Places to visit in Lincolnshire

Begin your Lincoln adventure in style, tucking into sweet or savoury Belgian creations and delicious coffee at Madame Waffle. This family-run cafe has been going strong since 2015, wooing punters with crisp confections whose toppings range from the healthy (avocado and sliced vine tomatoes; fresh fruit; peanut butter and banana) to the hedonistic: hello, Oreo Waffle!

An unmissable feat of architecture, Lincoln Cathedral has been towering over the city and county for more than 950 years. At one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, discover the intricate work indoors on a floor tour, or climb the steep steps for a Tower Tour (Saturdays only). Close to the Cathedral, the Medieval Bishops’ Palace has mysterious ruins and a Heritage Garden. It’s open from June–October.

From one heritage heavyweight to another, Lincoln Castle is a short stroll from the cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of kings and convicts, ticking off highlights such as the Medieval Wall Walk, drinking in its 360-degree views, exploring the Victorian prison and its chapel, and gawping at Lincoln’s original 1215 Magna Carta. The castle’s stones are steeped in tales, including those of the 'witches of Belvoir’, who were hanged here in 1619.

At this vibrant hub in the heart of the city, tuck into delicious food, hit the shops and explore the bustling entertainment quarter. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s train and bus station, the Cornhill Quarter is the ideal place to stop to refuel and discover indie shops, well-known brands and even a cinema. It’s also a great option for lunch or dinner, with local faves including Burnett’s Sandwich Co and The Botanist.

Wondering where to stay in Lincolnshire? Once home to the Dambusters, The Petwood Hotel makes for a memorable place to kip. Celebrating a special occasion? Plump for one of the gorgeous four-poster bed rooms overlooking the gardens. Expect a delicious start to day two: the hotel’s brunch menu (Monday–Saturday) includes the likes of eggs Benedict and the Petwood breakfast, featuring bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, grilled tomato and field mushroom, black pudding, baked beans and seasoned fries.

Standing tall in the Lincolnshire countryside, a half-hour drive from the Petwood Hotel, the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a memorial to the Bomber Command and the Second World War. It’s home to a museum, one of the UK’s tallest war memorials and the Peace Gardens. For deeper insights into the memorial centre, choose a free tour of the centre and gardens.

With a pick of six trails to follow, choose to spy nesting nightingales, walk lakeside, or wander through the woodlands. Throughout the year, different animals call Whisby Nature Park home, from swallows and sand martins in spring and summer, to impressive murmurations of starlings in the colder months. Stay for lunch in the Boardwalk Bistro cafe, which serves up hearty fare such as jacket potatoes, sandwiches and seasonal specials.

Sufficiently refuelled, continue your Lincoln adventures at this Elizabethan mansion, home to a beautiful hall, blooming gardens, cycle routes and a rewilding project set to increase wildlife and biodiversity in the area. Visit the farm shop that’s packed with fresh, local produce or savour afternoon tea in the tearoom. Look out for events throughout the year, including the Bauble Barn filled with Christmas decorations during the festive season, and lively summer events.

Learn about the culture of Lincolnshire from 1750 to the present day at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Look out for the authentic World War One tank, aka Daphne, and the interactive galleries of the award-winning Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. The museum is fully accessible, with an on-loan wheelchair and magnifying glass, plus staff who are trained and ready to assist you on your visit. Assistance dogs are very welcome.

For gigs, live performances, panto and more, get your cultural fix at this popular events venue. Feel festive with a seasonal Christmas show or enjoy the rhythm of live music as you rock out a gig. Check out the calendar of performances to find something for you. There are plenty of great options nearby for a pre- or post-show meal; Italian cuisine at La Trattoria da Vincenzo or La Bottega del Italia, perhaps?

Into ancient archaeology? Lincoln Museum takes visitors on a whistlestop tour of the region’s past, through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, before exploring the Roman, Saxon, Viking and medieval eras.  Prefer art? You’ll love the Usher Gallery, which has permanent collections of fine arts, decorative arts and horology, alongside note-worthy loans from national collections. Caffeinate at Muse Coffee Bar before you leave.

Chill out in Lincoln’s Grade II-listed park, which is home to growing gardens, a fountain, children’s play area, lake and bandstand. Designed by Victorian landscape architect Edward Milner in the late 1800s, the park now provides a natural haven near to the centre of Lincoln. Pack up a picnic and sit back and relax in this urban park. The perfect ingredient for relaxed weekend breaks in Lincoln.

Explore the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter: a hub for independent shops and quaint cafes. If you’re feeling active, brave the walk up Steep Hill, too! From artisan creators to spectacular views and vintage finds, this area of the city is made to be explored.

At this bustling hub of the city, go waterside for pubs with a view, eateries, and places to stay. During the warmer months, choose to take to the water on the Brayford Belle. On the edges of England’s oldest inland harbour, spot wildlife or take a walk down the canal. Stay around the waterfront for lunch: we recommend the Horse & Groom for proper pub grub starring local ingredients in dishes such as thyme-salted pork belly or porcini mushroom and lentil lasagne.

For the last leg of your Lincolnshire adventure, get a heady dose of the coast at the traditional English seaside resort of Skegness. Enjoy a day on its glorious golden sand, take a classic donkey ride, try a round of crazy golf, or a go on the fairground attractions. Walk along the pier, have some fish and chips, or visit one of the many neighbouring beaches, too.

Before heading home, blow away any cobwebs with a walk around the unspoilt Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve along the coast from Skegness. This tranquil stretch of coast is home to diverse wildlife; you can spot everything from wildfowl to seals and porpoises. Take one of the many trails, then refuel at the visitor centre and cafe.