A private dock on the river and National Cycle Network Route 1 on the doorstep. Here's how to make the most of the River Witham from The Barn.
The Barn at White House Farm sits on the banks of the River Witham at Brothertoft, near Boston, with its own private dock. Guests launch paddleboards from it, fish nearby, or just sit and watch the boats go by. National Cycle Network Route 1 passes the barn too, so you can paddle in the morning and cycle in the afternoon without moving the car.
Check before you go: opening times, access and dog rules change. Every place in this guide links to its own official website, and we checked each one on 18 October 2026. Please check the latest details there before you set off.
The private dock gives you easy access to the River Witham right outside The Barn. Guests often mention the river and the pontoon in their reviews, and some bring their own paddle boards. If you'd like to check anything about the dock before you travel, call us on +44 7860 952203 or email hello@whitehousefarm.farm.
Private dockThe Canal & River Trust says canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and inflatables all need a valid licence on its canals and rivers. It suggests a Paddle UK "On The Water" membership as the easiest option. That includes a waterways licence covering the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority. Or you can buy a short licence direct from the Trust. It says prices start from around £5 per day.
Licence requiredWear a buoyancy aid and a leash suited to moving water, check the weather and wind before you go, and paddle with a friend where you can. The River Witham is used by other boats, so keep to the side and give them plenty of room. Carry your licence or Paddle UK membership card: Paddle UK says you can add the card to Google or Apple Wallet.
Buoyancy aidIf your dog likes to join you on the board, a dog buoyancy aid is a good idea. Remember that dogs must not be left alone in The Barn or the garden, so if your dog stays ashore, someone needs to stay with them. Children should always be supervised near the water and the dock.
Supervise near waterThe Barn is set directly on Route 1 of the National Cycle Network. Between Lincoln and Boston, Route 1 follows the Water Rail Way. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust describes it as flat and almost entirely traffic-free, following the former Lincoln to Boston railway line beside the River Witham. It passes Washingborough, Bardney and Southrey on the way to Kirkstead Bridge, then continues to Langrick Bridge and Boston.
Mostly traffic-freeLook out for the sculpture trail, with works inspired by the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and by local animal breeds such as Lincoln Longwool sheep. Two viewing platforms look out over the River Witham. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust advises extra care on a 350-metre on-road section (B1190) at Bardney. Visit Lincoln notes a heritage centre and bike hire in Bardney.
Take care at BardneyAt Kirkstead Bridge you can take roads into Woodhall Spa. It's one of our favourite days out, with woods, the town and the Tea House in the Woods, where dogs are welcome outside. Forestry England lists cycling at Ostlers Plantation nearby too.
Café stopWalk Wheel Cycle Trust and Visit Lincoln both report that the Water Rail Way between Waterside South, Lincoln and Ferry Lane, Washingborough is closed from 22 June to 31 October 2026 for path widening, resurfacing and drainage work. There is no fully traffic-free diversion; shared-use routes run via Washingborough and the Eastern Bypass, or via Cherry Willingham and Greetwell Road.
Closed until 31 Oct 2026Langrick Bridge is a short walk down the riverbank from The Barn. Langrick Station Café, a former railway station with some great memorabilia from its past, makes an easy first or last stop.
If you're bringing bikes or paddleboards and want to check anything about storage, please ask us before you travel.
For our full dog policy, the enclosed garden, dog-friendly pubs and the nearest vet, see the dog-friendly guide to The Barn. You can check live dates and book direct with us, with no booking fees, on our availability page. For more ideas, see all our local guides.
Yes. The Barn has a private dock on the River Witham. You will need a valid licence: the Canal & River Trust says all paddleboards need one on its waterways, and suggests Paddle UK membership or a short licence from the Trust.
The Canal & River Trust says canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and inflatables all need a valid licence on its canals and rivers. Paddle UK On The Water membership includes a waterways licence, or you can buy a licence direct from the Trust from around £5 per day.
Yes. The Barn is set directly on National Cycle Network Route 1, which follows the Water Rail Way between Lincoln and Boston.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust says the section between Waterside South, Lincoln and Ferry Lane, Washingborough is closed from 22 June to 31 October 2026, with on-road shared-use diversions. Check the latest before you ride.
Yes. Up to 2 dogs are welcome per stay, with a £25 dog fee per stay (the same for 1 or 2 dogs). The garden is fully enclosed, dog-proof and private to The Barn's guests. Dogs stay downstairs, and they must not be left alone in The Barn or the garden when you go out.
A dog-friendly riverside barn near Boston: up to 2 dogs, a fully enclosed private garden and walks from the door.
