Things to do in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire offers the ideal location for a memorable holiday. With scenic rolling hills, plenty of beauty spots but also culture, history, and plenty of places to explore.
Here are our top things to do in Lincolnshire.
Seal Spotting at Donna Nook Nature Reserve
Spanning over 6 miles of unspoiled coastline between Saltfleet and Grainthorpe, the Donna Nook Nature Reserve gets a little busier in the wintertime as that is when grey seals come ashore to give birth to their pups.
The main car park is only open during seal season (October to December) and is £5 per car for all-day parking. Dogs are not permitted in the seal viewing areas.
The Ministry of Defence does have a bombing target area in the reserve and visitors are advised not to enter the area under any circumstance while there are red flags flying.
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Belton Park for Deer
Belton Park has been home to wild deer for over 300 years! It is a great day out for the family and plenty to see and do for kids and grown-ups.
The deer can be seen from plenty of walks across the parks, make sure you have your camera ready to capture these magnificent creatures.
Breeding season is from the last week of September to the middle of November; this is when competition is fierce, and you are likely to hear the males roaring to attract a mate.
The adventure play park was renovated in 2015 and has something for all ages, including zip wires tube slides, and climbing towers.
The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm. There are several cafes and kiosks for food and snacks. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Here is everything else you need to know before visiting Belton Park
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
It was opened to the public in 1988 by Lincolnshire farmers Fred and Harold Panton, as a memorial to their older brother, Christopher Whitton Panton, who died during the Second World War.
There are many artifacts on show including military vehicles, the control room, the hanger, and a selection of aircraft including an Avro Lancashire bomber.
The Lancashire bomber is one of only 3 working bombers, worldwide. You can even book a taxy ride.
The museum is open year-round Tuesday – Saturday, except Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Opening times are 10am-5pm Summertime (Easter Weekend- Last Weekend in October) and 10am- 4pm Wintertime (Last Monday in October – Easter Weekend).
Entry fees are Adults – £9.50, Senior Citizens (60 yrs+)- £8.50, Children (6- 15 yrs) – £3.50, Under 5’s – FREE, Family- (2a + 2c)- £24.00, Additional child- £2.50, Forces discount- £8.50.
Lincoln Cathedral
Construction of Lincoln Cathedral commenced in 1072, some historians believe that it became the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1311.
Lincoln Cathedral was built in the early gothic style and is spectacular. There is lots to see inside and out, but we would recommend that you keep your eye open for the Lincoln Imp.
Folk stories tell that the Lincoln Imp was a naughty little creature, causing havoc all around the Midlands. When he and his friends arrived at Lincoln Cathedral, some angels had had quite enough and turned him into stone to make an example of him.
The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday – 10am to 4pm and Sundays – 12noon to 3pm. Admission is Adult: £9.00* Concession: £7.20* Children: £4.80* (5-16 Years – Under 5 Years Free) Family: £20.80* (2 Adults and up to 3 Children).
While visiting the cathedral, make sure you take a walk-through Steep Hill, a beautiful street with independent shops, tea rooms, and restaurants. It makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.
Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island opened in 1993 and is home to over 40 different rides and attractions. It’s the perfect place to visit for the whole family and caters to thrill-seekers and those who prefer something a bit gentler such as mini-golf.
We recommend buying a wristband if you want to make the most of the rides, as there isn’t usually much queuing, you can ride as much as you want.
Opening times and pricing varies depending on your height and the time of year, we recommend visiting their opening times and prices page for the latest information.
Photos kindly supplied by Fantasy Island
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle is a Norman castle constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068. The site was originally occupied by a Roman fortress. The castle is one of only two castles in the country that has two mottes.
The castle is a symbol of power and punishment and is home to one of only 4 original 1215 Magna Cartas.
Some of the highlights include a medieval walk around the towers and dungeons, a visit to the Victorian prison and the Magna Carter, which changed the course of history.
Lincoln Castle is open 7 days per week from 10am to 5pm.
Ticket options vary depending on what you would like to see, visit their tickets page for details.
Cleethorpes beach
Cleethorpes is a Blue Flag awarded beach near Grimsby. The waters are of excellent quality and the long stretch of picturesque coastline and sandy beach is perfect for relaxing or having a swim/paddle.
There is a variety of attractions including amusement arcades, bowling, and crazy golf. There are plenty of cafes and food and drink kiosks and the popular Lollipop Land Train makes regular trips up and down the seafront during the summer months.
The queues for fish and chips can be quite long, so we would recommend taking a cool bag and a picnic. Be sure to dispose of your litter correctly or take it home with you.
Tattershall Castle
In 1231 Robert de Tateshale received a licence from King Henry III to build a crenelated manor house out of stone at Tattershall. The castle consisted of a great hall, kitchens, gatehouse, and a chapel defended by a curtain wall and surrounded by a single moat. It is one of the earliest surviving examples of medieval brickwork.
There are beautiful walks around Tattershall, where you can take in views of the castle and fenlands.
A visit to the great tower is a must, take the winding staircase and take in the fine views of the Lincolnshire countryside.
The castle is open to visit Wednesdays – Sundays between 11am and 4pm. Entry costs £5 for adults, £2.50 for children, £12.50 for a family, and £7.50 for 1 adult and 3 children.
Doddington Hall & Gardens
Doddington Hall is a privately owned Elizabethan-era mansion with Flemish tapestries, walled gardens, and café/shops.
The gardens consist of the east front, the west garden, the cutting garden, the wild garden, and the kitchen garden, where the produce is used on the menus and is for sale in the farm shop. For many, the gardens as just as spectacular as the hall itself.
The hall was Begun in 1595 by Robert Smythson, one of England’s foremost Elizabethan Architects, Doddington Hall was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared out since. They have an amazing collection of art and tapestry.
The hall, gardens, and shops have varying opening times and prices, we recommend visiting the opening times page for up-to-date prices and opening times.
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway is a heritage railway based at Ludborough station and is the only standard gauge steam railway in Lincolnshire open to the public. You don’t have to be a train buff to enjoy a day out here.
You can ride on the train, visit the museum, or enjoy something to eat at the Steaming Kettle Buffet. We recommend taking a guided tour of the engine shed to get a glimpse behind the scenes and see the work that is carried out on site.
RSPB Frampton Marsh
One of the UK’s most spectacular locations for wildlife, The Wash is a bay and estuary where Lincolnshire meets Norfolk. Frampton Marsh offers one of the best places to see all kinds of amazing Avian’s, including avocets, brent geese, lapwings, redshanks, and more.
There are all kinds of seasonal highlights to enjoy throughout the year too. You can even experience the wild nightlife on the Big Wild Sleepout!
Opening times:
Car parks and trails: open daily, at all times
Toilets: open daily, 10am – 4pm
Visitor Centre: open daily, 10am – 4pm
Café: open daily, 10am-4pm (light refreshments only, limited indoor seating)
Hides: open daily, at all times.
Entry is free to RSPB members and £3 for adults, £1.50 for children 5-17 and under 5’s are free.
We love Lincolnshire and this is just the tip of the iceberg on what to see and do. It is a place that you can visit repeatedly and discover something new every time. If we have inspired you to visit and you need somewhere to stay, be sure to check out Landal Kenwick Woods.
Landal Kenwick Woods is set within a beautiful mature woodland that surrounds the secluded 320-acre 19th century Kenwick Park Estate. Ideally placed within the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds.
