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Things To Do

Whilst you are welcome to enjoy the gardens, pond and play equipment on site whilst staying at Ashwater House, there are also plenty of activities in the local area, whether you are looking for fun, nature, history and culture, wildlife, or family days out. We have put together a guide to help you plan, making sure you get the most out of your stay.

Click on the links to jump to each section, as the list is quite long!

Kenwick Health and Leisure Club - a private club, with leisure pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, creche, cafe, squash court, beauty parlour & bookable aerobics classes, all free of charge as a guest of Ashwater House.

Louth Playhouse - 3 screen cinema, it may not be a multiplex, but it has up to date films, and you can relive the days of intermissions, with a chance to purchase ice creams from the usherette at half time!

Rand Farm Park - perfect for wet or dry weather, with indoor soft play and undercover sand pit and animal barns, also with outside play area if the weather is dry. A must for children up to 10.

Playtowers- Cleethorpes, one of the largest indoor play areas in the world, with cafe and tables for the parents. Why not visit the light railway and build some sandcastles on the beach too?

Beaches and Seaside towns - we have plenty to choose from, go North to Cleethorpes and Somercotes, or South to Skegness, Mablethorpe, or if you prefer your seaside without arcades and chip shops, try Sutton on Sea, or for a beautiful beach with no facilites at all, but totally unspoilt try Theddlethorpe beach (dogs are allowed all year round here).

If you like rides, then pleasure island in Cleethorpes could be for you, after paying an entry fee, you can ride all day long.

Rushmoor Country Park - best on a dry day, a low key park with animals to meet and fun to be had.

Take a trip back to the glorious age of steam with a ride on a full size steam train, you can visit the engine shed and take light refreshments in the buffet car. A lovely place to visit, but only open on select days, please check website for open days, often Sundays as run by volunteers.

Elsham Hall Country and Wildlife Park Elsham Elsham Hall Country and Wildlife Park was opened in 1970 by Captain and Mrs. Elwes to promote enjoyment of the countryside and wildlife and an appreciation of the arts and rural crafts.

Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary Skegness

*SPECIAL OFFER*One child can enter FREE into the Seal Sanctuary when accompanied by an adult. Please visit our website to obtain the voucher. Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary has been given a great

Woodside Falconry Langworth
A visitor centre based around fun and education. The centre offers kids fun fishing for trout, pig and ferret racing, indoor vultures tea party, walks, tea rooms and a gift shop.

The Seal Sanctuary Mablethorpe
It was in 1974 that the first seal arrived at the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Nature Centre and since then hundreds have been rescued and returned to the wild.

The National Parrot Sanctuary Friskney
A new attraction for Skegness, the first of its kind in the country. The exciting world of parrots up close and personal. Over 450 rescued parrots covering 43 species waiting to speak to you.

Stickney Farm Park Stickney
New for Spring 2005 Stickney Farm Park a working farm comprising a variety of farm animals and pets, waterfowl pond, lake, picnic areas, play area for ages 2 to 5 and playground for ages 5 to 16

On Your Marques, Model Car Museum Alford
'On Your Marques' model car museum is a unique and fascinating collection of model vehicles and motor racing memorabilia covering many aspects of motoring history. From the world of formula 1 and G.T. For any toy car enthusiasts.

Hubbards Hills local beauty spot, feed the ducks, and take an amble along the river Ludd.

Louth Canal has well kept paths to follow, and is well signed for footpaths.

Rigsby Wood Open Day-Near Alford Alford
Rigsby Wood Open Day-Near Alford,Free Admission, 10am - 4pm

Hartsholme Country Park Lincoln
Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes Local Nature Reserve. Lincoln's Green Space, an oasis of countryside within the City of Lincoln, where you can wander at any time of year.

Snipe Dales Country Park Winceby
Snipe Dales is one of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts' principle reserves. Snipe Dales is an area of over 200 acres of beautiful countryside and steep sided valleys situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

An absolute must see from November to January - the seals at Donna Nook, one of the most accessible breeding colonies of Grey Seals in the UK. It is possible to see the seal pups on the sands at close hand but wrap up warm!

The reserve consists of dunes, salt marsh mud and sand flats. Donna Nook is rich in birdlife: 47 species of birds breed regularly and the area is famous for more uncommon passage migrants and rarities, over 250 species have been recorded.

Nestling at the tip of the Lincolnshire Wolds in a picture postcard setting is Claythorpe Watermill & Wildfowl Gardens, truly a little piece of paradise which, once discovered, you'll want to return to time and time again.

Open daily from March until the end of October this unique visitor centre offers you quite simply 'enchantment'.

With over five hundred birds wandering freely you really feel a part of their environment, get close to them and take some wonderful photographs to remember the magic of Claythorpe.

Elsham Hall Country and Wildlife Park Elsham
Elsham Hall Country and Wildlife Park was opened in 1970 by Captain and Mrs. Elwes to promote enjoyment of the countryside and wildlife and an appreciation of the arts and rural crafts.

Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary Skegness
*SPECIAL OFFER*One child can enter FREE into the Seal Sanctuary when accompanied by an adult. Please visit our website to obtain the voucher. Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary has been given a great

The Seal Sanctuary Mablethorpe
It was in 1974 that the first seal arrived at the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Nature Centre and since then hundreds have been rescued and returned to the wild.

Bransby Home of Rest for Horses Saxilby
Equine welfare charity with 250 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Walkways, two large yards and gift shop open to the public. Free admission and car parking.

Rigsby Wood Open Day-Near Alford Alford
Rigsby Wood Open Day-Near Alford,Free Admission, 10am - 4pm

Rushmoor Country Park Louth
Rushmoor Farm is a grade 2 listed Lincolnshire farmhouse with an extensive collection of rare ornamental and domestic fowl. Includes over forty different breeds of poultry (stock usually for sale).

Whisby Natural World Centre Thorpe on the Hill
Discover the eco-challenges of our changing world when you visit the Natural World Centre at Whisby Nature Park. Enjoy a series of contemporary displays in the exhibition hall & visit our cyber cafe.

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Skegness
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is one of Lincolnshire wildlife trusts' principal reserves. An area of over 1000 acres of pristine coastline recognised as an area of international scientific interest.

Hubbards Hills Louth
Just on the outskirts of Louth lies the riverine park of Hubbards Hills, a chalk steep-sided valley. Every season has something special to offer in this luscious parkland.

Louth Museum Louth
The Louth Museum has new galleries and exhibits available. Come and see information on William Brown and the Louth Panorama, brick making, Louth Park Abbey, Sir John Bolle and the Spanish Lady.

Stockwith Mill Hagworthingham
The existence of the water mill in the parish of Hagworthingham was recorded in the Domesday Book. The site of the original mill, however remains unknown, but Stockwith Mill is believed to date from

Alford Five Sailed Windmill Alford
Beautiful working windmill on the edge of this popular market town. The mill produces flour from organic grain and the ground floor shop sells a range of wholefoods. Visitors may tour the mill and experience the milling process. With delightful tea rooms.

Gunby Hall Spilsby
Gunby Hall was built by Sir William Massingberd in 1700 in the style of Christopher Wren. Approximately nine acres of gardens surrounding walled gardens, old roses, herbaceous borders, herb garden and much more

Alford Manor House Alford
Reputedly the largest thatched manor house in the country, Alford Manor House was built to a traditional H plan in 1611. It is a very rare example of a composite structure, featuring a wooden frame

Bolingbroke Castle Old Bolingbroke
Bolingbroke Castle is a prime example of 13th century castle design complete with a large gatehouse, round towers and a moat. Today the castle is a ruin with only the ground floors of the towers remaining.

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Ludborough
We are a standard Gauge Steam Railway, situated mid way between Louth and Grimsby. We are the only standard gauge steam railway in Lincolnshire open to the public. The location is part of the original

RAF Wickenby Memorial Museum Langworth
The RAF Wickenby Memorial Museum commemorates all who served at RAF Wickenby from 1942 - 1956, but especially the 1080 aircrew who failed to return from operational sorties in World War Two.

Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum Woodhall Spa
Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum displays the unique Woodhall Spa, the Wells and waters, which were discovered nearly 200 years ago. It consists of photographs by John Wield who recorded events in Woodhall Spa.

RAF Scampton Historical Museum Scampton
RAF Scampton historical museum and guided tours of the base are done throughout the year by appointment only. Tour takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This facility is by kind permission of RAF Scampton.

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre Spilsby
A visit to the Heritage Centre is a remarkable journey back in time, thanks to the authentic restoration of the original World War II airfield at East Kirkby by the Panton family.

Thorpe Camp Tattershall Thorpe
The Thorpe Camp Preservation Group has set up a Visitor Centre to commemorate those who fought for freedom in World War 2 based in Lincolnshire.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Centre Coningsby
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota.

Newark Air Museum Newark
Newark Air Museum is located on the former World War Two airfield of Winthorpe in eastern Nottinghamshire. Its diverse collection of sixty nine aircraft and cockpit sections cover the history of aviation.

There are a wealth of shops in Louth to explore, from the charm of an old fashioned department store in Eve & Ranshaws, to the exotic in Armadillo. You can buy clothing for men and women for all budgets, from the lower end, with bargains to be had at Eclipse who sell end of line designer clothes, Changing Gear and Vogue dress agencies, re selling quality garments, to Forbes fashions and Vanilla. Spinning Wheel clearance shop offers bargains for the younger generation. Gifts aplenty, with dragonfly, armadillo and many more, be warned Louth has a unique Argos shop, you need to call in and order your item and return at least 1 day later to collect! Aspiring cooks will also have plenty of fun, with Chilli Peppers cookshop on Little Upgate, and Dragonfly Kitchen on Eastgate. We reccommend parking in Somerfields car park where it is free for 2 hours, or walking in from the accommodation takes about 20 minutes, if you buy too much you can always take a taxi! Wednesday is the busiest and most atmospheric day with the street auction and market, Thrsday is half day closing in some shops, and few are open on Sundays.

Freshney Place Shopping Centre Grimsby
Freshney Place provides an excellent range of individual retailers, major stores and speciality gift shopping. We are committed to giving you the best service, the customer service team are on hand

Hemswell Craft & Design Centre is open from 10am, 7 days a week, showing a large number of craft and design products on the ground floor. The centre has a licensed 100 seat cafe, working craft workshops and hundreds of gift ideas. There are 400 car and coach spaces available and the centre is located adjacent to Hemswell Antique Centre. It is a great day out and parties are welcome.

Hemswell Antiques Centre Hemswell Cliff
Hemswell Antiques consists of 3 separate buildings to bring together Europe's largest selection of dealers who can offer the widest range of antiques and collectable items.

The Old Maltings Antiques Centre Louth
An antique centre situated in the centre of Louth. Large area consisting of antiques, furniture and collectables on two floors.

Manor Stables Craft Centre Fulbeck
Manor stables is a working craft centre, amidst a beautiful rural setting. As well as work produced by the people at the centre, there is also the work of local crafts people and artists.

Look No Further Lincoln
Look No Further sells fine gifts and china in Lincoln's Cathedral Quarte

The Whisky Shop Lincoln
The Whisky Shop sells a range of whiskys and spirits from around the world

Alford Pottery Alford
Small workshop established 1974. Includes a shop with a view of the production area. Hand thrown domestic ware and gift ware available at workshop prices.

Imperial Tea and Coffee Lincoln
Imperial Tea and Coffee sells tea and coffee from around the world

McLeods Louth
McLeod’ s is a licensed building by St. James Church that has become a popular business to visit for its vast range of worldwide food and drink. Vintage port alongside local cheese & jams.

Knicks Knacks Antiques Emporium Sutton on Sea
Knicks Knacks Antiques have been established for 20 years and known for offering an extensive range of goods. If you love to poke around in search of some treasure, this is the shop for you!

Eve & Ranshaws Louth
Eve & Ranshaw is a long standing department store in Louth. They sell good quality items for men, women, homewares and gifts.

Kenwick Park health and leisure club is a private club, but staying at Ashwater House, you may use it whenever you wish. With leisure pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, gymnasium, it is perfect for all the family. A no cost option for all out guests.

Manby Motorplex Louth
Manby Motorplex near Louth is a Motorsport Venue for Rally, Moto-X, Quad racing, Motorcycle Enduros, 4x4 Off Road Motorsport, and Supermoto.

Skegness Stadium Orby
At the Skegness Stadium they offer short circuit motor racing, during July and August sky dives, fireworks, which run every Thursday from May to October and on Tuesday during July and August.

Rednil Equestrian Centre Welton
Riding school and livery stables, arts and crafts, horse shows.

Elsham Golf Club

Elsham is a gently undulating, easy walking, quality course which was established in 1900. It has the benefit of many trees and an abundance of wildlife and remains a good test of golf. Enjoyed by all standards of player, the club regularly hosts county events

Cadwell Park Louth
As the most exciting motorcycle racing circuit in the country the narrow, twisting, hilly track presents a unique challenge for the Two-Wheelers- Anything but a quiet ride through the country!

Tenacre Equestrian Centre Boston
We work to provide NVQ and BHS qualifications in conjunction with the college of West Anglia. Also a pony club centre where children can spend Sunday afternoons learning to look after and ride ponies

Market Rasen Racecourse Market Rasen
Horseracing throughout the year. It is great entertainment for the whole family, offering great value days out.