Ashby Park

SET in 70 acres of superb Lincolnshire countryside this park has seven fishing lakes full of carp, rudd, roach, bream, perch, tench, chub and pike. And that’s not all, there’s no closed season here and you can even buy your bait on site! But it’s not all about fishing - anyone who likes peace and quiet, wildlife, and appreciates a fine view to enjoy with their cornflakes, will love this place.

It’s not so much a caravan park, as a nature reserve. There’s a surprise around every corner as you stroll around the winding lanes between the lakes and the numerous smaller ponds that are scattered around the site. Wildlife abounds, and on our first walk around the site, we saw more birds than we often encounter on a similar walk around a nature reserve or country park.

The park lies just north of Horncastle, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds and only 25 miles from the coast with its many attractions – and Skegness too! The approach is from the A158 Horncastle to Lincoln road, at a clearly signposted junction about two miles outside Horncastle.

As you enter the site you are immediately struck by the large number of newly planted trees and shrubs on your left. This is part of a substantial expansion to the park that will include a new toilet block and two new areas for tourers. Although this may create the impression that this park is not yet established, nothing could be further from the truth.

As you venture further in, you will see the touring pitches that surround the office and toilet block. Go a little further and discover two large lakes overlooked by static caravans on their southern shores. To the right is another touring area and, beyond, an avenue of touring pitches surrounding a third lake with some pitches right by the water’s edge. A second toilet block, with disabled facilities, lies just beyond. Mature trees surround all of these areas and, even in early spring, it looked fabulous. This is clearly a park that deliberately sets out to be a peaceful retreat.

In terms of its total area this park is huge but the 90 touring pitches are divided into small areas that create the impression of a small site. Many of the touring pitches are occupied on a seasonal basis but some of the prime sites are available to anyone. All pitches have electric hook-up and, as well as many hardstandings, and there are eight super-pitches.

As well as the absence of a clubhouse or shop there is also no play equipment. That’s not to say that children aren’t welcome, in fact quite the opposite. Even if they are not interested in fishing, there is an area set aside for ball games, trails to walk and the obvious attraction of the plants, animals and birds to admire. It is worth mentioning that Ashby Park has received a David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award for the past eight years for its work in the environmental field.

The park is well situated for exploring the rolling hills of the Wolds and, if you like to hit balls into holes while you walk, there’s a golf course right next door. Close by there are riding stables, nature reserves, working windmills, an aviation museum and the Viking Way - for those who prefer to walk without the aforementioned balls.

The facilities were good without being luxurious. They were spotlessly clean when we visited and comfortable to use. The showers were large and heated but one small gripe - there is a 20p charge for a shower.

Although there is no restaurant or take-away facilities on site, Horncastle is close enough to bring back your fish and chips or Chinese take-away before it gets cold. The town also has a number of pubs and restaurants. This relaxed, rural site is well worth a visit by anyone who enjoys peace and quiet. If you're into fishing or not, you will certainly fall for this place, hook, line and sinker.

Contact:
Ashby Park
West Ashby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5PP
Tel: 01507 527966
Email: [email protected]

To see Ashby Park's campsite listing, please click here

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