ a mile away, where under one roof 22,000 square feet of cacti and succulent plants can be seen and purchased. Open daily between 1st March until 31st October and at other times by prior appointment. |
The village of Heckington boasts the only surviving eight-sailed windmill in England.
Having been restored to its former glory in 1986 by Lincolnshire County Council. It is the last of only seven eight-sailed windmills ever built. The notorious highwayman Dick Turpin is reputed to have been a frequent visitor to the area. At his trial in 1739 Turpin was convicted of having stealing a mare and foal from Heckington Common. |
| Lincolnshire was the home of many airfields during World War 2. Fly pasts of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows display team can frequently be seen flying overhead. |
A short drive by car and the market town of Woodhall Spa, the home of the Dambusters, is well worth a visit, as is the brick built keep of Tattershall Castle.
On our doorstep there are numerous walks and cycle trails on quiet country lanes. Bourne woods being easily reached on foot where a wide variety of flora and fauna including deer can be observed. |
| By prior arrangement, approved BHS instructors can offer Horse riding for the beginner or experienced rider at one of the nearby livery establishments. Clay pigeon shooting, fishing, sailing, water-skiing and golf are also available locally. |
| Terry Barnatt a local artist, glass engraver and naturalist has a studio in Hanthorpe where items may be purchased and commissions undertaken. |
| Not to be missed are the numerous and delightful small market towns and stone built villages which characterise this region where six counties meet. |
