Lincolnshire: Chalk Hills, Coast and History

The Lincolnshire Wolds were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on 17 April 1973. Their gently rolling chalk hills reach more than 150 metres in height along the western edge. The Wolds provide habitats for thousands of birds, plants, insects and animals. Other nature-related highlights in Lincolnshire include coastal landscapes and walking opportunities.

Wolds, Coast and Natural Areas

The Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park includes beaches, nature reserves and walking trails. Three circular walking routes start in Huttoft, Anderby Creek and Chapel Point. At Gibraltar Point, there are boardwalks, cycle paths and fully accessible paths. The Gibraltar Point visitor centre has a café, shop, toilets, baby changing facilities and an accessible toilet. Check the current facilities before your visit.

Routes and Getting Around

Lincolnshire offers more than 200 walks along the coast, in the Fens, the Wolds and woodlands, and beside rivers and waterways. The public rights of way network covers more than 2,500 miles or 4,000 kilometres and is intended for walking, cycling and horse riding. The Viking Way is a long-distance trail that passes through Lincolnshire. A number of walks use sections of the trail to discover local history and wildlife.

The Poacher Line is a 78-mile Community Rail Partnership railway route between Nottingham and Skegness, with 19 stations. Check the timetable before travelling. The A1 runs north to south along the edge of Lincolnshire; the A46, A52 and A57 connect Lincolnshire with Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield.

Museums and Collections

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life presents 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. The collection includes almost 250,000 objects, including an authentic First World War tank. It also features interactive galleries of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment.

The Lincoln Museum displays artefacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, as well as the Roman, Saxon, Viking and medieval periods. It is a family-friendly attraction. The Usher Gallery offers a different perspective: its collections include fine and decorative art, clocks and loans from national collections.

Medieval Buildings and Regional History

Gainsborough Old Hall is a medieval manor house in Lincolnshire. Sir Thomas Burgh II had the surviving parts built in the late 15th century. The Great Hall retains its original medieval timber ceiling. The Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace is open on selected days for guided and self-guided visits. A film, exhibition and audio tour explain how the palace was used and inhabited over five centuries. The estate also includes a terraced garden and a hillside vineyard with views over Lincoln and the surrounding countryside.

Boston Guildhall was built in 1390 by the Guild of St Mary. The medieval building now serves as a museum and event venue; its banqueting hall retains original tracery decoration. Boston Guildhall also tells stories about the town’s connections to the Pilgrim Fathers and their significant influence on the founding of the United States.

Thornton Abbey is open for guided tours on selected days. During a visit, you can explore the gatehouse interior and the remains. The exterior features turrets, sculptures and carved figures. Check the visiting days when planning your trip.

Sibsey Trader Windmill was one of the last windmills built in Lincolnshire. It ground locally grown wheat, barley and oats into flour and animal feed. Restoration returned it to full working order, including the restoration of its six sails, fantail and cap.

Planning Your Hotel Location

When looking for a hotel in Lincolnshire, your travel plans can provide a starting point: decide whether nature and trails, collections or medieval buildings will shape your days. Then choose your location based on the specific places you want to visit.

Discover more destinations

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

For the broader travel overview: East Midlands.