Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire is a charming town that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a novel, with stunning architecture, bustling rows of independent shops and the famous Kinema in the Woods.
Nestled within the Lincolnshire countryside lies a captivating town that appears lifted directly from a storybook. Featuring breathtaking architecture, thriving rows of independent retailers and the legendary Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa truly stands apart.
This enchanting town brims with history, with one local noting: “It feels like going back in time.” The community previously operated as a vital RAF base, accommodating the celebrated 617 Dambusters Squadron during the Second World War.
This extraordinary heritage attracts tourists from throughout the country to the town, which also features an outstanding selection of independent retailers and cafés.
Senior reporter Laycie Beck wandered the town on foot to assess whether it matched its stellar reputation, and it absolutely surpassed all hopes.
She revealed: “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, who runs two businesses in the town, Molly and Me Lifestyle and Sixteen Interiors, said: “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.”
She revealed that she has customers who regularly make the trip from London, Manchester and even Cardiff. She added, “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.”
However, her business also receives “an awful lot of support” from local residents. Reflecting on life in the town, she stated: “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 is not only known for its museum celebrating the town’s heritage but also for the Kinema in the Woods, located just a stone’s throw from the town centre, according to Lincolnshire Live.
The beloved cinema, which remains family-run and has been showing films since the 1920s, consistently screens both the latest blockbusters and timeless classics.
In the heart of the town, a plethora of intriguing sights abound – from the quaint police station to the classic library and post office, not forgetting Britain’s tiniest shoe shop. This charming establishment is just a stone’s throw away from Enchanted Bloom, where shop assistants Terri Richardson and Sarah McMahon describe the town as “really friendly.”
Sarah expressed, “I always just feel safe and in a little bubble here. It feels like everyone is looking out for each other.”
The pair explain that their business enjoys “well supported by the locals year-round” patronage and that there’s a strong sense of community spirit pervading the town.
Terri chimed in, “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 has its own unique charm. You won’t find endless major chain outlets, just a humble Co-op, Morrisons Daily, and a Boots store.
A recent addition to the town’s retail landscape is the Sweet Emporium, a traditional-style sweet shop that also offers ice cream and bubble waffles, named after iconic planes like The Dambuster or The Spitfire. The business, run by Tracy Walters and Sharron Tonge, officially welcomed customers in February this year.
Sharron shared: “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 disclosed that the town draws in tourists from all over due to its rich history. Sharron further stated: “There are things here that are no where else in the world.”