The Red Lion

View prices & book 9.2 343 reviews
Pub
Pub
Our static caravans
Site layout drawing, for out guests to see our entire site and numbering system
The red lion
Outdoor washing-up area
Bathrooms refurbished in 2020
Separate ladies' and gents' toilets
Inside the shower block
1/160
Our static caravans
Site layout drawing, for out guests to see our entire site and numbering system
The red lion

  • Simple site in the grounds of a 19th-century coaching inn
  • Lincolnshire Wolds walks and Skegness within half an hour's drive
  • Pub with food; a 10-minute walk from the Aviation Heritage Centre
Hikes, wildlife and generous helpings of history are all dished up at The Red Lion, a simple site in the grounds of an old Lincolnshire inn. At a crossroads in the village of East Kirkby, The Red Lion has been refreshing travellers since 1841; more recently, it was a favoured watering hole for the men and women of Bomber Command in World War II, and the pub’s décor pays tribute to them. The staff are steeped in the history of the old coaching inn and the nearby airfield, and can point you towards the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, 10 minutes’ walk down the road and on the site of the former Royal Air Force base. The Red Lion makes a splendid base for aviation and wartime history buffs, with the heritage centre nearby and the displays and memorials of the International Bomber Command Centre a 45-minute drive away. As it’s on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds and around half an hour's drive from the coast, it’s also well placed for walks, stately home visits and wildlife watching. Most importantly, it’s at the back of a friendly pub (which has varied winter and summer opening days and hours, but is always closed on Mondays). It serves hot food alongside local beers and other refreshing tipples. Canine companions are welcome in the bar (it’d be nice if they bought a drink…) and on the site.

Site type

Touring caravan pitches 29
Tent pitches 23
Motorhome pitches 29
Caravans for hire 3
Open all year
Opens
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • The bar and/or restaurant is open between 01/01 et 31/12.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 20 or over.
  • Units longer than 9 metres are not allowed.
  • The bar is open between 01/01 and 31/12.
  • The pitches are on grass, so the ground may not be perfectly level or flat. The pub is closed on Mondays from 1st April - 3rd November and closed Monday-Wednesday from 4th November - 31st March.

Languages spoken

English

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.2

Overall rating from 343 Pitchup.com customers

  • 68%
    10
  • 3%
    9
  • 20%
    8
  • 1%
    7
  • 4%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    3
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    1
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 9
Peaceful

93% would recommend this site to a friend

91% would stay here again

What customers say

Great, well-run campsite with decent spots and clean ablutions. The pub gets a big thumbs up for its lekker food and vibe. Aviation Centre nearby is a plus. Some facilities might need a refresh, but most visitors loved it and want to come back.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 35
Arrival date (latest first)

Would stay again

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
Kimberley I.

2 bedroom static caravan (four person)

Liked Really lovely quiet site well maintained with a nice children’s play area. We had static caravan No.2 which was slightly elevated making it seem quite private. Was very clean and tidy So we had a lovely couple of days

Disliked Steps to the caravan were too steep and not deep enough Had to very careful No we are not too old !!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Big site with great local history and nice views, lovely pub

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 6
Wifi
 10
Gemma O.

Electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Stayed for 3 days, we was on plot 10, next to the park which we thought was great for our 3 kids, the park was really nice, clean and welcoming, we was aware it had been updated and we thought it looked great, parking spaces was a good size right across from our tent so easy access, the acces codes for the toilets and entry was a brilliant idea, and gave us a sense of safety too, the pitch was a good size however it did have some holes but we made it work, as no pitch can be perfect and we did go towards end of season so I expect uneven pitches from regular uses,
The pub we popped in for a drink and honestly it was such a perfect old classic type pub, 40p for pool table! Bargain we had a couple of games and enjoyed it, the Sunday dinner smelt and looked beautiful and we deeply regret not booking in for food, the decor of the pub and beer that was served gave of the lovely idea of supporting local businesses in terms of the beer served, it’s nice to see a pub which still holds tradition in comparison to crappy weather spoons

Disliked Been so close to the park did have its downfall, 6 in the morning and kids from a few pitches over thought it was a Great time to bounce scream n shout, again we made it work, sadly that is the parents fault and not the campsite owners at all, so when I do stay again I would try and get a pitch away from the park just for that reason, the toilet and showers was usable but I wouldn’t say clean, the floor was only mopped on the Monday as we left but it hadn’t from what I noticed been done since, tampon product bin was over flowing still so I wouldn’t say great standereds in terms of that. however I used it it did the job and they was toilet paper at all times so win win , we were out in nature I wouldn’t expect 5** especially with the rain which just made the floor look filthy so yeah it is what it is, and I did the clean the sink just because 😂 didn’t use the showers so can’t comment,
We did have an issue with the electric tripping with the rain, but didn’t need to alert the owners as this was an easy fix which my partner just flipped the switch and we was back on no issues really, again we expect this as it happens at home,

Recommend to friends Visit again

No toliet shower dirty

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 1
Value for money
 1
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 1
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 1
Wifi
 1
Neil C.

Non-electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Was nice to stay

Disliked Toliet and showers was not clean
Food was reckon
Drinks had take bk few times
Online they said they did drinks and food but when there didn't do any of them
Wouldn't stay there again
Worse thing ever
Staff was very nasty

Recommend to friends Visit again

Absolutely fabulous. Checked in easy…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 8
Nigel E.

Electric hardstanding and grass touring pitch (deluxe)

Liked Absolutely fabulous. Checked in easy enough and plenty of space to pitch up. Highly recommend. The Red lion nearby is a bonus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Worth a visit.

Overall

6 out of 10
Location
 6
Value for money
 6
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 4
Customer service
 4
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 6
Carol C.

Electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Nice size pitch and clean ladies facilities. We didn’t get to eat in the pub but we will return again. Not expensive.

Disliked Very dusty and gravelly underfoot. Loads of muck trod into our motorhome. Gents facilities were disgusting but that’s probably due to the type of campers there at the time.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site absolutely loved it so Much…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Great site absolutely loved it so
Much we booked to stay another night
Highly recommended and the pub was great also with really good food!

Disliked Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

Handy small site.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 9
Verne S.

Non-electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Large pitch , quiet. Near to air museum.

Disliked Non

Recommend to friends Visit again

Location…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 9
Steve G.

Non-electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Location

Recommend to friends Visit again

Had a great time

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Gary M.

Electric grass and earth pitch

Liked Friendly staff at the pub and shop nice quiet site people are so friendly. Great for walks and access to the coast. 16 amp electrics and great value. The pub so close is ideal and serve great beer

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

all good,as usual,see you next year,(stayed 3 times this year )

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Keith C.

Non-electric grass and earth pitch

Liked new hand dryer in shower block and the new WIFI booster further down the field .toilet/shower block cleaned often.all good .

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site cafe On-site restaurant On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Shop nearby

Type

Pub campsite Small (11-25 pitches)

Accessibility

Accessible parking at pitch Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Bathrooms: Step-free access

Nearby leisure

Restaurant nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Water hook-up points for tourers

Location

The Red Lion

Fen Road

East Kirkby

Spilsby

Lincolnshire

England

PE23 4DB

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

53.14027°N
0.00664°W

Nearest transport

Coach
10.6 km Interchange Shelter
11.5 km War Memorial
11.5 km War Memorial
Rail
13.9 km Thorpe Culvert Rail Station
16.6 km Wainfleet Rail Station
18.1 km Boston Rail Station

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

With the chalk hills and sandstone peaks of the Wolds so close, walkers and cyclists are particularly well sorted. A 15-minute drive away, Horncastle is a handy point to join the Viking Way: 147 miles of country trails linking the banks of the Humber with the wetlands around Rutland Water. For a more detailed look at the Wolds, take the Lindsey Trail from Horncastle up to Market Rasen (45 minutes by car), a far-from-flat route of around 80 miles passing through a landscape of ancient woodlands, Neolithic long barrows and fenland views. If the sea’s more your style set course for Skegness, half an hour away, for pier and beach walks, sandcastle building and trips to the Natureland Seal Sanctuary. The same distance away but rather quieter, the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is a wild stretch of coastline crisscrossed with walks and bike trails, visited by skylarks and terns, brent geese and snow bunting. If you’re up for a stately home or two, you can’t get much more stately than the sturdy brick towers of 15th-century Tattershall Castle (15 minutes), while 18th-century Gunby Hall (20 minutes) is sometimes compared to a (very large) dolls’ house.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Skegness 23.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Ingoldmells South 24.7 km Sea GoodGoodExcellentExcellent
Chapel St Leonards 24.9 km Sea GoodExcellentExcellentExcellent
Anderby 25.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Moggs Eye 26.2 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace 36.8 km

Lincoln Cathedral 36.9 km

Lincoln Castle 37 km

Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens 40.7 km

Belton House 46.4 km

National Trust

Gunby Hall Estate: Monksthorpe Chapel 11.3 km

Tattershall Castle 13.3 km

Gunby Hall 14 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

REVESBY ABBEY 2.3 km

Battle of Winceby, 1643 6.8 km

Snipedales - Ashby Puerorum - Hagworthingham Circular 6.9 km

Hagworthingham - Sausthorpe - Hundleby Circular 7 km

SCRIVELSBY COURT 7.3 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Lincolnshire?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does The Red Lion have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Red Lion dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near The Red Lion? With the chalk hills and sandstone peaks of the Wolds so close, walkers and cyclists are particularly well sorted. A 15-minute drive away, Horncastle is a handy point to join the Viking … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Red Lion?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  4 p.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Red Lion? From R405,66 (for 1 night, 6 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.