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Hartsholme Country Park: A Tranquil Urban Oasis with Rich Wildlife and Family-Friendly Amenities

Explore Lincoln’s serene 100-acre Hartsholme Country Park with Victorian gardens, lakes, woodlands, wildlife, playgrounds, and family-friendly trails.

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Hartsholme Country Park is a sprawling 100-acre green space located just three miles southwest of Lincoln city centre. Featuring Victorian landscaped gardens, a large reservoir, woodlands, and grasslands, it offers a serene escape with diverse wildlife, extensive walking and cycling trails, a children’s playground, visitor centre, café, and a council-run campsite. The park is accessible year-round and welcomes families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Hartsholme Country Park

  • 377 Skellingthorpe Rd, Lincoln, LN6 0EY, GB
  • +441522873577
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit in autumn mornings to enjoy vibrant foliage and peaceful walks with fewer crowds.
  • Bring waterproof layers as British weather can be unpredictable, ensuring comfortable exploration rain or shine.
  • Use the accessible tarmac and compacted stone paths for easy wheelchair or pushchair navigation.
  • Check visitor centre opening times for interactive wildlife and history exhibitions during your visit.
  • Book camping pitches or pods in advance for a peaceful overnight stay within the park from March to October.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Regular bus services connect Lincoln city centre to Hartsholme Country Park, with journey times of approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Buses run frequently during daytime hours, making this a convenient and eco-friendly option. Tickets typically cost between £2 and £4 one-way.

  • Car

    Driving to Hartsholme Country Park from Lincoln city centre takes around 10 to 15 minutes via Skellingthorpe Road (B1378). Free parking is available near the visitor centre. Note that during some periods, the main car park may close for maintenance, with alternative parking nearby.

  • Cycling

    Cycling from Lincoln city centre to the park is a pleasant 20 to 30-minute ride along dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads. Bike racks are available at the visitor centre. The terrain is mostly flat, suitable for casual cyclists.

  • Walking

    For the active visitor, walking from Lincoln city centre to Hartsholme Country Park is possible in about 45 to 60 minutes. The route includes urban sidewalks and park trails, with mostly level terrain but some uneven surfaces. Suitable for fit walkers and those with mobility aids.

Hartsholme Country Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Hartsholme Country Park

Historic Landscape and Natural Diversity

Hartsholme Country Park is rooted in its Victorian heritage, originally landscaped in the 1860s as part of Hartsholme Hall’s estate. Today, the park spans over 100 acres of varied habitats, including manicured Victorian gardens, a large reservoir known as Hartsholme Lake, dense woodlands, and open grasslands. This mosaic of environments supports a rich biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species such as all three British woodpecker species, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Little Egret, and Common Kingfisher, alongside mammals like squirrels and bats.

Recreational Facilities and Family Appeal

The park is well-equipped for families and leisure visitors, featuring two adventure playgrounds tailored for different age groups, a visitor centre with interactive exhibitions about local wildlife and history, and a café serving refreshments. The well-maintained paths are mostly level and surfaced with tarmac or compacted stone, making them accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with minor exceptions. The lakeside and woodland trails offer gentle strolls or more extended walks, ideal for all fitness levels. Additionally, there is a council-managed campsite with 32 touring pitches, including electric hookups, three hardstanding pitches for accessibility, and two heated camping pods, open from March to October.

Wildlife and Environmental Significance

Hartsholme’s diverse habitats foster a thriving ecosystem. The lake attracts numerous waterfowl, while the woodlands and grasslands support over 80 tree species and more than 400 fungi species. The park is a designated Green Flag Award winner, reflecting its high standards of management and conservation. Visitors often enjoy feeding the ducks and observing playful squirrels, though guidelines encourage responsible wildlife interaction. The park’s natural beauty and tranquility provide a peaceful retreat within an urban setting.

Visitor Experience and Seasonal Highlights

Open year-round during daylight hours, Hartsholme Country Park offers seasonal events and activities organized by the City of Lincoln’s Park Ranger service. Autumn mornings are particularly scenic, with vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. The park’s sunset views over the lake are renowned for their photographic appeal. The visitor centre and café provide comfortable amenities for breaks during exploration. Whether cycling, walking, or simply relaxing, visitors find the park a versatile destination for nature appreciation and family outings.

Accessibility and Amenities

The park is accessible by car, with free parking near the visitor centre, and is linked to Lincoln city centre by regular bus services. Paths are mostly wheelchair and pushchair friendly, with some uneven sections and gentle slopes. On-site facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas, information boards, and a visitor centre. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, and campfires are prohibited, with gas barbecues allowed on the campsite.

Community and Conservation Efforts

Managed by the City of Lincoln Council’s Park Ranger service, Hartsholme Country Park benefits from active stewardship, including habitat management, visitor education, and volunteer programs. The park’s role as a local nature reserve and its proximity to Swanholme Lakes enhance its ecological importance. It serves as a vital green lung for Lincoln, balancing recreational use with conservation to sustain its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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