After our few days of sightseeing in Shropshire, our original plan (in fact our only plan) was to head down to Stratford for the joint International Campervan show and Overlander Show.
It was full steam head with the show up until guidelines changed the week before and the organisers decided it was best to cancel.
We had so been looking forward to it. Even with social distancing measures in place, it would have been fantastic to see all of the displays they had lined up. There would have been everything from Campers to converted Ambulances to Overland Trucks and adventure Motorbikes.
We were also excited about the people we would have finally had the chance to meet. Not just people we follow on Instagram but people who follow us on Instagram and YouTube. It would have been that event, that meet up that we in the van life community had been craving since everything got cancelled due to Covid earlier in the year.
Of course safety comes first and whilst we were disappointed, we brushed ourselves off and thought about where would head instead. That was when we decided to head East because we wanted to see more of that side of the country and figured it would be an ideal route up to Scotland.
Finally Crossing Paths
Turns out that was a cracking decision because it meant we were finally in the same part of the country as a lovely couple we have been chatting to and following on Instagram. They go by the handle ‘Mortgage to Fuel Gauge’ and we have quite a bit in common. They sold their house, they travel full time in their motorhome with their two cats and they have a motorbike/scooter with them. Jon and I had a feeling we would get on well with them!
We had never even heard of Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire but thats where Tom and Natalie were for a little while. Thankfully, we managed to book a place on the same campsite they were staying on – Jubilee Park. As mentioned in our previous post, Jubilee Park is a community run site with a campsite, fitness centre, swimming pool and park.
We were so impressed from the moment we pulled up. For starters the setting is lovely! Plenty of green open space, all very well kept and well segregated. Considering all the site features are next to each other, at no point does it feel intrusive.
Stalker Alert!
By pure coincidence, we were placed on the pitch next to Tom and Natalie. We were slightly concerned that we might look like stalkers but within 5 minutes of meeting in person we were at ease. The conversation flowed and before long they suggested we go out for a blast on the bikes.
We were only staying for the one night but I reckon it will be somewhere we come back to. Just the 10 minute ride to nearby Tattershall was delightful – exactly the sort of backdrop we enjoy.
Little groups of quaint buildings with historic character, lush green around them and a Castle to top it off. Sadly, the Castle wasn’t open but just a walk around the exterior grounds, including the nearby Church, was perfect. To be honest, we were so busy chatting that it probably would have been a waste had we gone anywhere that required our attention (It was also probably too early on for them to see me in full history geek out mode).
That evening was spent relaxing and chatting over food and drinks. It all sounds quite sophisticated but our meal of choice was in fact fish and chips with cups of tea. And it was delicious!
They suggested going for a late lunch the next day before we set off. We were only booked in for the one night but it turns out that Jubilee park has a lovely big car park. It’s free to use so we were able to vacate our pitch and comfortably stop for the day.
A Stroll through History
Before we went out for lunch, Jon and I decided to go off for a stroll through the town. The campsite is located so close, it literally takes 5 minutes to get there. It was lovely, the town is so enchanting. It’s absolutely bursting with character from the promenade of shops right through to Cottage Museum.
There is also strong war time aviation heritage here. Two squadrons operated from RAF Woodhall Spa during the final months of the WWII. One of which being the famous Dambusters Squadron (the 617). That particular assignment was carried out before they moved to Woodhall Spa but two other significant missions were carried out during their time here. The sinking of the German battleship ‘Tirpitz’ and the destruction of the Saumur railway tunnel and Bielefeld railway viaduct.
The Perfect Finish
We thoroughly enjoyed meandering around, marvelling at the architecture and looking for further clues that give an insight in to the compelling past of the town.
Following our morning walk, we met back up with the other guys and went to the Tea Room in the Woods. A charming Edwardian Tea Room that has been there since 1903. Over the years, the building has been updated and expanded but still holds its character. The food was lush as well so all in all, it was the perfect way to end our brief visit to Woodhall Spa.
Really interesting blog. Thank you. Sounds like a really nice place to visit. I’ll add it to the list!
Ah thank you for reading! Yes it is such a lovely place, we would highly recommend it as well as the jubilee park campsite 🙂
Surely a typo……”infamous” 617 Sqn RAF…..????
Well spotted! Thank you, those two letters make it take on a whole new meaning 🙁 all changed now and thank you for reading