Lincolnshire
5 Unmissable things to see and do in Lincolnshire
From the city to the coast, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Lincolnshire.
1. Donna Nook Nature Reserve
Donna Nook Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit if you would like to see Grey seals, also known as Arctic seals. The best time to see them, would be the colder months during November and December when they give birth to seal pups on the sand dunes. It is a great place to go if you love watching wildlife and learning about their habitats.
Why not go on a walk around the nature reserve and see what other wildlife you spot? It’s a great place to visit throughout the year, where you will see over 250 species of birds including, starlings, fieldfare and redwing.
If you love nature and walks, Donna Nook Nature Reserve is a great place to visit. Why not plan a weekend in Lincolnshire and see what it has to offer? Whether you’re interested in the countryside or history, there’s something for everyone.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday (less congested access at weekends)
Seal viewing area open from late October to December.
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Marsh Lane
Donna Nook
Louth
Lincolnshire
LN11 7PD
England
Contact details
01507 526667
www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook
2. The Collection
The Collection in Lincolnshire brings an award winning archaeology museum together with the region’s premier art gallery in the heart of Lincoln.
There is so much to see and discover at The Collection, such as art, archaeology, heritage, and exhibitions. The archaeology gallery tells the story of Lincolnshire’s fascinating history through artefact displays and reconstructions. There are many activities at The Collection such as touch screen games, historical dressing up and much more. Why not build your own mosaic or listen to Lincolnshire’s past? There is something for everyone to enjoy at The Collection.
If you love art and history, make sure to visit Lincolnshire’s premier art gallery, which opened in 1927. Visitors can enjoy art and more, through an accessible glass pavilion that offers amazing views of its sister museum and Temple Gardens. Don’t miss out on further views, by going in the new lift which offers better access to viewing the upper galleries.
Prices
Free Entry
Opening times
Open Daily 10am - 4pm last entry 3:45pm
www.thecollectionmuseum.com
3. Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage is a family run museum and was open to visitors over 20 years ago. It’s now a living memorial to the 55,500 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during WW2. Aviation Heritage holds so much history including the rarest aircraft, such as the Avro Lancaster Bomber. There are many collections to see and discover including wartime vehicles such as a Ford WOT1 Crew Bus, which is the only one known that exists.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is the only Airfield Museum in England recreated to its original design, on an original World War II airfield. At the centre, you will learn and see so many interesting things and you will be able to experience the atmosphere of what is would have been like. There are so many rare and unique aircraft to explore, so why not take a visit if you’re planning to go to Lincolnshire?
It’s a great place to visit if you love learning about aviation history and war. There are many events which take place at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage, such as air shows and more, so make sure to check what’s on before visiting.
Opening times
Summertime (Easter Weekend- Last Weekend in October)
9.30am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Wintertime (Last Monday of October - Easter Weekend)
10.00am-4pm (Last entry 3pm)
FREE parking
Prices
Adults - £8.00
Senior Citizens - £7.00
Children (6- 15 yrs) - £3.00
Under 5's – FREE
Family (2A + 2C)- £20.00
Additional child- £2.00
Address
East Kirkby
Spilsby
PE23 4DE
Contact details
01790 763207
www.lincsaviation.co.uk
4. Crowland Abbey
Crowland Abbey is a Church of England parish church, which is part of a Benedictine abbey church, situated in Crowland in Lincolnshire. Crowland Abbey is a Grade 1 listed building and is full of history.
It is a popular church for locals and visitors and is a place of worship in Crowland, Lincolnshire. The abbey was founded in memory of St Guthlac early in the eighth century by Ethelbald, King of Mercia and was entirely destroyed and the community slaughtered by the Danes in 866. Crowland Abbey was once destroyed by a fire in 1091, but rebuilt 20 years later by Abbot Joffrid. Many year later, the greater part of the abbey and church was one more burnt down and rebuilt. From then, the history has created history and became one of the most opulent of East Anglian abbeys.
Why not go sightseeing around Lincolnshire and discover what it has to offer? Whether you fancy a historic or countryside day out, Lincolnshire has a lot to offer. Go sightseeing with friends or family and explore the history of Crowland Abbey – you won’t be disappointed!
There is so much to do and see in Lincolnshire. Why not explore the city and find somewhere to eat with friends in the evening? There are many popular restaurants in Lincolnshire.
Address
46 East St
Crowland
Peterborough
PE6 0EN
Contact details
01733 211763
www.crowlandabbey.org.uk
5. Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens
Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens dates back to around 1451 and is a wonderful place to visit. The hall was built for a local wood merchant in the fifteenth century. Ayscoughfee is full of history and is substantially unchanged from the fifteenth century. The medieval hall, which is now a museum is full of fascinating displays and exhibitions for all visitors to enjoy. The stunning garden includes a walled garden, fountains, fish pond and beautiful floral beddings.
Why not visit with friends and explore the galleries and gardens? There is so much to see in Lincolnshire, so why not sightsee around the city and explore Ayscoughfee Hall and gardens. The gardens are full of flowers and is a peaceful place to visit. Take a walk around the grounds and gardens and relax in the café with your favourite refreshments.
There is something for everyone at Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens, so why not visit during the weekend, or take the family during the school holidays? In the hall, there are various events that take place throughout the year, so make sure to see what’s on before you visit.
Opening times
Gardens
Monday to Saturday, from 8am until dusk.
Sunday, from 10am until dusk.
Closing hours change throughout the year.
Museum
Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 4pm
Bank Holidays, 10.30am to 4pm
Café
April to September, every day from 10am to 5pm.
Price
Free entry
Address
Churchgate
Spalding
Lincolnshire
England
PE11 2RA
www.sholland.gov.uk/article/3324/Ayscoughfee-Hall-Museum--Gardens
Top 5 Kid’s activities
There are plenty of great attractions in Lincolnshire to take the kids!
1. Burghley House and Garden of Surprises
Burghley House and Garden of Surprises is a beautiful place to visit and the home is full of amazing fine art collections and history. Why not take a walk around the gardens and admire the house’s architecture? The garden is full of flowers with a mirrored maze and water features – A great spot for a picnic!
For kids who love to get mucky, why not check out the Gruesomely Gardens tour? Solve puzzles and discover insects and animals that live in the dirt of the garden.
It’s a great place for kids to explore, so why not take a tour around the house while they are enjoying the outdoor activities?
Opening hours
The House and Gardens of Surprises
18th March - 29th October 2017: Monday to Sunday* 11:00 - 17:00
*The House is closed on Fridays
The Parkland
Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 18:00 (or dusk if earlier)
Pricing
House and Gardens
Adults (16+): £18.00
Kids (3-15): £9.00
Under 3s: Free
Family (2 adults, 3 kids): £52.00
Admission to the Parkland is free of charge
Address
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3JY
England
Contact details
01780 752451
www.burghley.co.uk
2. The Jungle Zoo
The Jungle Zoo is a great place to take the kids, where they can discover all about the wildlife and world around them. The zoo is home to a range of animals such as monkeys, lemurs, goats, owls and much more. Kids will love learning all about the animals and their habitats.
Jungle Zoo is open from April to October and weekends only in November. Although it is a small attraction, it has lots of animals with many different personalities. There are talks and feedings throughout the day, so why not watch and see how passionate the keepers are about their animals!
It’s a fun and educational day out with the kids, so why not take them during the school holidays?
Opening hours
18 February to 17 March, 2 October to 29 October, November Weekends
Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 14:30
18 March to 1 October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 15:30
Pricing
Adult: £4.80
Child/Senior: £4.00
Under 2: Free
Buy Local Card: £3.30
Family Entry: £16.00
Address
Kings Road
Lakeside
Cleethorpes
Lincolnshire
DN35 0AG
England
Contact details
01472 291998
www.thejunglezoo.co.uk
3. Skegness Aquarium
There are so many animals to discover at the aquarium, where you will see sharks, rays, seahorses and much more. Take a stroll around Treasure Island within an award winning themed attraction, or walk beneath water through Dave Jones’ locker. Children will love exploring Long John Silver’s cabin, where they will get to meet all the creepy crawlies that he came across on his travels!Skegness Aquarium is home to a large range of tropical sea life, as well as being the only 3 aquariums in England that offer a ‘Diver with Sharks’ experience - what an amazing opportunity!
There is something for everyone at Skegness Aquarium, where younger children can enjoy face painting and under 12’s can have fun playing in the soft play area.
Why not end the day by having lunch with the family at Bistro restaurant? Enjoy delicious food overlooking beautiful coastal scenery!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday, and School holidays 09:30 - 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
Low season
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
Pricing
Adults: £9.50
Kids: £7
Under 2s: Free
Family Ticket: £30
Address
Tower Esplanade
Skegness
Lincolnshire
PE25 3HH
England
Contact details
01754 765152
www.skegness-aquarium.uk
4. Ark Wildlife Park
The park is open all year, with a range of indoor and outdoor attractions, such as the Tropical house and activities with Meerkats and more! Kids will love seeing the animals and spending time in the outdoor play area.Ark Wildlife Park is a new rescue zoo in Lincolnshire, full of interesting animals! From exotic mammals and reptiles to carnivores and farmyard animals – There’s so many animals to see and learn about.
There’s a great café on site, offering locally made cakes and snacks, so why not relax in the café while the kids are having fun exploring with their friends?
Children will love a visit to the Ark Wildlife Park, where they can learn, discover and play! It’s a great place to visit during the school holidays.
Opening hours
Summer: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Winter: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Pricing
Adults (16+): £9.00
Kids (4-15): £6.50
Under 4s: Free
Family: from £30.00
OAP/Military/Disabled: £8.00
Address
West Fen Lane
Boston
Stickney
Lincolnshire
PE22 8BD
England
Contact details
01205 481468
www.arkwildlifepark.co.uk
5. Paint a Pot Place
Paint A Pot Place is a family fun pottery studio, which offers fun for kids and adults alike! It’s a great place for the whole family to express their creativity. Whether you are painting something for a friend, yourself or a keepsake, there’s something for everyone.
It makes a great afternoon out during the school holidays, or even for birthday parties! Choose from a range of amazing unglazed pots, animals, mugs, dragons, rabbits and more – There is so much to choose from.
Everything you need is provided, including paints, aprons, sponges and much more. There is so much to paint, so get stuck in!
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 09:30 - 17:00, Saturday 09:30 - 16:30, Sunday 10:30 - 16:00
Pricing
Pay for what you paint
Address
31 West Street
Bourne
Lincolnshire
PE10 9NB
England
Contact details
01778 420409
www.paintapotplacebourne.co.uk
Top 5 Restaurants in Lincolnshire
On your visit to Lincolnshire, make sure to visit one of these popular restaurants
1. Winteringham Fields
01724 733096
www.winteringhamfields.co.uk
1 Silver Street
Winteringham
DN15 9ND
England
2. The Bronze Pig
www.thebronzepig.co.uk
01522 524817
4-6 Burton Road
Lincoln
LN1 3LB
England
3. The Ferryboat Inn
www.theferryboatwestbutterwick.co.uk
01724 379530
The Ferryboat Inn 9 South Street
West Butterwick
Scunthorpe
DN17 3JT
England
4. Bunty's Tearoom
www.buntyslincoln.com
01522 537909
18 Steep Hill
Lincoln
LN2 1LT
England
5. The George Hotel Restaurant
www.georgehotelofstamford.com
01780 750750
The George Hotel of Stamford High Street
71 St Martins
Stamford
PE9 2LB
England