Those planning a stay in Thorpe On The Hill can focus on nature trails or local history as two distinct themes. Whisby Natural World Centre is located on Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9BW. The parish’s history includes its first mention in the Domesday Book, as well as architectural and archaeological traces from various periods. When planning time in nature, it is worth distinguishing the trails at Whisby Nature Park from the Eric East Memorial Lake, which has restricted access.
Landscape and trails at Whisby Nature Park
Whisby Nature Park consists of small, medium and large flooded gravel pits that have been restored through 40 years of natural colonisation. Grassland, marsh, scrubland and willow carr woodland surround the lakes. The landscape therefore includes both bodies of water and a range of habitats with different vegetation. Six signposted trails range from 1.2 to 3 miles. Trail conditions can change; check the latest trail information before setting out.
A four-mile circular walk starts at the site of the Dovecote Pub on the A46, passes through Tunman Wood and runs along the western edge of the parish. Its stated length is greater than the upper limit of the six trails at Whisby Nature Park. This makes it possible to distinguish between one of the signposted park routes and this longer circuit. Conditions on this walk can also change; check the latest information before setting out.
Eric East Memorial Lake: access and use
Access to Eric East Memorial Lake is restricted to residents of Thorpe on the Hill and people with permission. The lake covers about 6 hectares: around 4 hectares are water and about 2 hectares are the surrounding land. Environmentally sustainable activities with a low impact on the local environment for which the lake is used include walking and birdwatching. Plan these activities only if you meet the access requirements, and check access in advance.
Local history and architectural features
The Church of St Michael and All Angels is a parish church with features dating from the 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Its tower was built in 1722; the church also incorporates reused Norman and Early English architectural features. These traces from different periods give the building’s history several layers, rather than reducing the church to a single century.
The parish’s medieval heritage includes hollow ways, farmsteads, crewyards and ridge-and-furrow earthworks, which survive as visible earthworks. Some of these earthworks may not be publicly accessible. For a visit focused on history, you can distinguish between the architectural history of the parish church and the archaeological traces in the landscape.
Whisby Natural World Centre
Whisby Natural World Centre has viewing platforms. The educational indoor play area, Otter’s Reach, is for younger visitors aged 3 and over, up to a maximum height of 1.3 metres; play-session availability can change. Little Darter’s Outdoor Play Area includes tunnels, bridges, a water play feature and sand pits. Individual areas may be affected by maintenance work.
The shop stocks work by local artists and craftspeople from across Lincolnshire; the range and selection of artists represented may change. The café serves snacks, meals and treats made with locally produced ingredients; menu details may change. The Cygnet Suite is licensed for wedding ceremonies. Ceremonies can also take place on the pontoon overlooking the lake; the pontoon is inaccessible in April because of the nesting season.
Getting there by bus
The main bus service to and from Thorpe on the Hill is route 48 between Lincoln and Witham St. Hughes. Check the operator’s timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Harrington, East Kirkby, Norton Disney, South Witham, Winteringham, Ancaster, Messingham, Sleaford
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