Lincoln Castle

Top choice


One of the first castles erected by the victorious William the Conqueror, in 1068, to keep his new kingdom in line, Lincoln Castle offers awesome views over the city and miles of surrounding countryside. A major 2015-completed restoration program opened up the entire castle walls and gave the 1215 Magna Carta (one of only four copies) a swanky, subterranean new home. One-hour guided tours, included in the castle admission, depart from the eastern gate; check the blackboard for times.

Videos and exhibits explain the document's significance, while the surprisingly bright Victorian prison houses a unique 'separate-system' chapel and displays a Saxon sarcophagous found during the restoration. Watch for concerts in summer. The grounds make an idyllic picnic spot in fine weather.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Exchequergate

0.07 MILES

Located between the castle and the cathedral, the triple-arched, battlement-topped Exchequergate, where the church's tenants paid their rent, dates from…

2. Lincoln Cathedral

0.1 MILES

Towering over the city like a medieval skyscraper, Lincoln's magnificent cathedral is a breathtaking representation of divine power on earth. The great…

3. Bishops' Palace

0.15 MILES

Beside Lincoln Cathedral lie the time-ravaged but still imposing ruins of the 12th-century Bishops' Palace, gutted by parliamentary forces during the…

4. Newport Arch

0.19 MILES

Rough-edged Newport Arch was built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD, and is the oldest arch in Britain that still has traffic passing through it.

5. Collection

0.2 MILES

Archaeology bursts into life at this museum, with loads of hands-on displays. Kids can handle artefacts and dress up in period costume. Check out the…

6. Priory Gate

0.2 MILES

Built in 1825, this is the Victorian replacement for the medieval gate that stood here until 1815, when the original Roman gate was torn down as it was…

7. Usher Gallery

0.21 MILES

A handsome Edwardian building decorated with carvings of cow skulls houses an impressive collection of works by greats such as Turner, Lowry and English…

8. Pottergate

0.29 MILES

Pottergate was once part of the cathedral's medieval walls, forming the southeastern gateway.