The Kinema in the Woods, Dambusters history, a heated outdoor pool and championship golf, about 13 miles from our riverside barn.
Woodhall Spa is one of our favourite days out. With woods, independent shops and history, it's about 13 miles by road from The Barn at White House Farm: an easy afternoon or day trip.
Distances are approximate road distances from The Barn (PE20 3SR), worked out with OpenStreetMap routing on 3 November 2026. Drive times depend on traffic and the route you take.
Check before you go: opening times, prices, access and dog rules change. Every place in this guide links to its own official website, and we checked each one on 3 November 2026. Please check the latest details there before you set off.
The Kinema in the Woods opened as a cinema in 1922 in a former pavilion tucked into the woods. Films in Screen One are projected from behind the screen, and the Kinema says it is believed to be the only full-time cinema in the UK still using rear projection. Visit Lincolnshire notes that it has been home to a Compton Kinestra organ since 1987, with interval performances, and that it is open every day except Christmas Day.
The Petwood was built in 1905 and, according to Historic England, its gardens were laid out by Harold Peto in 1912. In the Second World War it became an RAF officers' mess, and it is best known as the home of the officers of 617 "Dambusters" Squadron. Today its Squadron Bar holds memorabilia and tributes to Guy Gibson VC and Leonard Cheshire VC.
Dambusters historyThe Dambusters 617 Squadron Memorial (listed by the Imperial War Museums War Memorials Register) stands in Royal Square, on Station Road in the heart of the village (LN10 6QL). Built in the shape of a breached dam, it commemorates 204 aircrew of 617 Squadron who died in the Second World War, and was dedicated on 17 May 1987.
Free to visitJubilee Park is a 10-acre community-owned park on Stixwould Road. Its 33-metre outdoor pool is heated to 29°C and is open from April to November, and there's a paddling pool and the village's only children's play park. On its FAQ page, the park says dogs are welcome on a lead in the park and gardens, but not in the pool area.
The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa is the home of England Golf, with two courses: the Hotchkin and the Bracken. The Hotchkin is a heathland course designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. The club says the Hotchkin is not suitable for beginners and advises booking tee times well in advance.
Forestry England lists dogs as welcome at Ostlers Plantation, with trails and hidden Second World War bunkers. The car park is just under a mile down Kirkby Lane from Woodhall Spa, and parking is free.
Dogs welcomeA historic tea house that has been serving visitors for over 120 years. Dogs are welcome outside, but not in the restaurant. Booking is advised if you plan to eat inside.
Dogs outside onlyOur guest guidebook also mentions the Blue Bell Inn at Tattershall Thorpe, the 617 Squadron 'local', with pilots' signatures on the ceiling. Check opening times before you go.
Pair Woodhall Spa with the BBMF Visitor Centre at RAF Coningsby and Tattershall Castle, both on the way. More ideas: Bomber County and dog-friendly walks.
Woodhall Spa is about 13 miles by road from The Barn, usually around 20 to 25 minutes by car via the B1192 and A153.
Much of it is. Forestry England welcomes dogs at Ostlers Plantation, the Tea House in the Woods welcomes dogs outside (not in the restaurant), and Jubilee Park welcomes dogs on a lead in the park and gardens, but not in the pool area.
Woodhall Spa is known for the Kinema in the Woods, a 1922 cinema that still uses rear projection; its Dambusters history at the Petwood Hotel and the Dambusters Memorial; the heated outdoor pool at Jubilee Park; and the National Golf Centre, home of England Golf.
The Petwood Hotel was the officers' mess of 617 Squadron, and its Squadron Bar has Dambusters memorabilia. The Dambusters Memorial in Royal Square commemorates 204 aircrew of 617 Squadron who died in the Second World War.
A dog-friendly riverside barn near Boston: sleeps 6, up to 2 dogs, a fully enclosed private garden and a private dock on the River Witham.
