Hartsholme Country Park
A 100-acre park with Victorian gardens, a lake, and woods, offering nature trails, wildlife, and free entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Hartsholme Country Park
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 100-acre park with Victorian gardens, a lake, and woods, offering nature trails, wildlife, and free entry.
"A rainy day well spent – beautiful park with great facilities and amazing wildlife!"
Pack for all weather
British weather is unpredictable! Bring layers and waterproofs for comfortable exploration, rain or shine. :umbrella:
Capture the sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunset walks, especially in autumn. The golden hour light is magical. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lake
Central Lake
A picturesque lake dating back to the 19th century, perfect for leisurely strolls and wildlife spotting.
Victorian Gardens
Landscaped Gardens
Wander through beautifully maintained Victorian gardens offering a tranquil escape and stunning views.
Woodland Trails
Forest Areas
Explore over 200 acres of woodland, grasslands, and nature trails teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
Playful Squirrels
Throughout the park
Encounter curious squirrels that are known to approach visitors, sometimes even taking food from hands!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Navigate with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weather
British weather is unpredictable! Bring layers and waterproofs for comfortable exploration, rain or shine. :umbrella:
Capture the sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunset walks, especially in autumn. The golden hour light is magical.
Feed the squirrels
Bring seeds or small treats to delight the friendly squirrels who are happy to take them from your hand.
Dog-friendly walks
A great spot for dog walkers! Your furry friends can stretch their legs on the various trails. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weather
British weather is unpredictable! Bring layers and waterproofs for comfortable exploration, rain or shine. :umbrella:
Capture the sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunset walks, especially in autumn. The golden hour light is magical.
Feed the squirrels
Bring seeds or small treats to delight the friendly squirrels who are happy to take them from your hand.
Dog-friendly walks
A great spot for dog walkers! Your furry friends can stretch their legs on the various trails. :dog:
Map your route
While paths are clear, snapping a pic of the map board helps navigate longer trails and the nature reserve. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hartsholme Country Park for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and excellent facilities, making it enjoyable in all weather. The free entry and ample parking are significant advantages, though some note the potential for algae in the lake during certain seasons and suggest clearer trail markers. +1
"A rainy day well spent – beautiful park with great facilities!
We visited Hartsholme Country Park on a very wet, rainy day and were honestly surprised at how enjoyable it was. The tree coverage is fantastic, offering natural shelter that made walking around much more pleasant than expected.
There’s plenty of free parking, and the park is really well laid out, with clear paths and maps throughout. There are loads of different walkways leading to and around the lakes, and the wildlife is amazing – we spotted birds, ducks, squirrels, and even a few dragonflies.
The children’s play area looked modern and well-kept, perfect for families. One big plus is the free public toilets, which were spotlessly clean, and there are even showers on-site for campers – a really thoughtful touch for those staying longer.
As for accessibility, I’d say it’s disabled friendly to a certain extent. The paths are mostly flat and either concreted or gravelled, though slightly bumpy in parts. Still manageable for wheelchairs or prams with some care.
All in all, a fantastic spot to enjoy nature – rain or shine. We’ll definitely be back, hopefully on a sunnier day to explore even more!"
Grace Pullen
"Nice place for a walk. Trail markers would be handy for the routes around the park (and nature reserve) but we managed with taking a photo of the map board at the start.
Obvious Blue Green Algae in most of the lake areas (mid September)
Plenty of different mushrooms 🍄 to see and suitable for our dog to stretch her legs."
Heidi Adams
"Fantastic place with beautiful views to be seen. You’ll catch all different types of people here from dog walkers to families going to the park, from people jogging and exercising to others fishing and playing with remote controlled boats. Plenty of ducks and swans will be seen which you can feed and squirrels are all over these woods that are sign posted so you will not get lost."
Toby H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hartsholme Country Park is located on the edge of Lincoln. It offers plenty of free parking, making it easily accessible by car. Public transport options may be available, but driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the park.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Hartsholme Country Park, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car.
Cycling is a great way to explore the park and its surroundings. There are paths suitable for cycling, and it's a good option for those looking for a more active way to arrive.
The park is largely accessible for wheelchairs and prams, with mostly flat and concreted or gravelled paths. Some sections may be slightly bumpy, but overall it's manageable for mobility aids.
Hartsholme Country Park is generally open to the public throughout the year during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the cafe may have limited hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Hartsholme Country Park is free. This makes it an excellent and budget-friendly destination for a day out.
As there is no entrance fee, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Hartsholme Country Park. You can visit spontaneously.
The park sometimes hosts events, especially for younger visitors. It's worth checking local notice boards or the park's official channels for any upcoming activities.
Yes, there is a camping area available at Hartsholme Country Park, offering an opportunity to stay overnight and immerse yourself in nature.
Yes, free public toilets are available and are noted to be spotlessly clean. Showers are also on-site for campers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, ducks, swans, and squirrels. Keep an eye out for dragonflies too!
Yes, the park offers a range of walkways, from gentle strolls around the lake to longer trails through woodland and grasslands, catering to various fitness levels.
There is a modern and well-kept children's play area, making it a great destination for families with kids.
Visitors often feed the squirrels, and you can feed the ducks and swans. However, it's always best to check local guidelines on feeding wildlife.
The lake, Victorian gardens, and woodland areas offer beautiful scenery for photography. Sunsets can also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the park. However, its opening hours can vary, and it may be closed by late afternoon.
Absolutely! Hartsholme Country Park is an ideal spot for a picnic, with plenty of scenic areas to relax and enjoy your meal.
While the park has its own cafe, there are dining options in Lincoln city centre if you're looking for more variety.
Information on the cafe's specific offerings is limited, but typically park cafes serve light snacks, drinks, and possibly sandwiches.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Remember to dispose of any litter responsibly.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. The golden hour can transform the park's landscapes.
The areas around the lake, the landscaped gardens, and elevated spots within the woodland offer picturesque views. Look for unique angles with the trees and water.
Popular subjects include the serene lake, the Victorian gardens, diverse wildlife like squirrels and birds, and the changing seasonal foliage.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the park authorities or local council for any restrictions on drone photography before flying.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens is useful for animal photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack some seeds for the squirrels and enjoy watching the ducks and swans on the lake. The free entry and ample parking make it an affordable and accessible outing. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery. The variety of walking trails, from easy lakeside strolls to more adventurous woodland paths, means you can tailor the length and difficulty to suit your children's energy levels.
The free public toilets are also a convenient bonus for families. 🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
+1 The park's diverse birdlife and other wildlife create a dynamic natural environment to observe. Solo walkers can enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace, taking in the beautiful views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The well-marked paths (though a photo of the map is recommended for longer routes) ensure you can navigate with ease. 🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. While there are no specific off-leash areas designated, the park's size generally allows for freedom. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet to help keep the park pristine for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History and Nature
The park's diverse habitats, from manicured gardens to dense woods, offer a rich tapestry of scenery and a peaceful escape from urban life. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, each offering a different perspective of the park's beauty. Whether you're looking for a gentle walk around the lake, a more challenging hike through the woods, or simply a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the views, Hartsholme delivers. The presence of abundant wildlife, including squirrels that are famously friendly, adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
+1The park is also recognized for its commitment to green spaces, having been awarded the Green Flag, a sign of excellence in parks and green spaces. This ensures that the park is well-maintained, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
With free entry and ample parking, it's an accessible destination for a day out, offering a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and historical elements of Lincoln. Wildlife Encounters and Photography Opportunities
+1 This makes for memorable interactions and fantastic photo opportunities. For photographers, Hartsholme offers a wealth of subjects. The interplay of light on the water, the textures of the ancient trees, and the vibrant colours of the Victorian gardens provide endless inspiration.
Early mornings and late afternoons, particularly during sunset, offer the best light for capturing the park's serene beauty. The diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to dense woodland, mean you can capture a wide range of shots, from sweeping vistas to intimate details of flora and fauna. While the park is beautiful year-round, autumn brings a spectacular display of colours to the foliage, making it a prime time for landscape photography.
Remember to bring a versatile camera setup to capture both the grand scenes and the smaller details that make Hartsholme so special. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit