Pursue fairytale forays and romantic reveries amongst caramel-coloured cottages in the spellbinding county of Lincolnshire. Famed for its stunning cathedral city (home to the Magna Carta), golden shores, and undulating Wolds National Landscape, it promises a wealth of heavenly experiences. From country cruises in vintage cars and fine dining by candlelight to walks alongside breathtaking backdrops, spellbinding adventures await in all seasons…
Embrace an otherworldly sojourn and uncover unique experiences in Lincolnshire for staycation magic.
Go Back in Time at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincolnshire overflows with history, from Iron Age roots and Roman urbanisation to Norse influence. Witnessing many of the county’s chapters is the iconic Lincoln Cathedral. Encompassed by vast lowland swathes, this 1,000-year-old treasure would have appeared all the more impressive centuries ago, standing as the world’s tallest building for 238 years. Encouraging visitors to venture back through time is a further array of fascinating heritage sites celebrating the region’s ancient and modern history, including Bolingbroke Castle, Lincoln Castle, The Lincoln Museum, and Museum of Lincolnshire Life. For a unique look at the county’s automotive past, you can also disappear amongst the enthralling exhibitions and displays of Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum and The Bubblecar Museum.
Fall for the Charm of Market Rasen and Stamford
Lincolnshire is loved for its collection of picturesque market towns, adored for their timeless aesthetics and thriving local communities. Perfect for perusing curated shelves lined with artisan finds and bustling farmers markets filled with the seasons’ freshest offerings, each one offers its own unique charm. Particularly enamouring, Market Rasen is renowned for its racecourse, marketplace, 800-year-old church, and pine-scented Willingham Woods. Elsewhere, Stamford beckons with serene riverside scenery and striking Georgian streets, regularly used as the backdrop for period dramas. Meanwhile, Louth, Alford, and Horncastle each tempt for boutique browsing and delectable lunches in cosy cafés.
Savour a Taste of the Finest Dining
The ‘Breadbasket of Britain’, Lincolnshire has long been recognised for its bountiful natural larder. Sown with patchwork fields, it has provided the country with verdant crops and grain since Roman times and continues to beckon with culinary innovation and invitation. Particularly tempting, The Six Bells in Witham on the Hill is bestowed with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and is beloved for its menus of refined traditional British cuisine. Meanwhile, just over the border in neighbouring Rutland, Hambleton Hall is recognised with a Michelin Star and promises classic dishes in a regal setting. For further delectation, seek epicurean delights at Restaurant Auction House in Louth, Washingborough Hall Hotel in Lincoln, and the Michelin Star Winteringham Fields in Winteringham.
Cruise Halcyon Countryside in Vintage Style
Follow meandering country lanes past white-paned windmills, peaceful marshland, and verdant valleys ribboned with chalk streams. In the seat of a vintage car, the sublime scenery of the Lincolnshire fenland and Wolds gently unfolds, perfect for exploring the area with a novel twist. Enjoy a unique experience in Lincolnshire and hire a classic or vintage car to day trip around the county in style, or for a touch of something more fast-paced, make way to Cadwell Park Motor Racing Circuit. With memorable track days and driving experiences, motoring enthusiasts can relish a thrilling way to cover ground and make lifelong memories in Lincolnshire.
Wander the Picturesque Streets of Lincoln
Lincolnshire’s only city, Lincoln is a divine place to explore. At its heart, the stunning Lincoln Cathedral stands proud, overlooking the city since 1072. Though it is long-gone today, a towering spire once elevated the castle to a height of 525 feet - 40 feet higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza - making it the tallest building in the world. Today, its rich Treasury, intricate stained glass, and Medieval architecture make it a fascinating destination for all. Equally intriguing, Lincoln Castle sits on the site of an ancient Roman fortress and was commissioned by William the Conqueror. Home to the Magna Carta, it makes for a memorable voyage through time, retracing the steps of kings and courtiers through the ages. Elsewhere, city highlights await, such as Steep Hill, Pottergate Arch, and a plethora of shops for retail exploration. At Christmas, Lincoln’s Christmas markets promise festive cheer for all generations.
Watch a Film at The Kinema in the Woods
Enjoy a cinematic experience of old with a trip to The Kinema in the Woods in Woodhill Spa. Framed by leafy woodland, this historic cinema dates back to 1922 and sets a timeless tale for silver screen magic. The only cinema of its kind in the UK to harness back projection, it promises a charming voyage through time and a novel way to savour evenings of adventure, action, and romance. Book your seats for a new release or movie classic and settle in, enjoying the period décor, live musical performances on the Compton Kinestra Organ, and delicious ice cream intervals. The Kinema is open every day throughout the year, apart from Christmas Day.
Gaze at the Ocean from the North Sea Observatory
Residing on the Lincolnshire coast near Chapel St Leonards, the purpose-built North Sea Observatory was opened in 2018 to provide an accessible space for marine observation. Perched on a promontory at Chapel Point, it’s backed by grass-tufted dunes and multi-coloured beach huts and overlooks the absorbing expanse of the North Sea. Head over throughout the year to bask in the majesty of the elements and admire the sweeping coastalscapes, before perusing the onsite exhibition spaces and café. The Observatory is particularly beloved for its birdwatching opportunities, and spare pairs of binoculars are provided in the café.
Enjoy a Blissful Walk along the Viking Way
From its quiet pockets of dappled woodland and golden-hued coastline to its realms of sun-washed chalk hills, Lincolnshire is an enchanting destination for walks. Home to some of the most captivating landscapes for gentle strolls and long-distance pursuits imaginable, it calls to all those looking to immerse in natural beauty for a while. Especially well-known, the Viking Way wends through the county for 149 miles and can be broken down into countless different sections for leisurely exploration. For coastal escapism, the beautiful Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve offers rejuvenating moments in the salt-kissed air; meanwhile, Willingham Woods encourages tranquil strolls through peaceful pinewoods.
Seek Soul-Soothing Moments at Rutland Water
Not far from Lincolnshire’s rolling swathes, the mirror-topped Rutland Water calls for quiet contemplation and thrilling endeavours alike. England’s largest reservoir, its panoramic vistas feature protected wetland nature reserves, as well as an abundance of space for walking, cycling, paddleboarding, and sailing. Trace the miles of waterside trail that follow the shores of the reservoir and embrace soothing quietude amongst nature’s healing qualities or seek out leisurely play atop the glassy waters. Along the way, keep an eye out for the many species of birds who flock to the reserve throughout the year, as well as the iconic silhouette of Normanton Church sitting pretty on the eastern banks.
Feeling inspired for wanderlust adventures? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Lincolnshire.
