Londonthorpe Woods
nr Grantham
A woodland trust wood group
- Alma Park
- Alma Park Access
- Londonthorpe Woods
Size:
62.08 ha (153.40 acres)
Grid reference:
SK943375
Map reference:
Explorer 247
OS Landranger 130
With wildflower meadows, broadleaf and mature woodland home to an array of wildlife and lush, open grassland, Londonthorpe Wood is a great place to visit.
Features
- Parking at site
- Public access
- Autumn colour
- Grassland
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Londonthorpe Wood
Londonthorpe Wood is situated close to the village of Londonthorpe and the north-east corner of Grantham in Lincolnshire.
Divided into three compartments by two roads, it sits in the south-east of Belton Park, adjacent to the Woodland Trust’s Alma Park.
For those travelling north on the A1, turn off onto the B1174, signposted for Grantham, Boston and Sleaford, and follow the road into Grantham.
If heading south, leave the A1 at the exit signposted for Downtown (B1174) or Barrowby (A52) and follow the road into Grantham.
From Grantham, head east out of the town on the A52 towards Somerby Hill. Follow this road for around 3.2km (2 miles), taking the first exit onto the High Dike (A52) when you reach the roundabout at the top of the hill. After 0.8km (0.5miles), turn left onto the High Dike (B6403), continuing for 3.2km (2 miles). Turn left onto High Road, and after a further 1.6km (1 mile) turn right, continuing for just under 100 metres. You should see the main entrance on the left-hand side, adjacent to the car park.
The nearest train station is Grantham, approximately 4.8km (3 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The closest bus stop is on the High Road, opposite Church Lane in Londonthorpe village.
Visit Traveline for more information
Facilities and access
There are 13 public access points around the site from the adjoining roads and tracks. All entrances are via stiles and kissing gates which are suitable for disabled access.
Path networks, with plenty of routes to follow around the wood, consist of mown tracks and unmodified earth surfaces, which can be slippery and muddy when wet. The terrain is generally flat to the north of the site, but rises to a steeper gradient leading up to the southern/eastern section of the wood. At this point, footpaths link to the adjacent Alma Park, but due to the terrain, access through may be difficult for some users.
There is a free car park on site with space for around 12 cars.
There are no toilets available on site; the nearest being in the centre of Grantham.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Londonthorpe Wood’s wildflower meadows are filled with an abundance of butterflies, while in the grassland areas watch out for a glimpse of a grass snake. Look to the trees for the sight of a great spotted woodpecker and to the skies for a chance to see a kestrel hovering over its prey.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
From the first tree planting back in 1993, Londonthorpe Wood has developed into established woodland. Look out for broadleaf trees such as ash, oak, birch and field maple, with meadow areas ablaze with wild flowers, including field poppy, cornflower, oxeye daisy and knapweed. The maturer woodland higher up on the site even contains plants indicative of ancient woodland, such as wood anemone, enchanter’s nightshade and dog’s mercury.
Look out for:
Habitats
The mix of open space, high forest, ponds, areas of scrub and woodland rides makes a visit to Londonthorpe Wood an interesting and varied experience.
Explore:
History of Londonthorpe Wood
In the 1800s, Londonthorpe Wood was part of the land belonging to the Brownlow family, who owned much of the land in the area, which they rented out to tenant farmers.
We acquired the site in 1991, with an adjoining 30 acres purchased in 1994. We began planting in three phases between 1993 and 1995. Mixed, predominantly native broadleaf species were planted in phase one, with large areas of retained grassland and smaller, more scattered groups planted in the second and third phases.
Reconnecting Grantham to its historic landscape
We're working with the National Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to link Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount, the eastern part of the Belton House estate. The project will deliver better facilities, improved access and activities to promote health, nature and history. We hope this amazing landscape will become a much loved community resource for local people and wildlife. To find out more about the joint project email LondonthorpeBellmount@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationThings to do in Londonthorpe Woods
Explore Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount for yourself with our new self-led, guided walks starting from the car park.
Download the free GoExplore Lincolnshire walking app to begin and choose your walk. New walks are also being added all the time.
Heritage Open Day history walk
Meet characters from the past as we guide you through the historic landscape of Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount. Experience the spectacular views from the foot of Bellmount Tower and learn about the fascinating history of both sites.
Mostly grassy or gravel paths. A number of steep and uneven sections. Kissing gates and numerous stiles along the route. Allow approximately two hours.
Five Gates Wood summer walk
A lovely level walk through varied woodland and meadow. A summer delight for butterfly lovers but you’ll be amazed at the wildlife you’ll find at any time of year.
Mostly wide, smooth, flat grassy paths. Some short uneven sections. One kissing gate. Some stretches can be damp after heavy rain.
A lasting legacy
This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
Learn what your gift could mean
