Best places to visit in Lincolnshire

Beyond its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Lincolnshire has lots of fascinating heritage to discover too, including ancient castles, a majestic cathedral and the birthplace and home of Sir Isaac Newton. There are also ample vibrant market towns for days spent dipping in and out of independent boutiques and galleries, as well as plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafés to sample the county’s delicious food and drink, of course. And the locals here are notoriously friendly, so you’re sure to be greeted with a warm welcome. 

So whether you're after a serene countryside escape or an activity-packed adventure, Lincolnshire offers an abundance of things to see and do for all ages and tastes. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite places to visit in this diverse and beautiful county to help you plan your trip.

Historic attractions

Lincoln Cathedral

Standing proud in the heart of Lincoln’s historic city is Lincoln Cathedral, a spectacular example of Gothic architecture, built in the 11th century. Its awe-inspiring spires, intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows capture the building’s 900-year history and medieval past in a mesmerising way. There are extraordinary panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside from the Central Tower too, if you’re happy to climb the 300 steps to the top! Plus the cathedral has a vibrant schedule filled with enticing events and exhibitions, from ‘historic graffiti tours’ to live orchestras. If you’d like to stay a little while, Lincolnshire Cathedral Café is a lovely spot to savour a hot drink and a sweet treat overlooking the peaceful courtyard and gardens.

Woolsthorpe Manor 

Nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside is Woolsthorpe Manor, a farmhouse that was the birthplace and home of one of the most prominent figures in the scientific revolution, Sir Isaac Newton. It was here that Newton sought refuge from the Bubonic Plague in 1665, then worked for months in solitude on his groundbreaking experiments on light, optics and gravity. In fact, the famous apple tree that inspired his gravitational theory still stands in the manor’s orchard, surviving over 350 years since that all-important moment! Nowadays the site is operated by National Trust, offering visitors a chance to delve into Newton’s world, relive his experiments and get a unique glimpse into his 17th-century childhood. 

Lincoln Castle

For a historic adventure that the whole family will love, head to Lincoln Castle. In this formidable fortress you’ll find over a millennium of captivating history dating back to the 11th century, when it was built by William the Conqueror. Explore the towers and dungeons on the dramatic Medieval Wall Walk (where you’ll get great views of the Cathedral and the rest of the city too), learn about the gruesome history at the Victorian Prison and visit the iconic Magna Carta, a charter that changed the course of English history. There’s so much to discover here, you’re sure to work up an appetite too – the on-site Langton’s Café is the perfect place to refuel in the historic grounds of the castle.

Activities in nature 

The Water Rail Way Cycle Route

The Water Rail Way is a cyclist’s dream, spanning 33 miles of Lincoln’s scenic landscapes. The mostly traffic-free, purpose-built trail follows the former Lincoln to Boston railway line, starting in the city and meandering alongside tranquil waterways and stunning greenery to the tip of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It’s fairly flat too, so it’s ideal for all ages and experience levels. Look out for the viewpoints of the fenlands, artist’s sculptures and wildlife along the way, as well as the local rare breeds of Lincoln Red cattle, Lincoln Longwool sheep and Curly Coat pigs. And if you don’t have your own bikes, head to the nearby Woodhall Spa Bike Hire for all of the kit you’ll need. 

The Lincolnshire Wolds Way

This 76-mile circular walk takes in the very best of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with 216 square miles of glorious rolling hills, open farmland, peaceful valleys and charming villages. The route has been broken down into five different stages, each of which averages around six hours of walking – perfect for a day hiking in the fresh countryside air (or five whole days, if you want to complete it all!). The route starts and ends in Louth, known as the ‘Gateway to the Wolds’ and takes in breathtaking vistas, historic sites and welcoming pubs along the way. You can plan your route and download the maps here. 

Cloud Bar, Anderby Creek

For something a little different, head to Cloud Bar in the village of Anderby Creek. Since 2009 this observatory beside the sea has been proudly living up to its title of the world’s first ‘Official Cloudspotting Area’ – and it’s a wonderful place to unwind for a little while. This bar doesn’t serve drinks but rather has ‘cloud menus’ where you can learn all about the cumulonimbuses or cirruses overhead. Spend some peaceful time reclining on the specially-built cloud-viewing seats and admiring the magnificent sky, using the swivelling mirrors to explore different areas and enjoy new perspectives. And once you’re ready to get moving again, Anderby Creek’s four-mile-long sandy beach is the perfect place for a stroll in the fresh sea air. 

Hartsholme Country Park

Spread across 200 acres of stunning grounds, Hartsholme Country Park is a tranquil haven just south of the city of Lincoln. This award-winning park was originally landscaped in 1860 – and today you’ll find ornate Victorian gardens, a vast reservoir and beautiful woodlands here, making it a gorgeous spot for a gentle walk and time to connect with nature. The adjacent Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve is a habitat for all kinds of flora and fauna too, from kingfishers and butterflies to rare song thrush, bullfinches and pipistrelle bats. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, there’s also a children’s play area where they can let off some steam whilst you relax.

Independent shopping

Stamford

English towns don’t get much more picturesque than Stamford. Here almost all of the buildings are 16th and 17th century limestone; in fact, it’s the most complete stone town in England and was declared a conservation area in 1967, with whole streets unchanged for centuries and over 600 listed buildings. Stamford’s independent shopping scene is thriving too, with everything from quaint bookshops and modern fashion boutiques to artisan bakeries and traditional delis lining its historic picture-perfect streets, as well as a bustling market on a Friday. If you’re after a delicious, freshly prepared brunch or lunch to fuel your shopping trip, head to Lamberts, a gorgeous kitchen and café tucked away down one of the narrow lanes off the High Street.

Castle Square, Lincoln

On the cobbled streets in the city of Lincoln you’ll find the characterful Castle Square, nestled between the castle and the cathedral in the city’s Cathedral Quarter. There are all kinds of wonderful street markets hosted here, including the regular Farmer’s Market (every third Saturday of the month), a vibrant Maker’s Market (the first Saturday of each month from March to September) and an eclectic Antique Market (every third Sunday of the month from March to September). All offer a lovely chance to meet local producers, artists and business owners and find something unique to take home – with a beautiful backdrop of Lincoln’s historic buildings, too.

Boston

The market town of Boston has a rich heritage and is known to many as the home of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed from its dramatic coast and settled in what is now Boston, Massachusetts. It’s not just famed for its history and landscape though; Boston offers a brilliant range of boutiques, galleries and eateries, ideal for a day of independent shopping. Right in the centre of the town you’ll find Boston’s iconic open-air market every Wednesday and Saturday, an energetic shopping experience that’s been running here for hundreds of years – and the perfect place to pick up some local produce. Make sure you allow some time to visit ‘The Stump’ too, Boston’s most notable landmark and the largest church in England, towering above the town at 272 feet tall.  And to top off your day in style, why not head to The Folly for a cocktail beside the river?

Family entertainment

Wild Pines Park

Adventurous families will love Wild Pines Park, an outdoor centre near Market Rasen offering one the largest ropes courses in the UK. Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 1,000 metres of tree-top rope adventures, with exciting zip lines and swinging walkways of varying difficulties and heights – depending how much of a challenge you want to take on! Plus there’s an epic Night Time Adventure for the extra intrepid explorers. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are mini golf, archery and fun treasure-hunting trails here, as well as educational Bushcraft Experiences with outdoor instructors. You’ll want to stay for the whole day, so make sure you take a hearty picnic and a flask of hot chocolate.  

Skegness

For a traditional British day at the seaside, pack your buckets and spades and head to Skegness, one of the UK’s first seaside resorts that’s still well-loved by visitors today. Skegness’s vast Blue Flag sandy beach is one of Lincolnshire’s best, with plenty of facilities, amusements and places to buy an ice cream nearby, as well as a vintage pier and promenade to explore. When you’re finished at the beach you can visit Fantasy Island to ride the rollercoasters or Skegness Aquarium to marvel at the sharks and sea creatures. And be sure to stop at Papa’s for the ultimate seaside dish, a portion of mouthwatering fish and chips. This fourth-generation family takeaway and restaurant has won multiple awards since it opened in 1966 (including the title of ‘Britain’s Best Fish & Chips’!) so it’s an excellent choice. 

J&J Alpacas

If you’re looking for a unique family day out, try J&J Alpacas near Newark. Home to over 90 alpacas, here you can experience amazing up-close interactions with these gentle fluffy creatures. Choose from the beautiful Alpaca Trail & Woodland Wander where you can watch the animals in their paddocks, the Meet & Greet experience to get in the paddocks for feeding time, or the Alpaca Trekking Experience, an unforgettable hour-long adventure with some of the trained trekking boys. All offer plenty of opportunities for wonderful photos – and something extra special to tell your friends about when you get home! There’s an on-site coffee shop serving hot drinks and tasty food (including afternoon tea) and a charming shop where you can browse the alpaca wool products and souvenirs.

The Kinema In The Woods

The Kinema In The Woods is a privately-owned cinema dating back to 1922, tucked away in the woodlands in the village of Woodhall Spa. Showcasing everything from new releases to old classics, it’s a quirky place to go and see a film – and not just for its unusual location! Inside you’ll find retro decor, live organ performances and ice cream served in the interval. Plus it’s the only fully functioning cinema in the UK to still use back projection, so it’s steeped in nostalgia as well as eccentricity. The Kinema In The Woods is open every day except for Christmas Day so take a look at their show times to see what’s on during your visit to Lincolnshire.