nr Grantham
A woodland trust wood group
62.08 ha (153.40 acres)
SK943375
Explorer 247
OS Landranger 130
With wildflower meadows, broadleaf and mature woodland home to an array of wildlife and lush, open grassland, Londonthorpe Woods is a great place to visit.
Londonthorpe Woods 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
There are a number of public access points around the site from the adjoining roads and tracks.
A 1.6km loop access track within the wood is accessible for wheelchairs. Other 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.
A 3m-wide, traffic-free and accessible cycle and walking route also links Londonthorpe Woods to north-east Grantham. The 1km track begins at the edge of the Alma Park Industrial Estate and weaves through Alma Park Wood, before crossing over Londonthorpe Lane and into Londonthorpe Woods. It then merges into Five Gates Lane just beyond the Londonthorpe car park.
There is a free car park on site with space for 23 cars, including two disabled bays. There is also overflow parking available for events and activities.
There are four compost toilets available in the car park, two of which are wheelchair accessible.
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 unite accessible green space on the edge of Grantham to help even more people experience nature on their doorstep.
Discover how we're reconnecting Grantham to its historic landscapeLondonthorpe Woods' 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.
Cattle are also put to work on site as part of a programme of conservation grazing. They help keep vigorous scrub plants in check and keep grassland areas open for a range of important species.
From the first tree planting back in 1993, Londonthorpe Woods 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 common spotted orchid, cornflower, oxeye daisy, knapweed and cowslip. The more mature woodland higher up on the site even contains plants indicative of ancient woodland, such as wood anemone, enchanter’s nightshade and dog’s mercury.
The mix of open space, high forest, ponds, areas of scrub and woodland rides makes a visit to Londonthorpe Woods an interesting and varied experience.
In the 1800s, Londonthorpe Woods 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. The planting design aimed to reflect the wider landscape, in particular that of neighbouring Belton House.
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 dedicationWe’ve opened up access between Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount, the eastern part of the Belton House estate, with 225 hectares for you to explore. Path networks consisting of mown tracks and unsurfaced paths offer plenty of routes to follow around both sites.
We hold events at Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount throughout the year, from guided walks to the national Heritage Open Days and an online lecture series.
Would you like to volunteer at Londonthorpe and Bellmount to help us with wildlife monitoring, general maintenance and other important tasks? Perhaps you fancy helping out at our events or with welcoming visitors to the wood? We're regularly adding new roles to our volunteering team and welcome your support.
Keep an eye on our volunteering opportunities.
Event
Join us on a hike to explore Londonthorpe Woods, Bellmount and the surrounding countryside of rural Lincolnshire. You'll learn about the local history of the area as well as more about the woodland here.
Thu 27 Jan 2022 • Londonthorpe Woods, Grantham
Event
A chance to learn about the history of Bellmount, its connection to Belton House and the avenue of ancient trees leading up the hill, including a peek inside the tower itself. Occurs at the end of every month.
Sun 30 Jan 2022 • Belton House, Grantham
Event
A unique opportunity to discover the links between Londonthorpe Woods, Bellmount and their military past as part of a guided walk.
Sun 06 Feb 2022 • Londonthorpe Woods, Grantham
Event
A short guided walk on the new paved routes through Londonthorpe and Alma Woods.
Sun 06 Mar 2022 • Londonthorpe Woods, Grantham
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Support us
Every year, thousands of people give their precious time to help us protect and care for woods and trees.
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.
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