The AREA
Hope Haven is located 9 miles from Lincoln City centre and 8 miles from Newark. Trains run from Collingham to and from both places every half hour to an hour. Collingham, only 3 miles from the retreat, provides a Co-op with cafe, butcher, post office, medical centre, chemist, various take aways and pubs/restaurants. Everything you need is nearby. There are lovely walks in the area close to Hope Haven and Peter and Clare can point you in the right direction! Here are just a few examples:
Spalford Warren Woods
Spalford Warren Woods
St Cecila's Church Girton
Spalford Warren Woods
Wildlife Trust Warren Wood
Wildlife Trust woodland. Just half a mile walk from
Hope Haven. These woods have sandy brown heath, one of the rarest habitats in the county.
Girton Sailing Lake Walk
Just a short walk from Hope Haven. Trent Lane takes you down by the side of Girton Sailing Lakes and towards the River Trent where you can walk for miles.
Doddington Hall Farm Shop
You’ll find fruit and vegetables freshly picked from their fabulous Kitchen Garden. Beef in the Butchery is often from their very own herd of Lincolnshire Red Cattle along with an abundance of other produce from local suppliers. The cafe offers lovely food daily and Doddington Hall is also available to visit at certain times of year.
The City of Lincoln
Lincoln offers an experience rich in history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture and a wealth of places to eat and drink. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside ready to be explored, where you'll find quaint market towns and beautiful scenery.
Pearson's Nursery & Tea Room
Drop by Pearsons relaxing tearoom for a coffee or a light lunch. Open 10.30-3.30 every day (lunch ends at 2.30). Pearson's are well known as one of the few plant growers in the Newark area. They grow the majority of their stock on site, ensuring both quality and a great variety of plants. Their prices are amazingly reasonable!
St Ceclia's Church Girton
Girton church dates back to the 13th century. It is available for use of Hope Haven visitors who wish to use it as an alternative place of stillness.
Services are as follows:
2nd Sunday of Month - 9.00am Holy Communion
Alternate 4th Sunday of Month - 5.00pm Evening Prayer (December, February). 6.00pm - Evening Prayer (April, June, August, October)
Besthorpe Nature Reserve
Besthorpe Nature Reserve is a mile from Hope Haven and home to a wide variety of birds. Hides are available by the lake for bird watching and from there walks lead along by the River Trent.
Newark-On-Trent
Newark, a beautiful market town that boasts one of the finest Georgian market squares in the UK. With its dramatic castle and two museums, there is lots to see and do in Newark, a town steeped in history.