Camping in Kirkby-on-Bain

Lincolnshire does not offer the wild, open-access camping found in parts of Scotland: in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law, so a pitch on private land, a certified site or a campsite is the way to stay near Kirkby-on-Bain. The countryside itself, however, suits camping well. The land around the village is gently flat river valley, giving way a few miles north to the rolling chalk of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with quiet lanes and bridleways that reward those camping nearby with a base for cycling and walking rather than driving between sights.

Small caravan and camping sites are dotted through the villages around the Bain valley and towards Woodhall Spa and Horncastle, many run as farm diversifications with a handful of pitches rather than large holiday parks, which suits the low-key character of the area. Facilities vary from basic touring pitches with electric hook-up to more developed sites with shower blocks, so it is worth checking what is provided before booking, especially outside the main season. Glamping has also taken hold in this part of Lincolnshire, with shepherd's huts, pods and safari tents offering a more comfortable alternative to a tent while keeping campers close to the Wolds and the coast.

Late spring through to early autumn is the best window for camping here, when the ground is drier and daylight hours longer for walking and cycling; the Wolds can be exposed and the valley low-lying, so waterproof kit is worth carrying even in summer. Winter camping is possible on sites with all-weather facilities but is a minority pursuit in this flat, open part of the county, and many smaller sites close for the season. Whatever time of year, booking ahead is sensible, as the best-placed small sites near Woodhall Spa and Horncastle fill up around golf and antiques events.