The Durham Ox
Thimbleby, Horncastle LN9 5RB, UK
View on Google MapsA campsite near Horncastle
About The Durham Ox
Tucked behind a traditional country pub in the village of Thimbleby, this tiny caravan park offers just a handful of electric hook-up pitches on grass and gravel – perfect if you're after a peaceful base for exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds. The real draw here is The Durham Ox itself, where campers get a discount on hearty pub classics. Diners rave about the generous portions – the cow pie and Sunday roasts are particular favourites – plus there's a warm, welcoming atmosphere and staff who go out of their way to accommodate dietary requests. In winter, there's a roaring fire in the snug; in summer, the beer garden beckons.
Do note the pub closes Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. The market town of Horncastle is just five minutes away for any essentials, and you're well placed for day trips to Lincoln Cathedral or the coast at Skegness.
Photos
Photos via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious and generously portioned food, especially the cow pie, Sunday roast, and desserts. They also highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the friendly, attentive staff. Guests mention the excellent service, including accommodating dietary requests, and the good value for money.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Pitch types
- Electric optional grass and gravel touring pitch
Pitch details as listed by the booking provider — availability and exact pricing shown at checkout.
Hook-up
Facilities
On-site dining
Takeaway & food delivery
Handy if you fancy a night off cooking — here's what delivers near this site.
Just Eat — 2 takeaways deliver to this postcode (LN9 5RB)
Premier - Louth Convenience Store
5.0 · Groceries, Alcohol
Lincolnshire Co-Operative - Horncastle
Groceries, Convenience
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on justeat.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Deliveroo — 1 restaurant nearby
Premier Louth Convenience Store
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on deliveroo.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Tesco, Horncastle under a mile
- Co-op, Horncastle under a mile
- Sainsbury's, Spilsby 10 miles
- Morrisons, Louth 12.1 miles
- Aldi, Louth 12.3 miles
- Lidl, Lincoln 15.6 miles
- Asda, Lincoln 15.9 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Sunday
- 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
What visitors say
We enjoyed our Christmas Day Lunch very much indeed. We knew of the pub's reputation and were glad when a cancellation came up. It was our first time there, and we weren't disappointed. Decorations, music, food and informal, cheerful service were all excellent and well balanced. We got the sweetest little doggy bag 😋. The sunshine in the conservatory section was the icing on the cake. We will be back. 😃
7 months ago · via Google
I remember when the Durham Ox was a name associated with good food..... But how far they have fallen. Sad times indeed. If you have booked the Christmas menu cancel now before it's too late, if you haven't and are thinking about it save yourself the disappointment. My turkey was 2.5 triple cooked processed slices (never seen that before lol) whilst the rest of the plate has been nuked in the microwave. My partner had the toughest piece of cod ever (reheated or twice cooked who knows) with sweet potato chunks. Oh and a curry sauce? Even the drinks had been watered down by the taste of them ( pear cider and zero% Guinness) I do feel sorry for the lovely serving staff though, jolly and happy as always. But it was clear from their demeanor they knew what they were serving was awful too and far from the old standards. And shop bought dry sponge dessert....really? RIP Durham Ox.
7 months ago · via Google
Popped in after a walk in the Wolds, we had no reservation but were greeted warmly and given a table. We had a Sunday roast which was gorgeous and biscoff brownies for dessert, also stunning. Really enjoyed our food and the service was lovely. Thank you!
7 months ago · via Google
Having booked a table for 4 people on Saturday evening (18 July) we had a fantastic experience with dining here. Jacqui and her staff are brilliant hosts. They checked on us regularly and nothing was too much trouble. The meals were so delicious and very flavoursome. Look after the chef, he’s worth his weight in gold. A lot of places I/we have eaten in doesn’t come close to the high standard we received from the staff of the Durham Ox. A great experience from a lovely country pub. Many thanks, Sheldon West.
2 weeks ago · via Google
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