Chalk hills and paths through diverse landscapes

The Lincolnshire Wolds are defined by gently rolling chalk hills that reach more than 150 metres in height along their western edge. The Wolds were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on 17 April 1973. Their habitats provide a home for thousands of birds, plants, insects and animals. Here, the landscape and its biodiversity go hand in hand: the Wolds are a destination for anyone who wants to experience not just individual sights, but also a distinctive natural landscape on a trip through Lincolnshire.

Along the coast, Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park brings together beaches, nature reserves and walking paths. Three circular walks start in Huttoft, Anderby Creek and Chapel Point. Gibraltar Point offers boardwalks, cycle paths and fully accessible routes. The visitor centre has a café, a shop, toilets, baby-changing facilities and an accessible toilet. As visitor facilities can change, check these details before travelling.

The walking landscape extends beyond the coast: Lincolnshire offers more than 200 walks along the coast, through the Fens, the Wolds and woodlands, and beside rivers and waterways. The long-distance Viking Way also passes through Lincolnshire. Other walks follow sections of the trail to discover local history and wildlife. Short, locally named circular routes and a long-distance trail thus offer different ways to explore the landscape—without any one route representing the whole region.

Museums and medieval buildings

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life showcases Lincolnshire’s culture from 1750 to the present day. It is housed in a Victorian barracks built in 1857 for the Royal North Lincoln Militia. Its collection includes almost 250,000 objects, among them an authentic First World War tank. Interactive galleries focus on the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. The building and collections therefore offer two specific ways to explore history: the historic setting of the barracks and the exhibits displayed inside.

Gainsborough Old Hall is a medieval manor house in Lincolnshire. Its surviving structures were built in the late 15th century by Sir Thomas Burgh II; the great hall retains its original medieval timber ceiling. Boston Guildhall offers a different perspective: the Guild of St Mary built this medieval building in 1390. Today it serves as a museum and event venue. The banqueting hall retains its original tracery decoration. Boston Guildhall also tells stories about the town of Boston’s connections with the Pilgrim Fathers and their significant influence on the founding of the United States.

Sibsey Trader Windmill also tells a story of regional work: it was one of the last windmills built in Lincolnshire and ground locally grown wheat, barley and oats into flour and animal feed. The mill has been restored to full working order; its six sails, fantail and cap have been restored. These historic sites therefore place former ways of working alongside architectural styles.

Palaces, collections and aviation history

Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace is open on selected days for guided and self-guided visits; check the dates before your visit. A film, an exhibition and an audio tour explain how the palace was used and inhabited over five centuries. The grounds include a terraced garden and a hillside vineyard with views across Lincoln and the surrounding countryside. A visit here therefore combines historical insights with gardens and views.

The visitor experience at Lincoln Cathedral includes close-up views of stained-glass windows, a visit to the bell chamber and views from the west front along the full length of the nave and across the city. Check availability before travelling. Those interested in aviation history will find different highlights: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre has an authentic Second World War control tower and hangar, built on the site of the original wartime bomber base. Bookable packages offer a chance to experience the vibrations, smells, sounds and atmosphere of “Just Jane” at first hand on a real Bomber Command airfield.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre has a fully operational hangar for an active Royal Air Force flight. It houses Lancaster PA474, Douglas Dakota ZA 947, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes and two Chipmunks. Guided tours offer close-up access to historic warplanes. This is a different kind of insight into an active flight from the packages at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, which focus on an immediate sensory experience at the historic airfield.

Getting here and getting around

For rail travel, the Poacher Line offers a useful point of reference: this 78-mile Community Rail Partnership route connects Nottingham and Skegness and has 19 stations. Check the timetable again before travelling. The A1 runs north–south along the edge of Lincolnshire; the A46, A52 and A57 connect Lincolnshire with Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield. The rail line and road links give an overview of regional connections without specifying journey times to individual attractions.

Discover more destinations

Scampton, Cleethorpes, Saltfleet, Eastoft, Woodhall Spa, Washingborough, Sutton On Sea, Sutton Bridge, Stamford, South Hykeham, Sleaford, Skegness, Scunthorpe, Norton Disney, North Killingholme, Metheringham, Market Rasen, Lincoln, Leadenham, Horncastle, Holbeach, Grimsby, Grantham, Fishtoft, Cranwell, Brigg, Boston, Appleby, Bourne, Bradley, North Kyme, Somersby, Epworth, Haxey, Great Carlton, Winteringham, Laceby, Redbourne, Martin, Alford, Broughton, Spalding, Marston, Branston, Barton-Upon-Humber, Little Sutton, Harrington, Kirton In Lindsey, Coningsby, Swineshead, Barrow-Upon-Humber, Thorpe On The Hill, Barnetby Le Wold, Ulceby, Immingham, Surfleet, Kelby, Gainsborough, Messingham, Humberston, Waltham, Stallingborough, North Somercotes, Binbrook, Mablethorpe, Wyberton, Spilsby, Colsterworth, Doncaster, Wrangle, Wilsford, West Ashby, Wainfleet All Saints, Saleby, Ropsley, Old Leake, North Scarle, Kirton, Horbling, Hemingby, Harlaxton, Greatford, Burgh Le Marsh, Burton Coggles, Sandtoft, South Kyme, Keelby, Crowle, Donington, Dunholme, East Barkwith, Leverton, Carlton-le-Moorland, Tealby, Timberland, Friskney, Ingoldmells, Waddington, Swinderby, Saxilby, Revesby, Langworth, Kirkby on Bain, Sudbrooke, Ancaster, Scredington, South Witham, Lissington, Wragby, Hackthorn, East Kirkby, Tattershall, Rippingale, Hemswell, Wrawby, Healing, Grasby

For the wider travel overview: East Midlands.