Walcot Hall

Escape to Walcot Hall, our gorgeous Grade II listed Georgian mansion set just outside the village of Alkborough in North Lincolnshire countryside.

Built in 1726, our stately home is beautifully situated on five acres of wonderfully landscaped formal gardens within twenty-seven acres of parkland. The peaceful location, stunning architecture and beautiful gardens combine to make it a unique escape from the modern world.

The approach to the Walcot Hall takes you through the wrought iron gates and along the sweeping driveway to reveal the splendour of the mansion itself.

Large, lavish and luxurious, its graceful sash windows and traditional layout echo back to an era of gracious entertainment. Step through the beautiful front door into the warmth of the reception hall with its sweeping cantilevered staircase for the grandest of entrances.

Its four ground floor receptions are well equipped for modern entertainment and relaxed afternoons in front of the fire. Celebrate in the decadent drawing room overlooking the gardens, with plenty of cosy seating, dining table and a grand open fire to keep you warm. Gather for dinner in the elegant dining hall. Or curl up in the library/snug and lose yourself in a book or nurse a glass of brandy in front of a blazing fire.

The spacious breakfasting kitchen is well-equipped with country-cottage style units and a stunning Aga, as well as a larder room and separate utility room. If you don’t fancy cooking, we can arrange all kinds of catering for special occasions and events - from a simple buffet, to a summer barbecue or a fully catered holiday.

When the day is done, discover the six bedrooms on the first and second floors accessed by the grand sweeping staircase. They are superbly furnished with antiques and hung with fine paintings. Characterised by high ceilings, large sash windows overlook the beautifully manicured majestic lawns and fill the rooms with light. Two bedrooms benefit from en-suite facilities and there are a further two bathrooms.

Spend your days wandering through the many acres of delightful garden, private woodland and parkland - see what wildlife you can spot and let the kids run wild. There are also ample dog-friendly local countryside and woodland walks right on the doorstep. And, if you fancy getting a bit active, head over to the summer tennis court. You can even bring your horse on holiday as there are stables in the grounds with paddocks and fields.

Built for reunions, Walcot Hall is the perfect place to gather all your friends and family, with easy access to both the north and south of England.

Alkborough is a vibrant and well served village with a friendly local inn and a lovely tea room. A haven for walkers, you can walk down to the Alkborough Flats Nature Reserve - a flood plain at the confluence of the Rivers Trent and Ouse as they flow into the Humber. The area is a haven for wildlife and ideal for bird watching and the walk includes Julian's Bower, a fine example of a turf cut maze thought to have been created by 13th century monks.

The Hall is well placed for discovering the countryside, cathedrals and culture-packed cities of Lincolnshire as well as the East Riding of Yorkshire.

In a tranquil, peaceful location, Walcot Hall is just eight miles from the town of Scunthorpe which offers a fine range of amenities as well as a cinema, a museum and Visual Arts Centre.

The Hall is also within easy reach of Hull, a magnificent city just the other side of the River Humber that has a vibrant events calendar and excellent museums. Or venture to the historic cities of Lincoln or York and enjoy an array of attractions and shopping facilities!

The charming town of Barton-upon-Humber often described as the “jewel in the crown” of North Lincolnshire sits just 20 minutes’ away. You can also visit the seaside resort of Cleethorpes or the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty should you want a day by the seaside or in luscious countryside.

HISTORY OF WALCOT HALL

Walcot Hall in North Lincolnshire stands as a testament to its creator, Nicholas Denman, Alderman/Mayor of Hull who commissioned the building. Parts of Walcot Hall are believed to date back to as early as 1629.

However, much refurbishment and supplementary work, including the addition of a Georgian facade, was carried out in the mid-Eighteenth Century and further work was undertaken in the early part of the nineteenth Century.

The history of Walcot Hall is dotted with names of the great and good from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Its pages refer to names such as Marriott, Strickland, Constable and Legard, all families of distinction from the seventeenth century up to the present day.

Many changes have been seen over the years, and after the Second World War part of the main house was demolished in order to provide a more manageable and comfortable family house. Even so, the scale and grandeur of the original can be seen in the magnificent reception rooms and hall, the heavy panelled doors, elaborate plaster cornice work and fine-cantilevered staircase.

When the Goulton-Constable line of ownership ended in 1927 after nearly 200 hundred years a further seven families owned the hall until it was purchased in 2004 by the current owner and has been lovingly restored to its former beauty and grandeur.

LOCAL INFORMATION

FOOD AND DRINK

The Paddocks Tea Room (0.5 miles/10 minute walk). Set in a converted barn this tearoom offers delicious home cooked snacks, farmhouse lunches and freshly baked cakes all prepared on the premises. Soak up the peaceful surroundings in the tearoom or just laze about in the garden area.

The Butchers Arms, West Halton (2 miles) This is a traditional village pub with masses of charm and character.

Ferry House Inn, Burton upon Stather (3 miles). A small restaurant situated next to the river Trent. Dog friendly.

Winteringham Fields, Winteringham (5 miles) A range of superb dishes using local produce is featured very strongly in the menu, with herbs and vegetables grown in Winteringham Fields gardens.

The Butchers Arms Winterton (5 miles). A popular village local with strong emphasis on food. Large beer garden to the rear.

The George Hogg, Winterton (5 miles) Popular Grade II listed pub located in the market place. Local CAMRA Pub of the Season winner, it provides great value home cooked food and a friendly welcome to all.

Nearby Scunthorpe has an excellent array of restaurants, pubs and cafes.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS

Go Ape Normanby Hall, Normanby DN15 9HU (4 miles)
A stately backdrop to your Go Ape experience at Normanby Hall. One of our newer locations, this Treetop Challenge and Treetop Adventure course offer something a little different.

The Pods, Scunthorpe DN16 1AA (8 miles).
The Pods is a modern piece of architecture that sits across the beautifully green Central park. It is Scunthorpe’s largest fitness and sports facility that offers activities for all ages to get involved in. They also have a café for families to get a warm, soothing drink before exploring the playgrounds at Central park.

The Pink Pig Farm, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE (11 miles)
A friendly Lincolnshire farm with an award winning Greedy Pig cafe, indoor playbarn & thrilling farm park with lots of indoor and outdoor play including a a zip wire, enjoy the water play area . They can also meet the permanent residents at the farm including pigs, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and llamas plus a free tractor/trailer ride.

Arial Trail, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE (11 miles)
This is a high rope adventure course consisting of 18 sections split into two courses high up in the trees, the course ends with two 100m zip lines.

Play Avenue, Messingham DN17 3RD (13 miles)
A safe and secure purpose-built play area where little ones can try their hand at a whole host of ‘grown up’ jobs. From vet to builder, hair stylist to police person, they are free to explore while you kick back with a coffee in the cafe.

Messingham Zoo, Messingham DN17 3PN (14 miles)
This is a small zoo but extremely intimate between visitors and the animals. You can spend time in each enclosure absorbing the environment and interacting with each species housed at the zoo.

Elsham Activity Centre, Moor Farm, Elsham DN20 0PA (17 miles)
For an exciting experience head to Elsham Activity Centre and try paintballing, archery, axe throwing and even a giant inflatable assault course for some unforgettable holiday memories.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE

North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe DN15 7BD (7.5 miles).
Explore through a range of award winning collections and interactive displays. Families can see changing exhibitions that tell stories of local industry and people. You can also find amazing Archaeology which houses lots of interesting and special finds.

20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Scunthorpe DN15 6TB (7.5 miles).
This arts centre is a family focused venue that hosts workshops, activities and events suitable for children. Families can expand their creative minds to form pieces of art like those surrounding them at the centre’s arts and crafts classes. Make sure to stop by the café for refreshment while evaluating the spectacular works surrounding you.

Appleby and Froddingham Preservation Society, Scunthorpe DN16 1DQ (8.5 miles).
On selected summer weekends, AFRPS run railtours around the Scunthorpe Steelworks site. With guides on hand, you’ll learn all about Iron and Steel Making with glimpses of red hot steel. The afternoon tours are suitable for all the family and on selected Saturday evenings Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation run adult only brake van tours. You can also enjoy a coffee in a restored Buffet carriage when there is a short stop at the loco sheds.

The Ropewalk, Barton-upon-Humber DN18 5JT (11.5 miles).
The Ropewalk is a regionally acclaimed centre for the arts housing four gallery spaces, a sculpture garden and coffee shop. Situated on the southern bank of the River Humber, The Ropewalk was initially part of a rope making factory which opened in 1767. The factory eventually closed in 1989.

Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse, Ulceby DN39 6TU (17.5 miles).
Once an Augustinian Abbey, this impressive fortified gatehouse of Thornton Abbey protected its inhabitants shortly after the Peasants Revolt. The monastery has undergone extensive restoration to preserve one of Britain’s finest gatehouses. Families can visit and relive the rich historic inner workings of the abbey while also observing the wildlife that blossoms at the attraction. It is great for a family day out.

The Trolley Bus Museum, Sandtoft DN8 5SX (19 miles).
This museum is the world’s largest collection of historic trolleybuses and even includes an exhibition of Trolleybus history during the First World War. It also exhibits various vehicle models from past time periods including period motor buses! Families visit to experience walking through each time period by exploring the transport that people once drove in the past. They also host regular, fascinating events including tours around the museum and trolleybus rides.

Hull (21 miles).
Hip-deep in culture, Hull has over 800 years of history and one of the richest seafaring legacies in the UK. Discover virtually every inch of the city’s fabled past in the unique Museums Quarter, which comprises four distinct attractions, including the Streetlife Museum; a striking former trawler, the Arctic Corsair; and The Deep, the nationally renowned ‘submarium’ with its shark walk and riverfront location.
Other up and coming cultural hotspots include the recently rebuilt Hull Truck Theatre, as well as the Fruit Market, a restored warehouse venue on the city’s marina which hosts a plethora of cultural events including gigs, exhibitions and the popular bi-monthly cinema event, Cult Cinema Sunday.

WALKS & NATURE RESERVES

Alkborough Flats Nature Reserve (13 minute walk).
Enjoy breathtaking views on the Burton hills following the river Trent to this delightful village or visit Julian’s Bower, a rare ancient labyrinth. The views across the confluence of the rivers Trent, Ouse and Humber are spectacular. On a clear day you can see the towers of York Minster. The area is a haven for wildlife and ideal for bird watching with Egrets, Shell Ducks, Reed Buntings and Swans all in evidence.

Normanby Hall Country Park, Normanby DN15 9HU (4 miles).
This elegant Regency Hall is set in 300 acres of beautiful parkland, gardens and pleasure grounds. Discover Lincolnshire’s rich rural heritage in the fascinating Farm Museum or take a relaxing walk through the woodland or deer park where herds of red and fallow deer peacefully graze. In the summer there is a small petting farm. There are playgrounds, lakes, Stableyard café and a gift shop.

Ashby Ville Nature Reserve, Scunthorpe DN16 3WR (10 miles).
A natural beauty spot and great for dog walkers too, with easy flat walking and plenty of wildlife to see.

Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-upon-Humber DN18 5RG (11 miles.
Far Ings National Nature Reserve is perfect for families and aims to educate communities about wildlife through fun campaigns, such as Every Child Wild. There are a number of wild birds to observe including the unique smew waterfowl, colourful bearded tit and the specialist species Bittern.

Waters' Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre, Barton-upon-Humber DN18 5JR (12 miles).
An awarding winning attraction set in an 110 acre country park. It overlooks the majestic, record holding Humber Bridge creating a cinematic view for visitors as they re-energise with a warm drink at the Honey Pot Café. A favourite activity is to feed the friendly waterfowl that wander around the park. The centre also hosts craft fairs, pottery workshops and has two playgrounds making it a top attraction for families to visit.

Humber Bridge Country Park, Hessle (14 miles).
Situated in the remains of one of the many chalk quarries that helped to drive the area’s industry in the early 20th century, the park offers 48 acres of woodlands, open meadows and wildlife ponds to explore. Surrounded by chalk cliffs on three sides, Humber Bridge is a popular place for family walks, and attracts a variety of wildlife, including more than 20 species of butterflies.

Messingham Sand Quarry Nature Reserve, Messingham DN17 3RD (14 miles).
The sand pits at Messingham provided sand for local industries. No longer used, the pits have filled with water and the area is now an important local nature reserve, managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. There is a short waymarked walk through the reserve to two bird watching hides overlooking the lakes.

Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park, Brigg DN20 0QZ (16 miles).
A beautiful place to enjoy a wonderful day amidst lakeside gardens, a variety of adorable animals and birdlife, as well as a delightful tearoom.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Eddie Wright Raceway, Normanby Rd, Scunthorpe DN15 8QZ, Scunthorpe DN15 8QZ (5.5 miles).
Enjoy a great night out at the speedway with family or friends, be that as a regular speedway goer or never been before first timer. Try it, you'll be hooked!

Barton upon Humber (11 miles).
A charming market town with a fascinating history, offering museums and historic buildings, independent shops and restaurants. Follow the guided walks to take in some of our heritage attractions and historic buildings, from the historic St. Peter’s Church to the fascinating Wilderspin National School Museum.

The Old School Messingham DN17 3SA (12 miles).
A beautifully restored former Victorian school house, now home to Café 1906, a Deli & Butchers, an Antique Centre and Sims Flowers of Messingham. Café 1906 serves breakfasts, light lunches and sandwiches.

Hemswell Antique Centre, Gainsborough DN21 5TJ (23 miles).
This antiques centre is the largest in Europe, and offers a wonderful mix of antiques and collectables from history, and is home to the Lancaster Bomber from the Second World War.

Scampton (30 miles).
Home to the Red Arrows and the Dambusters Inn and Heritage Centre.

Grimsby (32 miles).
A large coastal seaport holding even more attractions. Explore its sea zoo, the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, and its Time Trap Museum

Cleethorpes (35 miles).
A traditional seaside resort on the east coast of Lincolnshire with long sandy beaches, sand dunes to the south and a central promenade. There are many and varied amenities with shops, cafes, amusements and seaside stalls selling candy floss, and buckets and spades. There is the original pier and a boating lake with pedalos and rowing boats. On the outskirts is Pleasure Island Theme Park for a fun-filled day.

Lincoln (36 miles).
Lincoln has an impressive hill-top medieval cathedral that not only boasts striking architecture but was also a film location for both The Da Vinci Code and coronation scenes in Young Victoria. Walk the walls of Lincoln Castle and climb the tower, taking in views over the city. In the summer months, enjoy the open-air theatre, pop and rock concerts and re-enactment weekends in the castle grounds. The castle also houses Lincoln’s Magna Carta. Lincoln has great shopping with quaint and quirky independent shops in the cathedral quarter, including the famous Christmas Market in early December.

York (49 miles).
Boasting two theatres, character pubs and great shopping, York has it all. Discover the Minster, its medieval walls, boat trips on the River Ouse, York Races, museums (including the famous National Railway Museum and the Castle Museum) and the internationally-renowned Jorvik Viking Centre and its "time trip" experience.

Things you need to know about Walcot Hall if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:

• The owner of the property lives on the estate with her adorable small dogs. She respects guests' privacy.
• Smoking is not allowed inside any of our properties
• * One well-behaved dog welcome by request (additional £25/stay). Please restrict your pet to the ground floor and do not allow on the furniture
• Please note that a damage deposit of £500 is payable
• Minimum stay 2 nights throughout the year, except Christmas which is 4 nights
• Horses and ponies on a DIY basis, with stable, use of tack room and grazing for an additional charge (please phone for details)
• * Covid-19 measures for this property:
  In full compliance with the hospitality industry cleaning protocols and safety guidance.
  Contact-free check in and check out.
  Date changes for all existing and new bookings if the lockdown measures are extended or re-imposed.
  Naturally isolated.

*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.