Belton House Estate near Grantham Lincolnshire is a magnificent National Trust property featuring a stunning 17th century mansion formal gardens sprawling deer park and woodland trails perfect for history lovers and family days out.
United Kingdom: Lincoln – Castle and Cathedral
🏛️ A Day Out in Lincoln
We’d been stopping with some mates for a couple of days when they suggested we head out to Lincoln for the day. We thought that sounded smashing, as we’d both been to Lincoln before, but neither of us had ever got round to exploring the historical centre of the city properly. Funny how that happens. You go somewhere a dozen times and never see the bit everyone tells you to see.
Lincoln, it turns out, was once a proper Roman town, rivalling London itself in importance, which we found hard to believe given how quiet it all felt on the day. Plenty of traces of that old Roman history are still knocking about though – bits of the old city wall, an aqueduct, and even a well that’s survived the centuries. The 3rd-century Newport Arch is, we’re told, the only Roman arch in the country still used by traffic today, a marvellous bit of trivia for dinner parties. Later, in Viking times, Lincoln became an important trading hub, producing its own coins at its own mint. But it’s the Normans who left the biggest mark, putting up the castle and cathedral that still dominate the skyline today.
🏰 Lincoln Castle
This place was built by William the Conqueror back in 1068, just two years after he’d seen off Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and he didn’t muck about getting started either. He needed to keep a firm grip on the north of his new kingdom, and Lincoln, sat up on its hill, was just the spot for it. For getting on for a thousand years now, the castle has stood there as a right symbol of power, and a seat of justice too. Then along came the Victorians, who turned the place into a proper prison. They ran it on what they called the “separate system,” keeping every prisoner in solitary confinement around the clock, the idea being it would set them on the path to moral reform. Grim as anything, if you ask us. Today you can walk those castle walls and have a proper nose round the cells, getting a real feel for how the prisoners spent their days.
Honestly, the wall of Lincoln Castle is something else from the outside. It runs the whole way round the castle in one complete loop, and it looks imposing, no two ways about it, and in remarkably good nick for something that’s been standing since the eleventh century. Once we got inside, though, that’s when it really hit home, because you can see practically the entire wall in one go, and it’s even more impressive from in there than out. We had a go at the spiral staircase, which takes you right up onto the top of the walls, and we won’t lie, by the top we were both a bit out of puff.
From up there, the views were smashing. We looked down over the streets of Lincoln below us, and across to the Cathedral, which was looking absolutely stunning in the warm summer sunshine that morning. We walked the entire third of a mile that the wall covers, taking our time over it, gazing down on the castle grounds and that old Victorian prison sitting there below, then turning the other way to take in the city spread out beyond, with the fields and hills rolling away in the distance. It really was fabulous, the whole thing, and well worth the climb up that staircase, dodgy knees and all.
⛓️ The Victorian Prison
Climbing down off the walls, we went inside the Victorian Prison next. It was designed for what they called the “separate system,” an isolating regime that kept the prisoners well apart from the corrupting influence of their fellow inmates. The Victorians reckoned that if you left a chap on his own long enough, he’d have a good old think, repent, and come out the other side a reformed character. Nice idea, we suppose, though we’re not convinced it always worked out that way.
Men, women, and children as young as eight were banged up here between 1848 and 1878, for everything from nicking a waistcoat and a Bible right through to highway robbery and murder. Seven murderers were hanged at the castle during that time, and their bodies were buried in Lucy Tower, where you can still see the graves today, which is a sobering thought.
The prison block itself has been beautifully restored, and we had a proper wander along the gantries and in and out of the cells, where there are artefacts and displays telling the stories of prison life, and some of the poor souls who ended up inside.
📜 The Magna Carta
We left the prison to visit the Magna Carta display. In our naivety, we’d always thought there was only one Magna Carta produced. We were wrong. More than one copy of the 1215 Magna Carta was made, and there was a second charter drawn up in 1217, with some of the original clauses folded into it, called the Charter of the Forest. Lincoln Castle, we learned, is now the only place in the world where an original 1215 Magna Carta and an original 1217 Charter of the Forest can be seen side by side, which is no small thing when you think about it. These precious old documents are kept below ground in a carefully controlled environment to keep them safe, and quite right too, given they’re getting on for 800 years old. As well as seeing the charters themselves, there’s a short film explaining the significance of the lot, which we found rather useful, since school history lessons were a long time ago for us now.
⛪ Lincoln Cathedral
Leaving the castle behind us, we took the short walk across to Lincoln Cathedral, the third biggest in the United Kingdom. Its history goes back to 1073, when Bishop Remigius moved his see from Dorchester to Lincoln. It was Remigius who began the building, and some of his original work can still be seen in the west front to this day. The cathedral was consecrated just days after Remigius died in 1092, poor chap never got to see it finished.
After fires and a devastating earthquake in 1185 left the place a shambles, requiring serious rebuilding work, it took on the Gothic style we see today. When the central spire went up in 1311, it became the tallest building in the world, taking the title from the Great Pyramid of Giza, no less. Lincoln Cathedral kept the crown for the best part of 240 years. That lasted until 1549, when the spire came down in a storm and was never put back up.
We weren’t able to have a proper look round the cathedral on our visit, as it was being got ready for an event, so instead we headed down Steep Hill, which absolutely lives up to its name, and had a delicious lunch in a quaint little café at the bottom. Worth the walk, even on tired legs.
Planning your visit to Lincoln
🏰 Location
Lincoln is the county town of Lincolnshire, in the East Midlands of England. The city is built on two levels: the historic uphill area, home to the cathedral and castle, and the livelier downhill area around the High Street and waterfront.
🚆 Getting There
By rail, Lincoln Central Station has direct LNER services to London, plus regular East Midlands Railway and Northern services to Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester, Peterborough and Doncaster. Grantham, nearby, also offers fast trains to London.
By road, the A1 runs past the county north to south, with the A46, A52 and A57 linking Lincoln to Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield, all roughly an hour to an hour and a half away by car.
By coach, National Express and Megabus connect Lincoln with London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
By air, East Midlands Airport is about an hour away, and Humberside Airport offers a more local option.
🚌 Getting Around
The bus and railway stations sit opposite each other, next to the central car park, making transfers easy. Stagecoach runs most local buses, with a free app for timetables and tickets, and three routes linking the suburbs to the city centre.
Taxis are easy to find, with a rank right outside the railway station.
Lincoln has cobbled streets and some steep hills, especially Steep Hill, which links the lower city to the cathedral quarter. The Walk & Ride bus avoids the climb, and Dial-a-Ride offers wheelchairs and walking aids for getting around. Tour Lincoln also runs sightseeing services from April to October.
The Best Time to Visit Lincolnshire
🌱 Spring (March to May)
Temperatures rise from around 8°C to 16°C, with moderate, sometimes sudden rainfall. The Spalding tulip fields bloom, days lengthen, and the countryside feels fresh, making this a lovely time for walking and gardens before summer crowds arrive.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, layers, warm jumper, waterproof walking shoes, scarf.
☀️ Summer (June to August)
The warmest, driest season, with highs of 19–23°C and July usually sunniest. Skegness, Cleethorpes, and Lincoln Cathedral draw the biggest crowds, and long evenings suit festivals and sightseeing, though rain is still possible.
What to pack: Light clothing, sun hat, sunscreen, packable mac, comfortable shoes.
🍂 Autumn (September to November)
Temperatures fall from around 18°C to 8°C as rain and wind increase, especially near the coast. September often still feels summery, and golden colours make this a quieter, attractive time to visit market towns and the Wolds.
What to pack: Warm waterproof coat, layers, sturdy waterproof boots, hat, umbrella.
❄️ Winter (December to February)
The coldest, greyest season, with highs of just 5–8°C, short daylight, and occasional frost or snow. Lincoln’s Christmas market and cosy, crowd-free towns make it appealing for traditional sightseeing.
What to pack: Insulated coat, thermals, hat, scarf, gloves, warm boots.
Overall Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early summer (May–early July) is the best overall time: mild weather, colourful countryside, long days, and fewer crowds than peak summer. For beaches, go July–August; for quieter, golden scenery, try September.
Where to Stay
1. The Old Palace Lodge
Step into history at The Old Palace Lodge, a striking property that sits in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral, offering guests a genuinely memorable stay. With its characterful architecture and atmospheric interiors, this lodge blends old-world charm with the comforts modern travellers expect. Rooms are individually styled, often featuring exposed beams, antique furnishings, and views that capture the city’s medieval skyline. It’s the kind of place where every corridor seems to whisper a story. Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals and warm hospitality that make the experience feel personal rather than transactional. For anyone visiting Lincoln who wants accommodation as memorable as the cathedral itself, The Old Palace Lodge delivers heritage, comfort, and character in equal measure.
2. Poplar Boutique B&B
Poplar Boutique B&B brings a fresh, stylish energy to Lincoln’s bed and breakfast scene, perfect for travellers who want comfort with a contemporary edge. Each room is designed with care, combining modern furnishings, soft lighting, and thoughtful little touches that make guests feel genuinely welcomed. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, striking a balance between boutique elegance and homely warmth. Breakfast here is a highlight, often praised for quality and presentation, setting guests up nicely for a day exploring the city. Its location offers easy access to Lincoln’s main attractions, making it a practical choice as well as a stylish one. For visitors seeking a boutique experience without sacrificing comfort or convenience, Poplar Boutique B&B is well worth considering.
3. Little Redlands B&B
Little Redlands B&B offers a charming, peaceful retreat for visitors exploring Lincoln, combining countryside calm with easy access to the city. The property exudes a homely, welcoming feel, with comfortable rooms decorated in a traditional style that prioritises guest comfort above all else. Hosts are typically praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, going out of their way to ensure every stay feels personal. Mornings here often begin with a generous, home-cooked breakfast, a lovely way to start a day of sightseeing. The surrounding setting adds to the appeal, offering a quieter alternative to city-centre accommodation while remaining conveniently close to Lincoln’s historic sites. Little Redlands B&B suits travellers wanting warmth, comfort, and a genuine home-away-from-home experience.
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