One of the largest counties in England, Lincolnshire is home to a host of natural and man-made landscapes. From the beautiful old heart of Lincoln City, with its striking medieval castle and neighbouring cathedral, to the lights and sounds of its seaside towns, there is a wide variety of attractions to suit all manner of tastes. The size of the area also allows for a range of different environments, whether that be the huge open skies and iron-board flat terrain of the fenlands, the gentle rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, or the mile after mile of sandy beaches. These are just some of the great spots you can visit:
1. Donna Nook
Lincolnshire’s coast is famously sandy, making it perfect for people and animals alike. And Donna Nook is a particular highlight in the northeast of the county thanks to its close association with seals. These charismatic marine mammals rear their pups at this popular site every year – typically late October through December. The easy to spot youngsters with their white coats – a camouflage throw back to the days of the last ice age – are cute enough to melt the stoniest of hearts. Just make sure not to stray close to the animals, as mothers will abandon their pups and leave them to starve if they sense any human interference. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which manages this nature reserve, sets up safe viewpoints from which to watch the seals though, so if you stick to them and follow the on-site instructions, you’ll be fine.
Donna Nook National Nature Reserve
Address: Marsh Lane, Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, LN11 7PD
Contact: +44 1507 526667 or email info@lincstrust.co.uk
Website: Donna Nook National Nature Reserve
2. Gibraltar Point
Another great coastal spot from which to watch wildlife and drink in the huge skies of the flat fens, Gibraltar Point sits at the entrance to The Wash, a wide inlet that separates Lincolnshire from Norfolk. The Wash’s notorious shallow waters and sandbars may be a mariner’s nightmare, but they are paradise for birds, many of which nest or feed in the area. Gibraltar Point, which is located just three miles (4.8 km) south of Skegness, is home to a number of lovely low level walks and saltwater lagoons. Bird hides are dotted liberally about the place, so twitchers will be in heaven. The brand new visitor centre – which sits on stilts and replaced one badly damaged during a tidal surge in late 2013 – is home to a cafe and shop.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Price: Site is free. Car parking is 1 GBP (1.32 USD) for two hours, or 3 GBP (3.95 USD) for the whole day.
Opening Hours: Reserve open all day. Visitor centre open 10 am to 3 pm. May open later during busier periods.
Access: Located three miles (4.8 km) south of Skegness. From Lumley Road turn into Drummond Road (the junction is close to Skegness Clock Tower) and then follow the road until you reach the reserve’s two car parks.
Contact: +44 1507 526667 or email info@lincstrust.co.uk
3. Boston
No, before you ask, not THAT one. Boston in Lincolnshire, from which its more famous American cousin gets its name, is a charming market town in the south of the county. As well as being the place where the Pilgrims of US fame first set off, the town is also home to St. Botolph’s Church with its huge tower – the tallest of any non-cathedral building in England. Affectionately known to locals simply as The Stump, the church is visible for tens of miles around thanks to its height and the surrounding fenland’s low lying terrain. The town is home to a host of charming buildings, as well as a bustling open-air market, which runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The Boston Stump Tower Experience
Address: St. Botolph’s Church, Church St, Boston PE21 6NW
Price: Adults 5 GBP (6.58 USD); Under 18s go free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 3.30 pm; Sundays 1 pm to 3.30 pm (church is open longer hours – check website)
Contact: +44 1205 310929 or email admin@parishofboston.co.uk
Nearby Food: Site operates a coffee shop which is open 10 am to 3.30 pm from Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday)
Website: St. Botolph’s Church
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4. The Lincolnshire Wolds
An officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the gentle rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds are home to an ancient castle ruin with royal connections. Bolingbroke Castle, which is free to visit, sits on the southern edge of the Wolds and was the birthplace of King Henry IV. The picturesque town of Spilsby was also the home of Sir John Franklin, who led an infamously ill-fated bid to find the Northwest Passage through the Arctic waters of North America in the 19th century. The Wolds are also home to the Snipe Dales nature reserve, which has a number of charming walks, and gives visitors the chance to stand astride the divide between the planet’s Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The invisible meridian line which separates them passes through the middle of the reserve and is marked by a small monument.
The Lincolnshire Wolds
Contact: +44 1522 555780 or email aonb@lincswolds.org.uk
Website: The Lincolnshire Wolds
5. Lincoln Castle
This truly spectacular castle stands sentinel on a hill overlooking the historic city of Lincoln, which dates back to Roman times. The castle, which is a World Heritage Site, is a relative upstart by comparison- - dating back to the 11th century – and was built on the site of the original Roman fort. Besides the impressive stone edifice, the castle is home to a true British treasure: one of four original copies of the famous Magna Carta of 1215. This symbol of liberty first enshrined the idea that monarchs were not all-powerful, ultimately kick-starting the arduous centuries-long journey towards democracy. Its influence is felt worldwide and is even thought to have influenced the American Founding Fathers. Those who visit will want to check out the museum, which explores the Magna Carta’s legacy, and also take a walk on the castle’s battlements, which offer fine views of the majestic Lincoln Cathedral. Speaking of which…
Lincoln Castle
Address: Lincoln Castle, Castle Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AA
Price: Adult 13.50 GBP (17.78 USD); Concession 11 GBP (14.48 USD); Children 7.20 GBP (9.48 USD): Under 5s go free; Family ticket 34.20 GBP (45.03 USD). Prices are for ‘all inclusive’ visit. Other rates available.
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 4 pm (October to March) and 10 am to 5 pm (April to September)
Contact: +44 1522 554559
Website: Lincoln Castle
6. Lincoln Cathedral
Located a stone’s throw from Lincoln Castle, among the beautiful cobbled streets of the ancient town, sits the stunning Lincoln Cathedral. Its imposing edifice is a magnificent example of a Norman cathedral building and was the tallest building in the world for 238 years, outstripping even the ancient Pyramids of Giza in height. And when it finally lost its crown in 1549 it was not because it was usurped by a new building, but simply because the spire on its main tower collapsed in a fierce storm. Indeed, it wasn’t until the Washington Monument in 1884 that another building surpassed the lost spire’s original 160 metre (~525 ft) height. The spire’s tower still remains today, although the record-breaking spire itself was never replaced. The interior of the cathedral is as equally impressive as its majestic exterior.
Lincoln Cathedral
Address: Lincoln Cathedral, 4 Priorygate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1PL
Price: Adult 8 GBP (10.53 USD); Concession 6.40 GBP (8.43 USD); Children (aged five to 16 years) 4.80 GBP (6.32 USD); Under fives go free; Family (two adults and up to three children) 20.80 GBP (27.39 USD)
Opening Hours: Opens 7.15 am daily. Closing times vary from 5 pm to 8 pm depending on day and time of year (check website)
Contact: +44 1522 561 600 or email visitors@lincolncathedral.com
Website: Lincoln Cathedral
7. Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
But it is not just medieval history that will enchant a visitor to Lincolnshire. The low-lying terrain of this county, coupled with its relative proximity to mainland Europe, meant that many an airfield operated in Lincolnshire during World War II. One of these is the home of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby near Spilsby – the largest Bomber Command museum in Britain. It is home to a Lancaster bomber – named Just Jane – which carries out taxi runs for aircraft enthusiasts. Sci-fi fans will also be interested to know that this impressive Lancaster bomber has a connection to Doctor Who, as it appears on the show’s 2011 Christmas special.
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
Address: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 4DE
Price: Adults 8 GBP (10.53 USD); Senior citizens 7 GBP (9.22 USD); Children (aged six to 15 years) 3 GBP (3.95 USD); Under fives go free; Family (two adults and two children) 20 GBP (26.33 USD); Every extra child 2 GBP (2.63 USD)
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm (winter hours) or 9.30 am to 5 pm (summer hours). Closed Sundays.
Contact: +44 1790 763207 or email enquiries@lincsaviation.co.uk
8. Heckington Windmill
The low lying fens of Lincolnshire are incredibly fertile farmland, but much of them would be swampy if not for the extensive system of drains/waterways and windmill pumping stations that dot the area. A number of these impressive windmills are still visible today, from Alford to Burgh le Marsh to Boston. But if you had to choose just one to visit during your trip, then the windmill at Heckington is the one to beat – it is unique in being the only working eight-sided windmill on the planet. As well as tours and a shop, the site is also home to its own brewery, which opened in 2010 and has already won awards.
Heckington Windmill
Address: Heckington Windmill, Hale Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9JW
Price: Adult 5 GBP (6.58); Children (age five to 18) 3 GBP (3.95 USD); Under fives go free
Opening Hours: Hours vary. Check website.
Contact: +44 1529 461919 or email enquiries@heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
Website: Heckington Windmill
9. Skegness and Ingoldmells
Lincolnshire’s sandy beaches make it a go-to destination for many people living in England’s Midlands. Skegness, in particular, is one of the most well-known Victorian seaside resort towns in Britain and is famous for the Jolly Fisherman – a cheery character who adorned an iconic railway poster promoting the town for its ‘bracing’ sea air. A statue of him can be found near the seafront, close to the town’s popular clock tower, such is the affection he is held in among locals. The nearby village of Ingoldmells is famous for being the site of the first ever Butlin’s holiday camp in Britain, and still plies its trade to this day. The nearby amusement park of Fantasy Island is also very popular and perfect for thrill seekers.
Fantasy Island
Address: Fantasy Island, Sea Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 1RH
Opening Hours: Hours vary depending on time of year (check website)
Contact: +44 1754 615842 or email enquiries@fantasyislandresort.co.uk
Website: Fantasy Island
Something for everyone
With such a rich variety of destinations and activities on offer, there’s something for everyone in Lincolnshire, be it history, happy times, or delightfully cute sea life.
History
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