Thorpe On The Hill: Trails, Nature and Local History

Nature trails and local history give a trip to Thorpe On The Hill two distinct focuses. Specific places and attractions include Whisby Nature Park, Eric East Memorial Lake and the Church of St Michael and All Angels. Whisby Natural World Centre is located at Moor Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9BW; the centre also has viewing platforms. When planning, it is worth considering routes, specific access requirements and cultural attractions separately.

Nature, lakes and walking trails

Whisby Nature Park comprises small, medium and large flooded gravel pits that have been restored through 40 years of natural colonisation. The lakes are surrounded by grassland, marsh, scrubland and willow carr woodland. This brings several different landscape types together around the water.

There are six signposted trails in the park, ranging from 1.2 to 3 miles. There is also a 4-mile circular route that starts at the site of the Dovecote Pub on the A46, passes through Tunman Wood and runs along the western edge of the parish. The routes differ in length and course: several signposted park trails are complemented by a longer circular route with named landmarks. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Eric East Memorial Lake

Eric East Memorial Lake covers about 6 hectares. Approximately 4 hectares are occupied by the lake and around 2 hectares by the surrounding land. Low-impact, environmentally sustainable activities include walking and birdwatching. An important access restriction to bear in mind is that access is limited to residents of Thorpe On The Hill and people with permission. Before planning a visit, please check whether you meet this requirement.

Local history and buildings

Thorpe On The Hill is first mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Church of St Michael and All Angels is a parish church with parts dating from the 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Its tower was built in 1722; the church also features reused Norman and Early English architectural elements. The different building phases give the church a longer history than a single construction date might suggest.

The archaeological heritage includes medieval hollow ways, farmsteads, crewyards and ridge and furrow, preserved as earthworks. Some of these earthworks may not be accessible to visitors. Together with the church, they offer another perspective on the history of the area: preserved buildings stand alongside traces of an older cultural landscape.

Attractions at Whisby Natural World Centre

Otter’s Reach Indoor Adventure is an educational play attraction for younger visitors aged 3 and over, up to a maximum height of 1.3 metres. Play session availability can change; check in advance whether a session is available for your visit. The Little Darter’s Outdoor Play Area includes tunnels, bridges, a water play feature and sandpits. Individual areas may be affected by maintenance work; if needed, check their current status before your visit.

The centre also has a shop and café. The shop features work by local artists and craftspeople from across Lincolnshire. The café serves snacks, meals and treats made with locally produced ingredients. The selection and menu may change.

The Cygnet Suite at the centre is licensed for wedding ceremonies. Ceremonies can also take place on the pontoon overlooking the lake; the pontoon is inaccessible in April during the bird breeding season. If you are planning such a celebration, bear this seasonal difference in mind when choosing a date.

Getting there by bus

The main bus service to and from Thorpe On The Hill is route 48 between Lincoln and Witham St. Hughes. Check the operator’s timetable before travelling to plan your journey times.

Discover more destinations: Epworth, Washingborough, Binbrook, Kirton In Lindsey, Wragby, Burton Coggles, Swinderby, Doncaster

For the wider travel overview: Lincolnshire.