From hardcore ramblers and avid cyclists to young families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, the variety of walks in Lincolnshire means there is something for everyone.  Bask in the unspoiled countryside, explore the valleys and enjoy miles of beautiful views. From the flat Fens to the rumbling hills of the Wolds, Lincolnshire’s expansive countryside is made for walking.

The Tough Walk

One of the most famous walks in Lincolnshire, The Viking Way walk, spans an enormous 147 miles and is so named because it crosses an area which was once occupied by Norse invaders. winding its way between the Humber Bridge and Oakham in Rutland. Not for the novice walker and would be tricky to cycle as much of it is across fields and undulating terrain. Perfect for exploring truly unspoiled countryside and exploring hidden valleys passing through the Wolds with many little quaint rural villages. a challenging walk that would take a good 10 days but well worth the trek.

The walk is clearly marked out with viking helmet signs and there are various maps available. To get you started here’s a brief map I found quite handy  (my handy map) showing the route from the banks of the Humber Bridge, crossing the Lincolnshire Wolds through Caistor, Bain Valley, Horncastle,  Woodhall Spa and Witham Valley then crossing flat fenland to Lincoln.   Then turning along the limestone Lincoln Cliff and over Lincoln Heath, Sewstern Lane and Woolsthorpe.

Why not try a section of the walk for a great day out.  Regarded as one of the prettiest stretches through the Lincolnsfhire Wolds is from Donnington on Bain to Belchford passing through the village of Goulceby where the Three Horseshoes Pub offers camping, glamping and food, beer and coffee.

The Literary  Walk

If you looking for a little more from your walk in Lincolnshire  then the Water Rail Way is Perfect. The 33 mile route runs from Lincoln to Boston and is brought to life with unique works of art, viewing stands and sculptures celebrating everything Linconshire is renowned for from the Lincoln Red cows to the literary idol of 19th century, Tennyson who was born, brought up in (and inspired by) Lincolnshire. There are 20 miles of off-road path and then 13 miles which are on quiet country lanes passing through sleepy villages. Cycle, walk or even ride along this route, following a traffic-free path along the former Lincoln/Boston railway. If you’re wanting to do the entire route in a day I would suggest cycling. this route is ideal for families as it is interactive keeping children focused and motivated.
A good detailed map of this route is available from Lincolnshire County Council, a brochure called ‘Go With the Flow’ to get hold of this map call 01522 550613  or go to the visit lincolnshire website.  There are some brief but handy maps online from the entire Water Rail way Map to sections of the Water Rail Way for the more novice walker/cyclist (or simply depending on where you are). Bardney to woodhall - Langrick to Boston -Lincoln to Bardney

 The Easy Walk

If you’re looking for walks in Lincolnshire to enjoy the scenic views and marvel in the country side but don’t want to get a sweat on then the Spa Trail has your name on it.  Just four Miles long spanning across flat terrain, surfaced path  and bridleway it is perfect for young families (with buggies and prams) and is also wheelchair friendly. It runs along the mid section of Old Horncastle, Woodhall junction railway line and part of the Horncastle Canal. Enjoy the busy little antique town of Horncastle along this route. The Spa trail is a traffic free route and has a number of access points along the Trail. For info of these points take a look at the Spa Trail Leaflet.

The Woodland Walk

There are a lovely variety of woodland walks in Lincolnshire but one of my favourites has to be the ancient woods within Grimsthorpe Park. Explore the surrounding woodland area, one of Henry VIII favourite hunting spots. Make a day of it, walk, explore, play. Enjoy the Castle, the Gardens and the surrounding woodland. Explore the woodlands with  waymarked park trails. These routes are incredibly family friendly avoiding difficult terrain and offering shorter alternate routes for younger families either 9 miles, 3 miles or 7 miles. Relax while the children or play in the woodland adventure playground.  Perfect if you want a family day out.

The Ghost Walk

I’m sure this last one has baffled you but if you’re wanting something different then this one is for you, different from many other walks in Lincolnshire this is not a rural walk and it not a daytime activity. Explore Lincoln city with the Original Lincoln Ghost Walk (a guided tour), skirt around the castle, the cathedral and some locally famous streets whilst hearing spooky ghost stories of Lincoln’s historic past. The tour starts at seven and last about 90 minutes. The perfect way to end the day if you’ve got children or the perfect way to start the evening if you haven’t. Either way, an absolute must if you’re in the area.

The post Walks in Lincolnshire appeared first on GoCampingUK.

Lincoln Castle

If we’re listing the top things to do in Lincoln this is a must. Submerge yourself in the history of Lincoln and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the cathedral, the city and the immense surrounding countryside from the extensive wall walks. For castle lovers this really is a must. The castle is one of the best preserved castles in the country.  Make a day of it, stroll around the castle and discover the beauty and history of the castle with open museum giving you an insight in to castle life through the centuries, take the opportunity to partake in guided tours or enjoy one of the many events. This is the great thing about the castle, it is so interactive meaning even if you’re not a history boff it’s still worth a visit from Victorian weekends and Macbeth open air performances to the renowned Lincoln Christmas Market and sausage festival there really is something for everyone. Also enjoy the Beautiful Lincoln Cathedral (one of the closest cathedrals in proximity to a castle in the country). Again steeped in Lincoln’s history. This majestic building will leave you not knowing where to look next.

The Original Lincoln Ghost Walk

Looking for something cool to do in Lincoln that isn’t during the day then this is for you. Wrap up warm and enjoy the history of Lincoln in a completely original fashion. This tour is completely affordable and gives you the chance to explore Lincoln in a whole new light. Skirt around the castle, the cathedral and some locally famous streets whilst hearing spooky ghost stories of Lincolns historic past whilst enjoying an evening of Lincoln’s unspoiled scenery.

The Kinema in the Woods

If you love a good movie night but feel that a trip to the cinema isn’t quite enthralling enough then this is the place to go enjoy a good film whilst truly experiencing cinema.  This is a short distance from Lincoln (Woodhall Spa) but with its atmospheric placing in the middle of the woods, its old school interior with draped screen curtains and the organ rising out of the stage for intermission (which  actually gets played during the break) this definitely deserves a place in the top ten cool things to do in Lincoln. It really is like stepping back in time, experiencing cinema the way your grandparents would have. It shows both box office films and old feature films (if you really want the old school experience). If you love the thrill of scary films this is a must! park your car a short distance from the Kinema and enjoy the eerie walk through the woods, bound to add to the spooky atmosphere of any movie fright night especially on the walk back.

Steep Hill

 The clue is in the name, this hill is steep but you can’t say you’ve visited Lincoln until you’ve ventured up the steep hill.  Just off of Lincoln city centre enjoy all of the high streets and then work your way up the Hill with its quaint little shops, craft shops, tea rooms, restaurants  beautiful buildings and even the marvellous cobbled street. Perfect if you’re wanting a day shopping but feel you want to explore Lincoln further.  What makes this one of the top ten cool things to do in Lincoln is its location, for me discovering it by accident after reaching the end of the shops was such a treat. You take ten steps from high street commerciality and your immersed into Lincoln history. An absolute must!

Lola Lo

For groups and couples visiting Lincoln this is pretty cool. A bit of a step away from my historic suggestions I know but who doesn’t like a drink at the end of a day exploring. Enjoy a night out with tiki style. book a party and hire a booth and receive VIP treatment all night. Enjoy cocktails as they should be, all cocktails are made from fresh ingredients and are made before your very eyes, bringing pure theatre to this amazing selection of cocktails. Drink out of melons, pineapples and even coconuts. Amazing night out if you’re wanting something different but can’t afford London bar prices.

Leadenham Polo Club

This is in my top cool things to do in Lincoln because it gives you an insight to one of the country’s most traditional sports without the usual ‘ponce’ of it all. Spend a great day out watching Polo, Leadenham Polo Club is accessible for everyone interested in polo no need for membership or invitation everyone is welcome. If the look of polo has always interested you then this is the place to come. Leadenham offers a variety of lessons (even if you’ve never ridden before) for a not too extortionate price…perfect for hen or stag parties if you’re looking for something completely different.

The Manor House Stables

Enjoy the idyllic country side whilst learning a new skill. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle enjoy a day of relaxation and tranquillity whilst getting back to basic. The Manor House Stables holds a variety of workshops. These include making chocolates, jams, Christmas crafts, candles, crocheting, knitting, bread making and many more. The classes are small (4-6) so you get the personal touch that you often don’t get with on mass workshops and it also guarantees that you go home with a new skill and something you are proud of. A true country side experience.

The post Cool Things to do in Lincoln appeared first on GoCampingUK.

I’ve written a blog before introducing my weird and slightly cynical self to you lovely people before    but due to the complex and powerful abyss of the world wide web it all got wiped. Basically some jack ass 39 year old nerd who had nothing better to do while his mum was making him a sandwich and loose women wasn’t on has kindly taken the time out of his oh so busy day to hack into our websites and destroy five years hard work. God I wish I believed in Karma…any who rant over. I feel as I am starting again I should introduce myself again but then I feel like I’m cheating by just posting my old blog about how opinionated I am and how much I love Harry Potter. So instead I’m going to tell you about the joys of working in a pub. Being only 21 I don’t really have much wisdom to impart with you but whilst I’ve only been on this planet for 21 years I have worked in various public houses and bar for the last 8 years (and now my parents have bought a pub of their own) hopefully by telling you about the things that make me smile whilst at work you’ll get a good idea of who I am. There are so many different joys of working in a pub but I’m only going to give you my top ten favourites.

10. being hit on by dirty old men

Some people hate it but it makes me smile most of them are hilarious and mean no harm and is one of many of the joys of working in a pub.

9. different drinkers

watching people down their drinks in the kind of “get it down ya son” fashion but then spilling it all down themselves and then trying to cover it up. You’ve gotta’ feel a bit sorry for them but then again not, its happened to all of us at some point unless your Amish or you grew up in a cupboard.

8. men who come to the pub to get away from their wives

My all time favourite  has to be a regular who used to use his dog as an excuse. One day he came in with his dog and then by the time he left he it was raining. On seeing the rain he turned to me and said ”bloody great, I’m gonna’ have to stand in the p**sing down rain now or else she’ll never believe me!”.

7. overhearing other peoples conversation

I swear, to most people bar staff are invisible. From old men moaning about how things have changed since their day to drunk women telling eachother how much they love eachother blah blah blah (to be far we’ve all been there). It’s quite amusing to overhear sometimes, other times it’s down right disturbing.

6. watching people on first dates

The pub that I work at at the moment must be the hot spot for blind dates/first dates and they’re always fun to watch. It is the hope that these people have in one another which you know will be absolutely destroyed at some point be it weeks, months or years ( not that I’m cynical in love or anything). My favourite first date ‘woopsie’ has to be the ‘wine woopsie’ a couple met in the bar (as was obvious from there ‘nice to meet you’ converstion) and they ordered the drinks he had a beer and she ordered a single serve wine. What she didn’t realise was that her wine was a special and cost £21…Oh the look on their faces, comedy gold. As she apologised and he reassured her it was fine. I don’t know who I felt more sorry for.

5. drunk people

To be fair there are pros and cons to drunk people when working in a pub. But the major plus side is the drunken “keep the change sugar” line  when they gave you a tenner for a vodka and coke (I know drinks are expensive these days…but not that expensive) always a winner.

4. watching drunk girls cry

Every girl (maybe even some guys) has a friend that will cry all night over stupid things every time they get drunk causing some kind of pointless drama. If you can’t think of the person its probably you.

3. behind the bar games

Whilst working in a pub I’m lucky enough to have worked with some pretty descent people and to pass time we often make games up theres the usual ’the alphabet game’, ‘guess the age game’ or but the best has to be ‘what’s my story’. ‘what’s my story’ needs a couple of bar staff we pick a group, a couple or a singleton and we each make up a story about them and whoevers seems the most true by the end of the night wins. A little intrusive and inappropriate yes but always good fun.

2. watching people fall

Now this is probably one of my number one things that make me smile in life but sometimes its not so funny. I once saw an old man fall over at Christmas time in the rain I helped him up and he was fine but still…not funny. But drunk people falling over…funny. The fact that their drunk takes away all sympathy. Mainly because 1. when you’re drunk you have no shame.  You don’t have to worry how embarrassed that person must be. OR 2. when you’re drunk you feel no pain. You don’y have to worry how hurt that person must be how hurt they may be.

1. watching people enjoy eachother

Heres a slightly nicer one to end on so you don’t think I’m completely awful. Working in a pub you get to see the best part of many peoples days or weeks. when the get to meet up with their friends, family or loved ones and just enjoy eachothers company.  You watch them laugh, chatter, gossip, catch up and escape from their daily lives. Perfect.

The post The Joys of Working in a Pub appeared first on GoCampingUK.

There is no doubt in my mind that a campfire is an essential part of the camping experience.   Many campsites ban campfires (and sometimes for good reasons) but to campaign for more campfire friendly campsites I want to share our campsite fire pit idea with modifications.  We use the campsite fire pit at The Three Horseshoes Campsite in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

A Campsite fire pit needs to do the following:

• Allow air in – fire requires air
• Stop the ground from burning
• Keep the mess and ashes retained
• Be portable
• Be sturdy and as child safe as possible
• Not rust
• Be cheap!

Although many commercial fire pits fit some requirements they have never worked for us since they are expensive and they rapidly lose their new black look before rusting and falling apart so after much hunting around we found and developed a solution which meets all of the above campsite fire pit requirements.

The Campsite Fire Pit Solution

Our campsite fire pit solution is a modified recycled washing machine drum.  They work because they are

• Made of stainless steel so they don’t rust,
• They are free or cheap if you can find one – ask a washing machine repairer
• They have holes all over them (to allow water in and out) which is great for allowing the fire to breath.
• If you find a round grate you have a BBQ too.

Where the washing machine drum fails as a campsite fire pit is that they are still on the ground and some drums burn better than others.  For the best campsite fire pit pick a shallow height drum with holes in the bottom (the bottom, as when used as a fire pit).

The main problem to overcome is that when placed on the ground directly the grass will burn.  There is also a limited draw so the fire is slower burning.  Our solution to this has been to weld three legs to the base and this small adaption had created a perfect campsite fire pit for our campsite at The Three Horseshoes.

The post How to Create a Campsite Fire Pit for Pennies appeared first on GoCampingUK.

Pond Farm, Sidestrand

Distance from Cromer : 4 miles

Dog Friendly ,Family Friendly ,Toilet/Shower Facilities ,Washing up Facilities, Laundry Facilities,

If you’re looking for campsites near Cromer this is a lovely little site situated in the small village of Sidestrand.  Local amenities such as village shop and pub can be found in the next village of Overstrand (just 1 mile away).  Pond farm has a range of facilities including campsite kitchen with fridges, freezers, microwaves, toaster plus a well stocked fridge freezer with useful food essentials, and other items to purchase via means of an honesty box…perfect for the forgetful camper. A great break away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life.

Overstrand Campsite, Overstrand

Distance from Cromer : 2 miles

Dog Friendly ,Family Friendly ,Toilet/Shower Facilities ,Washing up Facilities, Laundry Facilities, Games Room, restaurant/cafe onsite,

Situated in Overstrand (North Nofolks hidden gem), this campsite near Cromer is perfect for a great british summer holiday. The Cliff top Location means this campsite overlooks the beautiful sandy beaches of Overstrand providing you with absolutely breathtaking views. The beach is on your doorstep, just a two minute walk away from the campsite (yes, really). Village shop, pub and cafe are all just a five minute walk away from Overstrand Campsite. Enjoy a cliff top or beach walk into Cromer just a mile and a half away.  Onsite facilities include a games room with table tennis and ‘the cabin’ which serves breakfast and evening meals. The cabin is free for all to use with games, books and comfy sofas.

http://www.overstrandcampsite.co.uk/

Forest Park Campsite, Northrepps

Distance from Cromer : 2 miles

Dog Friendly ,Family Friendly ,Toilet/Shower Facilities ,Washing up Facilities, Laundry Facilities, Games Room, restaurant/cafe onsite, evening entertainment, kids playground, shop onsite, bar onsite, indoor pool onsite

This is quite a large site with many facilities and is ideal for families if they want to spend some stress free days on site as there is plenty to do for all the family from indoor swimming pool to evening entertainment in the clubhouse. This Campsite is situated amongst beautiful woodland providing access to Overstrand beach from them. Although, this walk is quite a trek especially with beach gear.  This site is very geared up for family holidays and children friendly it even has a ‘kiddy bar’ in the clubhouse. Although the size of this site means it loses its personal touch and there are cars every which way on the site. If your child isn’t road aware keep them close by.

http://www.forest-park.co.uk/

Shrubland Farm, Northrepps

Distance from Cromer: 2.5 miles

Dog Friendly ,Family Friendly ,Toilet/Shower Facilities, Washing up Facilities.

A small and basic campsite, perfect as a base if you’re wanting to explore Cromer and the North Norfolk coast but want a quiet and peaceful retreat after a day of adventuring. Again quite a trek into Overstrand but achievable. The local pub is jus t a ten minute walk from the campsite. There is no shop on site or in  the village of Nothrepps  but plenty of local amenities nearby (just a short drive).

http://www.shrublandsfarm.com/

Manor Farm Caravan and  Camping site, East Runton

Distance from Cromer : less than 1 mile

Dog Friendly ,Family Friendly ,Toilet/Shower Facilities ,Washing up Facilities, Laundry Facilities

Perfect for a Cromer based holiday. The facilities on this site are pretty basic but being just a fifteen minute walk from Cromer this doesn’t pose much of a problem. This site overlooks the beach but don’t be mislead by website information, to access the beach you have to walk into Cromer. This site is situated right on the coastal path which makes it a perfect base for cycling although only if you head north as the cycle path ends at Cromer.

http://www.manorfarmcaravansite.co.uk/

The post Campsites near Cromer appeared first on GoCampingUK.

As a company seeking to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive glamping world, we were intrigued to discover a new tent design, the Lotus Belle Tent which claims to offer all the cost benefits of a bell tent combined with the space offered by a yurt.  We had to take a look.

Our current, traditional bell tents are being retired after two years of service but after the difficult summer of 2012 we are seeking a new glamping option.  The Lotus Belle tent is our choice to replace our current bell tents at The Three Horseshoes.  Ian Peet, of The Three Horseshoes campsite explains why.

1. The Lotus Belle tent has a striking design which we hope will catch our customers eye.  Having spoken to Harri who designed them and has commissioned their production in China she clearly has an understanding of the glamping market and has created a stylish product.
2. It is affordable.  When judging affordability a glamping operator will have to consider durability, cost and potential income.  For the Lotus Belle, I don’t know how long they will last so I am working on the assumption that since the tents are manufactured in China, like many of the bell tents in the UK and judging by our two bell tents now in the bin, two years in our climate is enough before they look tired.  The 5m  Lotus Belle Tent can be purchased for around £900, about double a bell tent but vastly cheaper than a yurt, tipi or other canvas glamping options.  Our view is that this represents a less risky option than a yurt and a although more expensive that a traditional bell tent, it should earn more over a similar lifespan.
3. The Lotus Belle Tent is spacious, ridding the problem the traditional bell tent has with short sides.  The Lotus Belle Tent creates a fully usable 5m diameter, just like a yurt.  The design utilises tensioned sides which is undoubtedly more complex to erect than a bell tent but benefits from a big increases in the height at the sides so that we can now equip the tent in a more practical fashion which makes the tent more family friendly.
4. Its new.  Yurts are everywhere, as are bell tents.  The market leading yurts are popular but commom.  At about £5000 a go they have to be sold at a decent price so will be expensive.  Our view is that the current economic climate and increasing competition high retail values are more difficult to achieve,  therefore they are risky.  At the other end of the market, bell tents are so readily available that they often lack the ‘wow’ factor.  Although I personally like them because they are so airy, they are more difficult to sell.   The Lotus belle is a combo between the great price of a Bell Tent with the glamour of a Yurt – a winner our eyes.
5. New company, new ideas, new innovations is what I am getting from Harri at Lotus Belle Tent.  Bell Tent companies are mass importing and they are pretty much all the same.  Lotus Belle is a new company and as such there is clearly a desire to satisfy the customer and as a glamping provider, we want to satisfy our customers. Lotus Belle Tent options include insulated linings and colours – two areas that solve two of our problems.  We can now look at something different – by choosing a different colour and we can also use the tent longer in the year, just like a yurt.

Its worth pointing out that we have no affiliate arrangements with Lotus Belle tent and are entirely independent of them.  If you would like to try before buying, enjoy a glamping break in one or take a look, please come along to The Three Horseshoes, our Lincolnshire Wolds campsite with pub in Goulceby near Louth.

The post Lotus Belle Tent Review: Our 5 Reasons to Buy appeared first on GoCampingUK.