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.
The car park at Londonthorpe Woods will be closed for improvement works from 31 August 2021 until later in the year, although the wood remains open. Visitors can instead make use of the Bellmount car park, where gates and a bridge have been installed between it and Five Gates Wood (the section of Londonthorpe opposite the closed car park). For safety reasons we ask that visitors do not park on the road verge. Find out more in our frequently asked questions.
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 13 public access points around the site from the adjoining roads and tracks. All entrances are via stiles and kissing gates. The main pedestrian entrance at the car park is 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.
Please note: Work on the cycle track at Alma Wood will start on 16 August 2021. Please follow any safety signs.
There is a free car park on site with space for around 12 cars, however it will be closed for improvement works from 31 August 2021 until later in the year.
Visitors can instead make use of the Bellmount car park, where gates and a bridge have been installed between it and Five Gates Wood (the section of Londonthorpe opposite the closed car park). For safety reasons we ask that visitors do not park on the road verge.
Bellmount car park is 1 minute from Londonthorpe car park. From Londonthorpe Lane, head north past the Londonthorpe Woods entrance for 0.6 miles. The entrance is on the right.
There are no toilets available on site; the nearest being in the centre of Grantham.
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.
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.
Learn what your gift could mean
