The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa has a layered history: it began as an Edwardian country home, served as a First World War military hospital, and later became the Officers’ Mess for the Dambusters’ 617 Squadron. Today, the hotel markets itself as the “Home of the Dambusters” (official website) and invites guests to enjoy afternoon tea in its landscaped gardens. This article draws on official sources, guest reviews, and local tourism data to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Last checked: 2026-06-23
Location: Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, England · Gardens: 30 acres of award-winning landscaped gardens · Dining: Award-winning dining, afternoon tea · History: Dambusters connection (RAF 617 Squadron) · Contact phone: 01526 352411 · Contact email: hello@petwood.co.uk
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-23.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Sainsbury’s Magazine, Visit Lincolnshire, RAF heritage feature.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no primary pricing survey.
Petwood Hotel at a glance
- Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6QG – “Home of the Dambusters” (Visit Lincolnshire)
- Built by Lady Grace Weigall; gardens designed by Harold Peto (Petwood Hotel official site)
- WWI military hospital; WWII Officers’ Mess for 617 Squadron (official site; RAF feature)
- Check-in 3 PM; check-out 11 AM; phone 01526 352411 (Hotels.com; Visit Lincolnshire)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, England |
| Gardens | Acres of award-winning landscaped gardens (Visit Lincolnshire) |
| Dining | Award-winning dining, afternoon tea |
| History | Dambusters connection (RAF 617 Squadron) (official site) |
| Contact phone | 01526 352411 |
| Contact email | hello@petwood.co.uk |
Stats insights
- The hotel’s gardens span acres of award-winning grounds, with seasonal blooms and a memorial area (official site).
- Booking.com listings show 2026 prices for rooms and packages (Booking.com).
- Guest reviews on Tripadvisor are current through 2026.
- Starting rates for a double room were quoted at about £120 per night including breakfast (Sainsbury’s Magazine, 2023).
What is the history of the Petwood hotel?
The story begins long before the Dambusters. The estate was originally linked to a failed coal mine venture in 1811, which later gave way to a country house (official Facebook video). The Petwood building itself was constructed in the early 1900s as the home of Lady Grace Weigall, an Edwardian baroness and society hostess. Its Tudor-to-Jacobean architecture, including a hand-carved oak staircase, was designed to impress.
During the First World War, the house was converted into a military hospital with wards and an operating theatre. After the war it returned to private use before being taken over by the War Office in the Second World War.
The Dambusters connection
In the Second World War, Petwood became the Officers’ Mess for No. 617 Squadron, the RAF unit tasked with the famous Dambusters raids. Wing Commander Guy Gibson led the squadron during Operation Chastise in May 1943, which targeted German dams using Barnes Wallis’s “bouncing bomb” (RAF heritage feature). The hotel’s Squadron Bar occupies the same space where the officers gathered; today it displays wartime memorabilia including photographs, uniforms and a replica bouncing bomb.
World War II era
Beyond the raid itself, Petwood remained a hub for 617 Squadron throughout the war. A memorial garden on the grounds contains further tributes to the squadron and serves as a space for reflection. The hotel continues to host commemorative events, talks and reunions related to the RAF, reinforcing its role as a living memorial.
How much is afternoon tea at the Petwood hotel?
The hotel promotes afternoon tea as one of the main reasons to visit, alongside strolling the gardens. Pricing for afternoon tea is not fixed in public reviews, but the official website lists current packages. The experience typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and cakes. One Tripadvisor reviewer described it as “lovely” and noted the “very olde world” décor and “lovely memorabilia re Dambusters” (Tripadvisor review).
“Lovely Afternoon Tea … very olde world décor and lovely memorabilia re Dambusters.”
Who owns Petwood Hotel Woodhall Spa?
Ownership details are not prominently displayed on the hotel’s public materials, but the property operates year-round as a commercial hotel. It is privately owned and managed as part of a small collection of properties. The official website is run by Petwood Hotel Limited, and the hotel is listed as a going concern with active contact details and booking systems.
What time is check in at the Petwood hotel?
Check-in starts at 3:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. The hotel also enforces a minimum check-in age of 18.
Check-out time
As noted, check-out is 11:00 AM. Guests arriving early can often leave luggage with reception, and the gardens are open all year to visitors regardless of check-in time.
How many rooms does the Petwood Hotel have?
The hotel does not publicly list an exact room count, but it offers a range of accommodation types. The official website lists categories including Classic Double, Superior Double, Four-Poster Room, and Suite, some with garden or golf-course views. Traditional country house hotels of this size typically have between 40 and 60 rooms, and Petwood’s website suggests multiple room configurations across the main house and grounds.
Room types and facilities
Rooms are furnished in period style, with oak-panelled walls, grand staircase access, and many overlooking the Harold Peto gardens. Some guests have described certain rooms as “very average” for the price, while others praise the “breathtaking exterior” (Booking.com reviews; Hotels.com review).
“A fabulous hotel with breathtaking exterior and gardens … lovely afternoon tea.”
Pros and cons of staying at Petwood Hotel
What guests consistently praise
- Rich Dambusters history – Squadron Bar and memorial garden are unique attractions
- Beautiful, award-winning gardens designed by Harold Peto
- Well-regarded afternoon tea and dining
- Adjacent to golf course, set in quiet countryside
What some guests find disappointing
- Room quality can be inconsistent – some described as “average” for the price (Booking.com)
- Service occasionally described as ambivalent
- Location is quiet – those seeking nightlife or urban amenities may find it too remote
Pricing band
Petwood Hotel positions itself in the mid-to-premium range for the Lincolnshire countryside. A double or twin room with full English breakfast was quoted at around £120 per night (Sainsbury’s Magazine, 2023). Afternoon tea packages and special-occasion rates (such as Dambusters anniversary stays) may be higher. For the most current pricing, check the official website or a booking platform.
Location and getting there
The Petwood Hotel sits on Stixwould Road in the spa town of Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. The property is adjacent to a golf course, and the town centre – with its Dambusters Memorial and other heritage attractions – is within walking distance (local Facebook post; Hotels.com).
Woodhall Spa is roughly 20 miles south-east of Lincoln, accessible by car via the A153 and A15. The nearest mainline railway station is Lincoln, with connections to Newark and London. Local bus services serve the village.
Alternatives in the area
Woodhall Spa offers a handful of other accommodation options. The Golf Hotel is a nearby alternative with similar golf-course access. For a smaller, more modern stay, several guesthouses and self-catering cottages are available in the village. However, none match Petwood’s combination of Edwardian heritage and Dambusters history.
Our pick: who should stay at Petwood Hotel?
History enthusiasts – especially those with an interest in WWII aviation, the Dambusters, or Bomber Command – will find Petwood unmatched. The Squadron Bar and memorial garden offer a tangible connection to 617 Squadron that few hotels can claim.
Afternoon tea seekers will enjoy the Edwardian setting and garden views, though the experience may feel more traditional than trendy.
Couples looking for a romantic stay may appreciate the quiet grounds and period charm, but should be aware that some rooms and service levels have drawn mixed reviews.
For travellers who prioritise modern luxury, consistent service, or a lively town centre, a hotel in Lincoln or a contemporary spa resort might be a better fit.
“Sprawled at the end of a long gravel drive in gorgeous Edwardian gardens … a sense of more gentle days gone by.”
Timeline of key events at the Petwood estate
- 1811 – Failed coal mine venture on the site (official Facebook video)
- Early 1900s – Country house built for Lady Grace Weigall; gardens designed by Harold Peto
- 1914–1918 – House converted into a military hospital
- 1943 – 617 Squadron (Dambusters) formed; Petwood becomes their Officers’ Mess (RAF feature)
- Post-war – Converted into a hotel, retains Dambusters memorabilia and gardens
- Present – Operating as a heritage hotel with afternoon tea, weddings, and RAF commemorations
Related reading: The Royal Hotel Cookstown: Afternoon Tea, Amenities & History · Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Photos: FAQs and More
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Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number for Petwood Hotel?
The hotel’s phone number is 01526 352411 (Visit Lincolnshire).
What is the email address for Petwood Hotel?
You can contact the hotel at hello@petwood.co.uk.
What is the architectural style of Petwood Hotel?
The building is Tudor‑to‑Jacobean in style and features a hand‑carved oak staircase inside.
Is the Petwood Hotel adjacent to a golf course?
Yes, the property is described as being adjacent to a golf course, consistent with Woodhall Spa’s reputation as a golf destination.
Is it cheaper to book directly with Petwood Hotel?
Current rates are listed on both the official Petwood Hotel website and on third-party booking sites such as Hotels.com; checking multiple sources before booking is advisable (Booking.com).