Things To Do In Lincolnshire

Discovery Days

Lincolnshire Wolds

Lincolnshire Wolds

The rolling hills and hidden valleys of Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape is perfect for walking, cycling, and browsing charming market towns. Walk or bike a section of the 147 mile long Viking Way or 69 mile long Lindsay Trail, or tackle one of the shorter ‘Wolds Walk’ trails such as the four mile Walesby and Tealby Circular or family friendly Hubbard’s Hills. The pretty village of Tealby is a popular stop for walkers on the Viking Way with the thatched Kings Head pub offering hearty lunches. Alternatively, explore the Georgian architecture in the market town of Louth, often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’, or browse the antique shops in Horncastle. If you fancy a flutter there is a national hunt horse racing course at Market Rasen, or hop on board a heritage steam train at Lincolnshire Wolds Railway and admire the picturesque landscapes between Ludborough and North Thoresby.

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is an unspoilt stretch of coastline between Skegness and the mouth of the Wash, ideal for birdwatching and scenic coastal walks. The diverse habitat including salt marshes, sand dunes and freshwater lagoons make it a haven for wildlife including migrating birds such as wheatears and sandwich terns, flocks of waders like knots and godwits, as well as seals and emperor dragonflies. Mill Hill, the highest spot on the reserve, is a great place for admiring the views across the dunes, whilst Wash View Point has fantastic views across the estuary towards Norfolk. There are various bird hides overlooking the freshwater lagoons, some of which are also wheelchair and pushchair accessible. The visitor centre has a rooftop viewing deck as well as a café and gift shop.

Heckington Windmill

Lincolnshire is famous for its unique high sailed windmills and at Heckington Windmill you can discover the world’s only eight-sailed mill. While the sails are currently awaiting repairs, the site is a multi-award-winning heritage destination that still produces its own stone-ground flour using various other historic milling machines. Take a tour of the five storeys of the windmill, visit the popular onsite microbrewery and enjoy tea and cake in the original Victorian miller's house. Other Lincolnshire windmills to visit include Maud Foster Mill in Boston, Waltham Windmill near Cleethorpes and Sibsey Trader Windmill in Sibsey.

Kinema in the Woods

If you are looking to do something a little different, head to Kinema in the Woods, a unique cinema in the heart of Woodhall Spa near the market town of Horncastle. It is the only fully functioning cinema in the UK to still use a back-projection system where the film is projected from behind the screen onto a mirror, which then reflects the image onto the back of the screen. One of the most distinctive features of the cinema is the live organ performances which you will find during special shows and film intervals. The old-school décor and cosy seating gives it a timeless appeal, whilst the setting amongst the trees makes it a truly memorable experience.

Historic Days

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln

The City of Lincoln is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, Roman heritage, and military history. Lincoln Cathedral, the fourth largest cathedral in the UK, and the world’s tallest building for 238 years (from 1311–1548), is widely considered one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. If you re feeling adventurous book onto a Roof Tour which takes you into the hidden medieval structures of the roof, as well as offering close-up views of the stained glass and Bell Chambers. Located just across from the Cathedral, the 11th Century Lincoln Castle features a Medieval Wall Walk, a Victorian prison, and one of only four remaining original 1215 Magna Carta documents. Lincoln is also well known for ‘Steep Hill’, a steep cobbled street which is lined with independent shops and quaint tea rooms linking the historic Uphill area of the city with the modern Downhill city centre.

Woolsthorpe Manor

Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton, is a 17th Century farmhouse located just outside the village of Colsterworth near Grantham. Stand in the bedroom where Newton worked out his theories on calculus, the laws of motion, and optics, or test the principles of his famous theories in the interactive Science Centre which replicates Sir Isaac Newton's experiments with light, prisms and gravity. Inside the house you can still see drawings and shapes scratched into the walls whilst the famous Flower of Kent apple tree that inspired Newton to formulate his theory of gravity still grows in the orchard. Now managed by the National Trust, Woolthorpe Manor also has an onsite café and gift shop. Dogs are welcome on leads in the Lower Courtyard.

Tattershall Castle

Located in the flat Lincolnshire fens, the 15th century red bricked Tatterhshall Castle is a fantastic example of early medieval brickwork in England. The castle was built by Lord Ralph Cromwell, Treasurer of England, between 1431 and 1451 as a way of displaying a significant statement of his wealth and power. Today it is owned by the National Trust. Climb the imposing Great Tower and enjoy panoramic views as far as Lincoln cathedral on a clear day. Carry on exploring to admire the gothic fireplaces, church like windows and the double moat that surrounds the castle. On a nice day enjoy some fresh air with a gentle walk through the grounds and finish up in the café and browsing souvenirs in the shop.

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, located on the former RAF East Kirby airfield near Spilsby, is a family run museum and living memorial to the men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during WW2. Home to ‘Just Jane’, the Avro Lancaster bomber MKVII, as well as DH Mosquito HJ711, you can enjoy a guided tour of the aircrafts, as well as a rare opportunity to experience a taxi run. Enjoy the throaty growling noise when all four of Just Jane’s Rolls-Royce Merlin engines are running! You can also experience immersive exhibits and displays including rationing, evacuation, air raid shelters and a wartime kitchen.

Beach Days

Skegness Pier

Skegness

Situated on the North Sea coast, the Victorian seaside resort of Skegness is well known for its award winning sandy beach and traditional family attractions including the Skegness Pier. Pack your flip flops, buckets and spades and spend a day on the golden sandy beach. Kids can enjoy a donkey ride and if the sun comes out you can take a refreshing dip in the sea. If the clouds roll in head to the pier for some traditional family entertainment. Enjoy 10 pin bowling, laser quest or escape rooms, or the kids can let of steam at the nautical themed soft play at Captain Kids Adventure World. For something a little different, visit the Natureland Seal Sanctuary or the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, popular for birdwatching and its unspoilt coastal landscape. From the buzz of the pier to peaceful nature walks, Skegness has plenty to keep the whole family entertained at any time of the year.

Cleethorpes

Popular for its large sandy beach, watersports provisions and traditional attractions, Cleethorpes is great seaside location for families on holiday in Lincolnshire. If you are looking to get onto the water you can hire stand up paddle boards from several local businesses. For those keen for an adrenaline fuelled day head to Humberston Fitties Beach where Eastcoast Kiteboarding offers both taster and one to one kite surfing sessions. For something a little more relaxing you can hire a rowing boat, canoe or pedalo on Cleethorpes Boating Lake where you will also find a large sandpit, a paddling pool and a playground for children. If you want to keep your feet dry take a ride on the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway or visit Papa’s Fish and Chips on the Pier.

Mablethorpe

Mablethorpe Beach has something for everyone. The vast stretch of golden sand and gentle tides are perfect for beach games, watersports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing or simply enjoying a leisurely seaside walk. If you are making a day of it you can hire one of the many colourful beach huts along the promenade. Four legged members of the family will enjoy the quieter North End Beach which is dog friendly all year round. Kids will love the sand train, donkey rides and traditional funfair. Just behind the promenade you will find a boating lake where you can hire pedalos, a miniature railway and paddling pool in Queen’s Park. Other activities include visiting the Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre and the nearby Lincolnshire Aquapark.

Saltfleet

In contrast to the coastal resorts of Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes, the quiet coastal village of Saltfleet, near Mablethorpe, is perfect for a peaceful and relaxed seaside visit. The uncrowded sandy beach is backed by sand dunes and is part of the 951-hectare Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve. The tidal mudflats and salt marshes are ideal for peaceful walks, beachcombing and bird watching and are home to rare species such as the natterjack toad and various migratory birds. There are no cafes or amenities directly on the beach so bring your sarnies and binoculars and enjoy the peace and quiet for the day.

Lazy Days

Stamford, Lincolnshire

Stamford

If you are looking for a lazy day with no specific agenda Stamford is a great place to visit. The pretty honey-coloured stone buildings, quiet courtyards with small bookshops and timeless streets lined with and delis and antique stores are all perfect for a day of gentle pottering. Enjoy a long lazy lunch and a riverside stroll or walk towards Stamford Meadows where the path turns into wide green fields. If you want to explore further continue along the river to Burghley House and Gardens. The huge Elizabethan stately home is surrounded sweeping parkland. Bring a picnic, grab a snack from the café, or simply wander around the park and see where you end up.

Anderby Creek

Whilst there are plenty of coastal spots to choose from for a relaxing day by the sea, the unspoilt beach at Anderby Creek, located between Chapel St Leonards and Mablethorpe, is hard to beat. There are no arcade machines or fairground rides here. Just the sea, sand and miles of open space. Let the sea breeze blow through your hair and breath in the salty air as you soak in the tranquil sea views. The Cloud Bar, an interactive cloud watching platform, is a great way to enjoy the big skies of this peaceful spot. There is a simple relaxed café right on the beach, or bring a picnic and hunker down out of the breeze in the dunes.

Louth

Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’, the historic market town of Louth is perfect for slow paced lazy days. Browse the independent shops, wander around the traditional markets and relax in the riverside valleys. Known locally as a ‘foodie’ town you won’t go hungry here. There are plenty of delis, cafes and market stalls to browse, or for something a little different visit Louth Distillery where you can enjoy tasting and tours as well as a gin school session. If it’s a sunny day head to Hubbard’s Hills for a picnic, or simply enjoy a short riverside walk whilst the kids go for a paddle. Sitting on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds if you want to explore the Lincolnshire countryside further there are numerous scenic drives and gentle walking routes to explore.

Whisby Nature Park

Whisby Nature Park, located just outside the city of Lincoln, is a former quarry that is now a huge nature reserve with lakes, a woodland, and open grassland. If you fancy stretching your legs without walking miles and miles the circular trails are mostly flat. Keep your eye out for birds and dragonflies. There are hides dotted around the lake and along the walking trails where you can often spot ducks, swans, warblers and terns, as well as nightingales if you are lucky. Kids can enjoy playing in the adventure playground whilst you picnic nearby, or head to the café and visitor centre for a bite to eat and browse the gift shop. The boardwalk balcony overlooks the lake and is a great place to while away the afternoon with a cuppa and a good book.