Summary
If you appreciate countryside that remains pristine and tranquil, you will find Lincolnshire captivating.
In the southern region, the landscapes are predominantly flat, characterized by expansive skies and agricultural farms cultivating flowers and vegetables.
This flat terrain is complemented in the west by the Vales and in the central area by the Lincolnshire Wolds, which offer rolling chalk and sandstone hills featuring picturesque agricultural vistas.
A significant number of visitors are drawn to the county’s coastline, with its collection of nostalgic seaside resorts.
Nevertheless, do not overlook the towns, which boast remarkable churches and medieval halls and are the birthplaces of influential historical figures such as Sir Isaac Newton.
Let us delve into the top locations to explore in Lincolnshire:
1. Lincoln
This magnificent cathedral city, Lincoln, is nestled in a gap in the Lincoln Edge, a long escarpment situated in western Lincolnshire.
The historical city adapts to this steep landscape, with most of its monuments located in the elevated region known as Uphill.
You will encounter an abundance of stunning architecture along these winding pathways, where Lincoln’s clergy and military elite once resided.
Lincoln Cathedral, a remarkable example of English Gothic architecture, was completed in the early 14th century and offers breathtaking views from its roof.
Lincoln Castle stands as one of England’s best-preserved Norman fortifications, uniquely featuring two earthwork mottes.
A gallery within the castle houses one of only four remaining copies of the renowned Magna Carta, dated 1215.
2. Stamford
Strikingly beautiful, the center of Stamford features architecture exclusively from the 1600s and 1700s.
Most of these buildings are constructed from local limestone, lending the town a somber elegance that has attracted Hollywood productions in recent years.
You will want to explore every corner; however, one of the most picturesque scenes is the view of St Mary’s Bridge crossing the Welland River.
St Martin’s Church is stunning, and it is also essential to visit Browne’s Hospital, an almshouse established in 1485. Certainly, you would be remiss not to witness the magnificent Burghley House.
This 16th-century palace was the residence of Lord Burghley, a distinguished member of Elizabeth I’s court.
3. Boston
Located in the low-lying Fens region to the south of the county, where farmland was reclaimed from marshes during the 17th century, Boston’s most iconic monument is especially striking given the flat landscape surrounding it.
St Botolph’s Church, affectionately known as “The Stump” due to its prominent, truncated tower, dates back to the late 14th century and is regarded as one of England’s most beautiful and distinctive churches.
Boston served as a vital trading hub during the Middle Ages, even earning an unofficial membership in the Hanseatic League.
The Gothic Guildhall, constructed in the 14th century, stands as a testament to the town’s historical significance and now houses a museum detailing Boston’s medieval prosperity.
4. Grantham
This town is notable for producing two of England’s most illustrious personalities.
Margaret Thatcher hails from Grantham, and you can familiarize yourself with her early life at the Grantham Museum.
A consensus emerges around Sir Isaac Newton, who was born at Woolsthorpe Manor, just south of Grantham, in 1642. He returned to Woolsthorpe in his 20s to conduct experiments and is famously associated with the anecdote of the apple falling from the tree at this estate.
If you appreciate country houses amidst landscaped grounds, Belton House and Harlaxton Manor are both magnificent estates near Grantham, each exuding grandeur.
Additionally, southward lies Ellys Manor House, an impressive early 16th-century mansion constructed for a wool merchant, featuring Flemish architectural elements and a crow-stepped gable.
5. Horncastle
The prosperous town of Horncastle was granted its market charter in the 1200s and continues to host trading activities on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Two local delicacies of note are plumbread, a type of fruit loaf, and poacher cheese, which is aged for a year or more.
To truly embrace the local culture, the traditional consumption of both treats is encouraged! Strolling through Horncastle’s refined streets can be enjoyable, particularly with the many antique shops available, more than in any other area in the county.
Horncastle also serves as the last significant settlement southwest of the Lincolnshire Wolds, making it an appealing location to enjoy the stunning scenery of this elevated region.
6. Skegness
An engaging traditional seaside experience awaits you in Skegness, which experienced significant popularity during the early 20th century following its development in the late 1800s.
This period marked the establishment of its pier, which, despite suffering damage due to inclement weather over the years, remains in good condition today, stretching almost 120 meters in length.
The beaches are expansive, sandy, and inviting, and one characteristic of the eastern English climate is a decreased likelihood of rain compared to northwestern resorts like Blackpool.
Numerous family attractions are available, such as the Natureland Sea Sanctuary, a marine zoo dedicated to conservation, rescuing orphaned seal pups and rehabilitating them for release back into the wild.
7. Grimsby
While referring to Grimsby as “pretty” might be inaccurate, it is undoubtedly a locale rich in fascinating history that merits exploration.
In the mid-20th century, Grimsby boasted the largest fishing fleet of any port globally.
Although fishing remains a significant industry, the town now exhibits post-industrial characteristics.
A visit to Grimsby should include a stop at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, an engaging museum that allows you to board the Ross Tiger, a trawler from the 1950s, to witness the challenging conditions endured by trawlermen.
8. Gainsborough
Situated on the River Trent, which flows into the Humber more than 50 miles to the north, Gainsborough retains its status as England’s most inland port.
During the industrial era, its accessibility to the North Sea facilitated manufacturing, which is still evident as you stroll through the town center where the Marshall, Sons & Co factory once produced agricultural machinery, now a shopping area known as Marshall’s Yard.
For those interested in history, Gainsborough Old Hall is recognized as one of the most well-preserved medieval manors in England, completed in 1460. Monarchs would stop here for meals while traveling to York, and its maze of passageways includes possibly England’s finest preserved medieval kitchen alongside a grand Great Hall reminiscent of renaissance feasts.
9. Louth
With the Wolds to the west and the coast within close proximity to the east, the first notable landmark as you approach Louth is the spire of St James’ Church.
This monument serves as an excellent starting point for a stroll around the picturesque town.
You are viewing the tallest medieval steeple of any parish church in the country, rising to nearly 90 meters and completed in 1515. Unlike many English towns, Louth has preserved its traditional shopping establishments, including butchers, bakers, and greengrocers.
Louth is also regarded as the “Capital of the Wolds,” and you need only to venture a short distance to experience the characteristic rolling landscapes, with Hubbard’s Hills presenting an idyllic chalk valley gifted to the residents of Louth in the early 20th century.
10. Sleaford
Recognized as one of Lincolnshire’s most livable towns, Sleaford is a historic locale surrounding yet another of the county’s stunning churches.
The outdoor market in front of the church operates on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and if you are in the area on the first Saturday of the month, a special farmers’ market offers the finest local produce from the fertile Fenlands.
The church, St Denys’, was completed around the 1300s featuring an ornate Gothic design and is celebrated for its delicate traceries on the windows.
The Slea River has played a pivotal role in Sleaford’s development: Navigated by barges since the 1700s, the remaining wharfs in the town are evidence of this advancement.
11. Market Rasen
Located on the western edge of the Wolds Area of Natural Beauty, Market Rasen embodies the essence of an English market town.
The town center boasts few modern structures; rather, it features stately red-brick townhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you have an interest in horse racing, there are events held year-round at the Market Rasen Racecourse. Additionally, Market Rasen Golf Club, operational for over a century, offers competitively priced green fees.
You will find the rural elegance of the Wolds right at your doorstep, alongside the village of Tealby, frequently regarded as the most beautiful in Lincolnshire.
Consider enjoying a pint or a meal at the King’s Head, which is the oldest thatched pub in the county, established in 1367.
12. Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes is one of England’s favorite traditional seaside destinations and truly shines on warm summer days.
In the early 19th century, this area was merely a fishing village with a population of around 200. However, the advent of the railways brought in visitors from the industrial towns of Yorkshire, eager for fresh air; by 1873, the elegant wrought iron pier had opened.
This structure, which still features an upscale restaurant at its end, earned the title of “Pier of the Year” in 2016. The appeal of Cleethorpes has remained unchanged since the 1870s, offering over four miles of sandy beaches and numerous attractions for children, from mini-golf to the Cleethorpes Light Railway.
13. Spalding
Located in the southern part of Lincolnshire, in the South Holland district, Spalding is recognized as the heart of flower cultivation in England. Each spring, the Spalding Flower Festival celebrates the local bulb industry.
The most notable property in Spalding is Ayscoughfee Hall, a 15th-century house that remains as it was originally built and is preserved as a museum within delightful formal gardens.
During the summer months, the most leisurely way to reach it is via the Spalding Water Taxi, which operates along the River Welland and the Coronation Channel between the town center and the Springfields Shopping Outlet.
14. Caistor
Nestled in the northernmost hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Caistor is a charming market town that prides itself on welcoming walkers.
During the warmer months, many people traverse the area along the Viking Way, a 147-mile footpath that winds through the county from the Humber Bridge down to Rutland, beyond Lincolnshire’s southern border.
Additionally, you could not select a more delightful place to stay, as Caistor’s center features numerous beautiful Georgian and Victorian homes within a conservation area surrounding the lovely market square.
15. Alford
Small yet delightful, the town of Alford is situated close to the Wolds and only minutes away from coastal resorts like Mablethorpe.
This rural town has also developed an artistic side, which comes to life during Bank Holiday weekends in May and August when craft markets are held here.
Alford Manor House showcases a blend of architectural styles; its interior fittings date back to 1611, offering an authentic glimpse into life in this part of Lincolnshire, featuring galleries filled with farming tools and local memorabilia.
Furthermore, Alford is home to a functioning five-sailed windmill, which continues to produce organic grain for the associated tea room.
