Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre is situated between Coningsby and Woodhall Spa, in the village of Tattershall Thorpe in Eastern Lincolnshire. It tells the story of RAF Woodhall Spa, the four squadrons which were stationed there and life in Lincolnshire in World War II,  as well as WW1 flying corps and the cold war.

 

As the Visitor Centre is on the site of the No. 1 Communal Site of RAF Woodhall Spa, many of the buildings are original and all are at ground level.  You should allow 2-3 hours for your visit. There are wheelchairs and a walking frame available without charge.  You can enjoy our café and shop selling an excellent range of souvenirs and books. These all have step-free access.

 

Members are on hand throughout Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre should you require assistance.

 

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone (See bottom of page)

 

Location of the Visitor Centre, please click on the  ‘Contact us’  link to see a map of the location. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car by simply entering the postcode LN4 4PL to get directions.

 

There is a bus stop serving both directions about 300yds/366m from the Camp entrance.  There is a pavement on one side of the road only and this is quite narrow with some grass verges. Brylaine Travel (Tel No. 01205 364087) run bus service No 5 from Lincoln to Boston and return (Ask for Thorpe Camp) which passes the entrance. They are approximately every hour and have wheelchair access.

 

In case of emergency, a mobile telephone is available at the Ticket Office (Entrance).

 

Car Parking and Arrival- There is ample free parking on the large grassed area in front of the Visitor Centre. During busy weekends, extra parking is available in a nearby field but every effort is made to provide parking in the Visitor Centre car park for those needing easy access.

Entrance is through the Ticket Office (see site plan on the website). It is at ground level and the approach has a handrail. There are two sets of extra wide doors (48ins/1219mm and 50ins/1270mm) which are wooden and inward openings. These are usually open. There is a small step on both entry and exit doors (45ins/1150mm) but visitors can bypass these by requesting to enter via the double gates which are close by (10yds/9m) and also allow vehicular access.

 

Attraction (displays, exhibits) A large number of exhibits are situated around the site in various buildings. Some are in glass cabinets with explanations on boards and notices. Larger artefacts, for example, the full-size models of aircraft, have rope barriers around them. There are full-sized replica wartime rooms, dinghy, link trainer and models, all behind glass.

 

Two videos run continuously.  Seats and benches are located around the Visitor Centre, both inside and out.  1940's music is played on big events.  Entrance to the buildings is through wide double doors (58ins/1470mm). The floor is concrete and there are no steps.  Lighting is by LED tubes or spotlights on specific exhibits.

 

Public Toilets are located in a separate block in the center of the site. Access is by ramps, leading to wide (38ins/965mm) wooden, inwardly opening doors. There are 2 cubicles in both ladies and gents. One in each has a door of 38ins/965mm, with a handrail to the right of the toilet which, as in the other, is at a height of 15.7ins/400mm.* Floors are concrete and lighting is by LED tubes.* There is one sink in each of the ladies and gents with standard taps and hot and cold water.

 

Known as the "NAAFI" or  "Spitfire Tea Room" our café is situated in the old WW2 RAtion Store at the end of the camp with step-free access. There is a wide 58ins/1473mm doorway and the floor is concrete. Lighting is by Led tubes.   The tables are quite close together but there is also a good sized open area in the café. Table height is 28ins/711mm and chairs are without arms.  Food is served from a counter but the staff will assist on request.   The counter is 36ins/914mm high.

 

The souvenir shop is located in the same area as the "NAFFI" There are tall display shelves.   Staff are on hand at all times to assist.

 

Additional Information. We have a memorial garden with a paved area.  There are wooden seats located all around the site.  Some of the buildings are accessed on paths which are original wartime concrete and therefore can be uneven but these have been outlined where extra care should be taken.   Water (and nearby woods) are available for dogs.  Nearby local pubs which offer food and wheelchair access are the Bluebell Inn and Abbey Lodge. Local accommodations with wheelchair access are Kirkstead Old Mill Cottage, the Petwood Hotel and Dower House, all in Woodhall Spa.