Tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside sits a charming town that feels plucked straight from the pages of a novel. Boasting stunning architecture, bustling rows of independent shops and the famous Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa stands in a league of its own.
The delightful town is rich in heritage, with one resident remarking, “It feels like going back in time.” The settlement once served as a crucial RAF station, housing the renowned 617 Dambusters Squadron throughout the Second World War. This remarkable past draws visitors from across the nation to the town, which also boasts an impressive array of independent shops and cafés.
Senior reporter Laycie Beck explored the town on foot to determine whether it lived up to its glowing reputation, and it certainly exceeded expectations.
She shared: “Despite going on a random Wednesday, I felt lucky to find a parking spot as the town was bustling and full of people. With a large car park tucked away behind the high street with two hours of free parking, I can see why so many people would make the most of this.
“Walking through the town was peaceful, everyone was friendly and smiling, and I had two people say hello to me just passing by. The sort of thing you would not have in places like Lincoln or most large towns.
“There was so much to look at, from houses with stunning architecture—one even had turrets—to long stretches of family-run and independent businesses.
“Plenty of people sat outside enjoying drinks or lunches, and people queued out of the door at Ronde Des Paris Bakery. Nevertheless, given how remarkable their puddings appeared through the window, this came as no shock.”
Joanne Creasey operates two enterprises in the town, Molly and Me Lifestyle and Sixteen Interiors. She remarked, “A lot of people travel here, and they come because they love that there are so many independents and that we have so much stuff.”
Joanne reveals she has patrons who regularly journey from London, Manchester and even Cardiff. She continued: “They will make a weekend out of it, or they will even come for the day, as they can go and have a nice lunch. People say it feels like going back in time.”
Nevertheless, the enterprise also garners “an awful lot of support” from local residents. Contemplating life in the town, she declared, “Everyone will say hello to each other, even people who have come from far away. I don’t have to know the person on the street to say hello to them. It’s just a really friendly environment and I love working here.”
Woodhall Spa boasts its own museum celebrating the town’s heritage, but it’s equally renowned for the Kinema in the Woods, situated just a stone’s throw from the town centre, reported Lincolnshire Live.
The cherished cinema remains family-operated and has been screening films since the 1920s, consistently showcasing both the latest blockbusters and timeless classics.
Back in the town centre, there’s an abundance of fascinating sights – from the diminutive police station to the traditional library and post office, plus Britain’s smallest shoe shop. This establishment sits mere doors away from Enchanted Bloom, where shop assistants Terri Richardson and Sarah McMahon describe the town as “really friendly.”
Sarah said, “I always just feel safe and in a little bubble here. It feels like everyone is looking out for each other.” The duo explain that the business receives “well supported by the locals year-round” backing and that there’s a robust community spirit throughout the town.
Terri added, “The locals are good to us, but we also get a lot of tourists, holidaymakers, and relatives of families who live here.” Unlike most town centres, everything in Woodhall Spa feels unique. There aren’t countless major chain outlets, merely a modest Co-op, Morrisons Daily, and a Boots store.
A recent addition to the town is the Sweet Emporium, a traditional-style sweet shop that also sells ice cream and bubble waffles, named after iconic planes like The Dambuster or The Spitfire. The business, managed by Tracy Walters and Sharron Tonge, officially opened its doors in February this year.
Sharron stated: “It’s been brilliant, we feel like we are very established now and I think the local people have taken us under their wing and accepted us. They are very supportive and they have become our regulars.”
She revealed that the town attracts visitors from all corners due to its rich history. Sharron further added: “There are things here that are no where else in the world.”