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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Lincolnshire
South Kesteven

Barkston

Attractions and Places To See around Barkston - Top 20

Attractions and places to see around Barkston, Lincolnshire, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. This English village, located north of Grantham, features the River Witham flowing through its western part and a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. The area is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, with notable landmarks and natural features providing opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover historical architecture, extensive parklands, and scenic walking routes.

Best attractions and places to see around Barkston

  • The most popular attractions is Belton House, a man-made monument that is a National Trust property with formal gardens and a wooded park. It is known for its Carolean architecture and offers extensive deer parks, gardens, and lakeside walks.
  • Another must-see spot is Grantham Canal Towpath, a trail and cycle way. This towpath forms part of National Cycle Network Route 15 and is recognized as a valuable wetland habitat.
  • Visitors also love Woodland Path in Grantham, a forest trail. This area offers highly accessible and well-maintained extensive walks through woodland and pasture.
  • Barkston is known for historical sites, natural trails, and local cafes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from grand estates to quiet woodland paths.
  • The attractions around Barkston are appreciated by the komoot community, with 15 upvotes and 5 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

The Crafty Cafe

Highlight • Cafe

The tack room are now giving cyclists 10% off on food and drink!

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Belton House

Highlight • Monument

Belton House, completed in 1688 is surrounded by formal gardens and a series of avenues leading to follies within a wooded park.

It is a National Trust property, so free for members to visit. Cafe facilities and so much to see and do.

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Grantham Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Grantham Canal closed to boats in 1929 and nature has since reclaimed it. Much of the area is designated as an SSSI as a valuable wetland habitat. Some sections have been re-opened to navigation. The towpath has been rebuilt and forms part of NCN Route 15.

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Brick Arch Bridge and Lock on Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

We rode this on road bikes. Ok unless you have super skinny tyres.

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Woodland Path in Grantham

Highlight • Forest

Heritage Lottery funded 'Reconnecting Grantham' highly accessible and well maintained extensive walks through woodland and pasture. Cattle grazing parts of the area so encounters are likely.

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Cycling around Barkston

Tips from the Community

Paul Spence
March 26, 2025, The Crafty Cafe

The tack room are now giving cyclists 10% off on food and drink!

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Richard
December 31, 2024, Belton House

Great walks around belton country park

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A nice part of the world though I prefer the parallel, quiet lane on my road bike. Don't forget to stop at the 'Dirty Duck' pub near the lock pictured. Spot the 'sculpture' of the duck on the roof of the pub.

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SteveH
September 17, 2024, The Crafty Cafe

Lovely little cafe, good selection of meals and sweet treats for most appetites. Outdoor seating next to bike parking is a great touch. Highly recommended.

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Iain Harber
August 14, 2023, Belton House

Popular National Trust property. If you are lucky you may see a cricket match being played in front of the house during the summer. Standard over priced and busy cafe.

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Stevie G
February 12, 2023, The Crafty Cafe

Excellent little cafe called the Tack Room. Plenty of outdoor seating with limited indoor seating. Very nice local food and drink. Loads of bike parking within sight of the outdoor tables. Worth calling them up front if going as a large group of cyclists. Just be careful with your road cleats on the gravel.

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Adie
December 13, 2022, Belton House

Belton House, completed in 1688 is surrounded by formal gardens and a series of avenues leading to follies within a wooded park. It is a National Trust property, so free for members to visit. Cafe facilities and so much to see and do.

3

0

Heidi
September 27, 2022, Woodland Path in Grantham

Heritage Lottery funded 'Reconnecting Grantham' highly accessible and well maintained extensive walks through woodland and pasture. Cattle grazing parts of the area so encounters are likely.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Barkston?

Barkston and its surroundings offer a rich history. You can visit Belton House, a magnificent National Trust property known for its Carolean architecture and extensive grounds. In Barkston village itself, St. Nicholas Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century, and the historic Hickson's Almshouses are notable landmarks. The area also has connections to the 1087 Domesday Book.

Are there any natural attractions or scenic areas near Barkston?

Yes, the area boasts several natural features. The River Witham flows through the western part of Barkston village, offering scenic views. Nearby, Grantham Canal Towpath is a valuable wetland habitat and part of National Cycle Network Route 15, perfect for walks or cycles. Londonthorpe Woods provides delightful mature woodland with open meadows and a pond. The grounds of Belton House also feature extensive deer parks and lakeside walks.

What outdoor activities can I do around Barkston?

The region around Barkston is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like The Viking Way, which crosses the parish boundary. The Grantham Canal Towpath is popular for cycling and walking. For more specific routes, explore the many options for easy hikes around Barkston, MTB trails around Barkston, or running trails around Barkston.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Barkston area?

Absolutely! Belton House is a fantastic family destination with its vast parklands, gardens, and activities. The Grantham Canal Towpath and the Woodland Path in Grantham offer accessible and enjoyable walks for all ages. For more active fun, Ancaster Leisure, a short distance away, provides activities like karting and paintball.

Where can I find a good place to eat or drink in Barkston?

In Barkston village, The Stag pub on Church Street is a local point of interest. For a cafe experience, The Crafty Cafe (also known as The Tack Room) is highly recommended, offering good food, outdoor seating, and even a 10% discount for cyclists. Along the Grantham Canal Towpath, you'll find pubs like the 'Dirty Duck' near the lock, perfect for a refreshment stop.

What kind of walking trails are available near Barkston?

You'll find a variety of walking trails. The Woodland Path in Grantham offers extensive, well-maintained walks through woodland and pasture. The Grantham Canal Towpath provides a flat, scenic route. The grounds of Belton House also feature great walks around its country park. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Barkston guide.

Is Barkston in Lincolnshire or North Yorkshire?

This guide focuses on Barkston in Lincolnshire, located about 4 miles north of Grantham. There is also a village called Barkston Ash in North Yorkshire, but the attractions and information provided here pertain to the Lincolnshire location.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Barkston?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. The extensive grounds and architecture of Belton House are a major draw, with many enjoying the walks and facilities. The tranquil and scenic routes along the Grantham Canal Towpath and through Woodland Path in Grantham are also highly valued for their accessibility and natural charm.

Are there any cycling routes near Barkston?

Yes, the Grantham Canal Towpath is a popular cycleway and forms part of National Cycle Network Route 15. While some sections are suitable for road bikes, be mindful of the surface. You can also find various MTB trails around Barkston for off-road cycling adventures.

What is the best time to visit Barkston's outdoor attractions?

The outdoor attractions around Barkston, such as Belton House and the various trails, are generally enjoyable from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and the natural landscapes are in full bloom. Summer offers longer daylight hours for exploration, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

Are there any viewpoints or places with good scenery?

The grounds of Belton House offer picturesque views of the estate, gardens, and deer park. The River Witham provides tranquil waterside scenery within Barkston village. Additionally, the Bellmount Tower, accessible via a walk from Belton House grounds, is a Grade II listed building that offers a unique point of interest.

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