nr Grantham
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 to Londonthorpe Woods on the left-hand side.
Bellmount car park is further along 5 Gates Lane on your right.
The nearest train station is Grantham, approximately 4.8km (3 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
Several buses run from Grantham Bus Station.
The closest bus stop is on the High Road, opposite Church Lane in Londonthorpe village.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Directions: Wyndham Park to Londonthorpe Woods car park
From Wyndham Park, follow the cycle path and cross Belton Lane into Queen Elizabeth Park. Follow the surfaced path through Queen Elizabeth Park until it starts to veer to the left. Take a sharp right here (following directions to the Grantham Oak) onto Harrowby MI Lane. This will bring you out onto Belton Lane.
Cross Belton Lane and continue past the Belton Oak. Turn right into Green Lane. Follow the vehicle free Green Lane right to its end then turn right onto Portmarnock Way. Turn right into Hoylake and then left into Woodbrook.
At the end of Woodbrook, follow the grass path across the river and onto Ruston Road. Turn left on Ruston Road then turn left onto Alma Park Road.
At Grantham Ture Shop, turn right onto the new cycle path that runs up next to FP McCann. This will take to up into Londonthorpe Woods. Follow the surfaced track through the wood, cross Londonthorpe Lane and arrive at Londonthorpe car park.
Four bike stands are available in the Londonthorpe overflow car park.
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.
The maximum distance to the entrance from the furthest disabled bay is less than 10m with a firm surface of tarmac and gravel which can be rough in places.
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.
The car park is open daily from 6:30am. Closing times vary depending on the time of year, but these are clearly posted in the car park.
There are currently no toilets available on site. The nearest public toilets are located two miles away at Belton Garden Centre.
Changing Places toilet: Meres Leisure Centre Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7RQ, a 7.2 (4.5 mile) drive away, taking approximately 12 minutes. For further information see the Changing Places website.
We've worked 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 has united accessible green space on the edge of Grantham to help more people experience nature on their doorstep.
Discover how we've reconnected 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.
The paths are of a variety of surfaces and gradients. After the initial kissing gate in Londonthorpe car park, the 1.4km (1 mile) surfaced path is free of gates and stiles. This surfaced path has been compacted and is 2m wide.
Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount are grazed by cattle in the summer months. Grazing areas are fenced, but accessible and are clearly marked. Please do not approach or feed the cattle.
There are four cycle racks near the overflow car park at Londonthorpe Woods. A 1km (0.62 mile) surfaced cycle track also runs between Alma Park Road and Londonthorpe car park.
Please bear in mind that other paths/tracks on the site are for pedestrian use only.
Horses are welcomed on the permissive bridleway that runs through Alma Wood. The bridleway is also used by pedestrians. All other footpaths are not accessible for horses and are intended only for pedestrian use. The bridleway is clearly signed at Alma Wood.
There is a small pond within the outdoor classroom area in Five Gates Wood. Children should be supervised here at all times, particularly when pond dipping.
We hold events at Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount throughout the year, from guided walks to the national Heritage Open Days and Bellmount Tower open days.
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.
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.
Listen to our Woodland Walks podcast series with host Adam Shaw and special guests.
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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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