Exploring Heritage Sites: Journeying Through Lincolnshire’s Past

Nestled in the heart of the north of England, the county of Lincolnshire offers a real treasure trove of heritage sites that combine to tell the story of its past. There are charming market towns and a large-scale historic city, with an abundance of countryside, all offering a diverse range of experiences for history enthusiasts and rural explorers alike. In this edition of our blog we polish the gems that make this region shine – the must-visit destinations you can easily access from any of our Don Amott Parks…

1. Lincoln

Nestled neatly along the River Witham, the city of Lincoln’s skyline is dominated by Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle. The awe-inspiring Cathedral has stood over the city for thousands of years, though may be more familiar to some as filming locations for Young Victoria and The Da Vinci Code. The Castle houses an original copy of the Magna Carta and the subsequent Charter Of The Forest – exceptionally important documents in UK history – and they can be viewed side by side, on permanent loan from the Cathedral.

Wandering through the cobbled streets of historical Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter around these magnificent buildings, it is captivating to see medieval architecture still ‘alive’ and vividly impressive in the modern age. The castle walls offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside and, just outside, Steep Hill is your gateway down into the city centre, where many historic buildings, boutique independent shops and traditional tea rooms sit alongside modern chain stores and coffee houses.

2. Louth

For a taste of quintessential Lincolnshire charm you can do no better than the market town of Louth, which showcases a bustling market square with stalls offering local produce, crafts, and antiques. The town’s heritage comes in the shape of St James’s Church, with its soaring spire. Louth’s abundance of Georgian architecture adds to its timeless appeal, with the museum a fascinating must-visit for those wanting to delve deeper into the town’s rich history. It features artefacts and stories from centuries past, tracing Louth’s urban and agricultural history as well as displaying many rocks and fossils from the area.

3. Stamford

With its well-preserved Georgian architecture, Stamford is often referred to as the ‘finest stone town in England’, and it certainly offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Browne’s Hospital, a medieval almshouse, was founded in 1485 by a wealthy wool merchant who wanted to provide a home and a house of prayer for the poor – and, to this day, it provides accommodation for those in need. It’s an impressive building, worth a visit. The town’s association with TV and films adds charm for lovers of the small and silver screens – Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice and The Da Vinci Code were all part-filmed here.

4. Boston

The Boston Stump – aka the historic St. Botolph’s Church – dominates the skyline in the maritime town of Boston. With cobbled streets around the market square, a mix of Tudor and Georgian architecture lends the town a timeless charm. Its rich maritime heritage is the focus of the Guildhall Museum, which offers exhibits and insights into Boston’s trading past and its connection to the Mayflower Pilgrims, the English families which sailed from England to the New World in 1620.

5. Grantham

Heritage Lincolnshire has perhaps no more important town than Grantham, birthplace of two figures who held an enormous influence over our lives – Sir Isaac Newton, the legendary scientist who first theorised the concept of gravity, and Margaret Thatcher, conservative Prime Minister all through the 1980s. It’s possible to visit Woolsthorpe Manor, the home where Newton developed his groundbreaking work, and marvel at the actual apple tree that inspired his theory of gravity. Grantham’s Old Town, with its medieval architecture and charming market, provides a great backdrop for a stroll through a historic place.

6. Gainsborough

Nestled along the banks of the River Trent, the picturesque town of Gainsborough features a medieval manor house, standing as one of the best-preserved timber-framed buildings in England. There are still some cobbled streets in the town centre, where traditional shops and pubs offer a warm welcome and a glimpse into a bygone era. Two hundred years ago Marshall’s Yard was an iron works where steam engines, threshing machines and agricultural machines were made, which were then exported all over the world. In the last few decades it has been redeveloped into a shopping centre, but elements of the original architecture remain visible. The riverside setting of Gainsborough adds an extra layer of charm, inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Heritage in Lincolnshire, from the bustling city of Lincoln to smaller and more rural finds like the mysterious megalithic wonder Julian’s Bower in Alkborough, offer a diverse array of experiences for enthusiasts of various eras in history. In more or less each town there is a museum or some way of discovering more about the past, and there are plenty of examples of historic buildings and architecture left to examine and enjoy. When you’re looking for a great day out from one of our Don Amott Parks, venturing into Lincolnshire offers great choices, with its countywide blend of rural charm and urban elegance.