South Hykeham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your South Hykeham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

South Hykeham sits perfectly positioned for exploring both Lincoln and the surrounding Lincolnshire countryside. Lincoln Cathedral (4.7/5 on TripAdvisor) dominates the skyline and is absolutely worth the £9 entry fee. I recommend taking one of the tower tours for amazing views across the county.

Doddington Hall (LN6 4RU) is just 3 miles away and opens Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. This Elizabethan mansion (4.6/5 on TripAdvisor) has remained unchanged for 400 years and features stunning gardens. The farm shop sells brilliant local produce - perfect for stocking up your cottage kitchen.

Whisby Nature Park (LN6 9BW) offers free entry and opens daily from dawn till dusk. With 6 lakes and over 7 miles of accessible paths, it's brilliant for spotting wildlife. The Natural World Centre café does great cake too!

International Bomber Command Centre (4.8/5 on TripAdvisor) provides a moving tribute to the aircrews of WWII. Located just 5 miles away (LN4 2HQ), it's open daily 9:30am-5pm with tickets around £10.

Pet Friendly

Many South Hykeham cottages welcome dogs, with secure gardens where they can play while you relax in your hot tub. Always check specific pet policies when booking as some limit the number or size of dogs.

Whisby Nature Park is fantastic for dog walks, with dedicated trails where they can run off-lead. The Natural World Centre has water bowls and allows dogs in outdoor seating areas.

The Horse and Jockey pub (LN6 9AJ) in nearby Waddington welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden, serving good pub grub and local ales. They even offer dog treats at the bar!

For rainy days, The Crafty Dog Café in Lincoln (LN5 7EY) is brilliant - your dog can enjoy puppuccinos while you have coffee. They charge £1.50 per dog which goes to animal charities.

Remember to pack towels specifically for your dog - especially useful after countryside walks before returning to your cottage hot tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in South Hykeham

Lincoln Castle (LN1 3AA) houses one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The Medieval Wall Walk offers spectacular views across Lincoln and on clear days you can see all the way to the Wolds. It's open daily 10am-5pm with tickets around £14. We found the audio guide really brings the history to life, explaining how the castle served as both fortress and prison over its 900+ year history.

Rand Farm Park (LN8 5NJ) is brilliant if you're visiting with kids. This working farm lets visitors bottle-feed lambs in spring, handle small animals year-round and enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas. It's about 20 minutes' drive from South Hykeham, open 10am-5pm daily with tickets around £15. The tractor rides were a massive hit with my nephew last year!

Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum (LN6 3QT) is a hidden gem just 2 miles from South Hykeham. Housing over 65 vintage vehicles including buses you can actually ride on during special events. It's open Sundays and Wednesdays, 10am-4pm, entry just £5. The volunteers who run it are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share stories about the exhibits.

Is South Hykeham good for couples?

Absolutely! The smaller cottages with private hot tubs are perfect for romantic breaks. Lincoln offers excellent restaurants for date nights and countryside walks provide plenty of quality time together. Burton Waters Marina makes a lovely evening stroll followed by drinks at The Woodcocks.

What's the best time of year to visit?

South Hykeham is a year-round destination. Summer offers longer days for exploring, while autumn brings stunning colours to Whisby Nature Park. Winter visits mean you'll appreciate your hot tub even more, especially after Christmas shopping in Lincoln's festive markets which run throughout December.

Do I need a car in South Hykeham?

While not essential, having a car makes exploring much easier. The 16 bus connects South Hykeham to Lincoln (running hourly), but reaching rural attractions like Doddington Hall is tricky without your own transport. Most cottages provide private parking.

Are there good places to eat nearby?

Yes! The Plough in Thorpe on the Hill (LN6 9BJ) serves excellent pub food using local ingredients. For something special, The Jews House Restaurant in Lincoln occupies one of England's oldest buildings and offers fine dining. Foodies should visit Lincoln's monthly Farmers' Market (third Saturday).

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Bring swimwear (obviously!), flip-flops for getting to and from the tub and extra towels. Most cottages provide robes but it's worth checking. A torch is useful for country locations and binoculars if you're interested in the local wildlife. Don't forget walking shoes for exploring!

Is South Hykeham suitable for people with mobility issues?

Several cottages offer ground-floor accommodation with accessible hot tubs. Whisby Nature Park has well-maintained paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Lincoln's steep hill area presents challenges, but the city's shuttle bus service helps visitors navigate between uphill and downtown areas.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Lincoln Official Tourism Site
2. Whisby Nature Park Information
3. Doddington Hall & Gardens
4. Lincoln Castle Visitor Information