Local Area
Lowfields is situated between the villages of North Scarle and Eagle and to the south-west of the city of Lincoln and to the north-east of the traditional market town of Newark, both steeped in their own history and the villages are not without their own history too!
North Scarle
North Scarle is the nearest village to the park and offers The White Hart Public House for meals and refreshments. At one time, the villagers had a right of way right through the middle of the buildin
g when the road flooded – that is until the Landlord contributed towards the cost of having a bridge built across Mill Dam Dyke. The Church of All Saints dates back to the 12th Century, possibly replacing a wooden structure, when it was given to the Knights Templar by Henry II, but by its name ‘Scarle’ evidence shows it was possibly here during the time of the Anglo-Saxons. Oliver Cromwell was reported to have set up camp with soldiers on his way from Lincoln to Gainsborough in July 1643 and the rise of Methodism brought John Wesley to the village on his way from Gainsborough.
Today, North Scarle is a pleasant village with a playing field and play area, post office and The White Hart, all within easy walking distance of Lowfields.
Eagle
Eagle too, has a similar long history being part of a triangle, with North Scarle and Swinderby. Today it offers us a wonderful country Inn called The Strugglers where there is often lots of activity taking place. There’s also a park with a very well equipped children’s play area. For those who like to walk, a footpath leads from Lowfields across the fields, arriving in Eagle by the Church.
Newark
The market town of Newark was established as a town during the 10th Century and today is well-known for its links to the Civil War, Robin Hood and Antiques. The Castle has been the heart of the town for many centuries and as a Royalist stronghold, played an important part during the Civil War. Finally, surrendering in 1646, the command by Oliver Cromwell to destroy the castle was not fully obeyed and today the remaining walls enclose a Victorian Garden complete with Band Stand where summer concerts are held. Take a tour around the Castle and you get the chance to visit its famous dungeons and hear all the ghost stories from past times.
You’ll also discover a lovely cobbled market square on which busy markets are held. Many beautiful buildings can be found around the square and in the interesting streets nearby; some with royal, others with literary connections. You will also find many well-known high street shops, boutiques and Antiques shops.
You can find time to enjoy a game of Indoor Bowls at
the Newark Centre too which is proud to host The English Bowls Federation Finals which take place annually at the end of April each year.
Close to Newark you will also find the Newark Showground, which houses a number of events each year including an International Antiques Fair, held 6 times each year and in Winthorpe, you get the chance to visit the Newark Air Museum – which is a great day out for everyone.
For any Robin Hood fans, a 30-mile trail starts from the Castle and takes in 10 sites associated with the legendary hero around the county of Nottinghamshire.
Lincoln
The City of Lincoln which is only 9 miles from the park contains many features that attract tourists from far & wide, including a beautiful uphill area with quaint cafes, superb a la carte restaurants and plenty of s
hops and boutiques to explore. The beautiful Castle and Cathedral complete a historical side to Lincoln which is dotted with Roman remains and there is a dedicated walk offering the opportunity to explore all the points of interest. Many activities are held in the Castle grounds including medieval jousts and the famous Christmas Market, which is one not to be missed! This historical Cathedral Quarter is known locally as the Bailgate and Steep Hill whe
re you will get the opportunity to shop amongst boutiques, specialist shops, Cafe’s and Restaurants.
Walking down Steep Hill from the Cathedral Quarter, you will pass through the Cultural Quarter with its Theatre and Museums and then on to the main shopping area of the city, which features all the major high-street branded shops you would expect from a city. Not forgetting the Brayford Waterfront, which is an inland harbour area which offers a wide range of eating, drinking and entertainment venues too. It’s the perfect place to relax at a pavement café overlooking the water and views of the stunning University of Lincoln campus and especially after a day out shopping. All of this on the doorstep of Lowfields , just waiting to be experienced and explored.
Other local attractions/activities in our area are listed below (within 5 miles of the park):-
- Collingham – Supermarket, One-Stop, Butchers, Hairdressers, Post Office, Doctors Surgery Pharmacy, Dental Practice, Chinese Take-away, Fish and Chips Take-away,
- Thorpe on the Hill – Whisby Nature Reserve and The Natural World Centre
- Doddington – Elizabethan Manor & Hall, Cafe, Restaurant and Delicatessen
- Whisby Garden Centre – Cafe and Weekend car boot sale
- Pennels – Garden Centre and Restaurant
- Skellingthorpe – Daisy Made – Home made ice-cream – Cafe, crazy golf and pet centre
- Spaldford Woods – part of the National Trust and is a site for specific scientific interest
Other local attractions
- Southwell – 12th Century Minster, Racecourse and The Workhouse (National Trust museum)
- Thoresby Park Courtyard – Shops, multi-Arts Centre and Cafe
- Clumber Park – National Trust – lakes, picnic areas, wal
king - Rufford Park – On a smaller scale to Clumber Park but just as beautiful
- Newark – Air Museum
- Cranwell – Aviation Heritage Centre
- Newball, nr Langworth – Woodside Wildlife & Falconry Park
- Gainsborough – The Old Hall Medieval Manor, Marshall’s Yard retail shopping
- Hemswell – Antiques Centre
- Sleaford – The Hub, Arts and Crafts, Cogglesford Mill
- Waddington – RAF Annual International Air Show – including the famous Red Arrows
Sporting Attractions
There are a wealth of sporting attractions which can be found within our local area and here are just some of the more popular one’s:-
- Golf Courses – Carholme, Canwick Park and Newark Golf Centre
- Driving Range
- Riding Stables
- Newark Indoor Bowling Centre
Whatever you decide to do with your leisure time at Lowfields, you can be assured, there’s something to suit everyone!
Touring Caravans
Unfortunately we do not have the facilities for touring caravans, motor homes or camping at Lowfields Retreat.
