Lincoln Castle — Attraction in Lincoln

Hi I have included pictures of the entrance costs to the Castle and Cathedral below FYI. We went here and loved it. The access to the castle grounds is free. The additional entrance costs are for access to the Magna Carta vault, prison tour and walk along the castle walls. But it was a pleasant visit even without paying to see the additional sights. But will come back when we have more time. There are a number of pay and display car parks around the castle and cathedral. I paid £5.80 for 4 hrs of parking which was directly outside the entrance to the castle. There are some amazing shops in between the castle and cathedral. We went to the Mouse House Cheese and Coffee Shop for a bite to eat and it was a great place to experience with friendly staff and a great choice of cheese. I have attached a number of pictures from there too. The Cathedral was amazing too inside but again. I didn't pay to fully access the cathedral and will do it when we have more time. As you get access to the main section of the cathedral and access to the higher levels if you aren't afraid of heights. But saying that entrance to the main reception is free and you can get a good view of the cathedral from the inside. As you can see from the pictures below. There is also access to the small church of Mary Magdalene which is free and accessed through the main cathedral to the left as soon as you enter. At present there is a lot of scaffolding and restoration work going on outside the cathedral so beware of this. But as per the pictures there is still a lot you can see of the outside. Both places have some great greens which you can picnic on if you wish. So a great place to visit...

The castle and prison itself is beautifully maintained and steeped in history, with plenty to explore. During our visit, we were also fortunate to catch a talk from a visiting historical group dressed as knights, sharing fascinating insights into the life and legacy of William Marshal. The presenters were knowledgeable and passionate, and their engaging style made the history feel vivid and accessible. We felt lucky to have visited on a day when this was taking place, as it really added to the overall experience.

Another unexpected highlight of the visit was meeting Cath in the Magna Carta room. When I asked for more detail, she gave the most engaging and insightful explanation of the history behind both the Magna Carta and the Forest Charters. Her passion and depth of knowledge were remarkable, and she brought the history to life in a way that was both captivating and easy to follow. Thanks to Cath, we left with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of these important documents — she made our visit one to remember.

I have given four stars instead of five due to a couple of issues. Two lifts were out of order, meaning two members of our party with mobility difficulties couldn’t access the wall walk and some areas of the prison. While concessions were offered, it was still disappointing that they couldn’t fully experience the site. In addition, the queue for tickets was extremely long, winding through the shop and even out of the door. Although the staff member on the till was very welcoming and apologetic, the wait time was off-putting, and we saw many potential visitors seeing the length of the queue and leaving without...

Lincoln Castle is a must-visit historical site, offering a fascinating glimpse into England’s medieval past. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle stands as a well-preserved fortress with stunning views, rich history, and unique attractions.

One of the highlights is the Medieval Wall Walk, which allows visitors to walk along the ancient castle walls and enjoy panoramic views of Lincoln, including the impressive Lincoln Cathedral. The experience provides a real sense of the castle’s defensive purpose while also offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Another key attraction is the Victorian Prison, where visitors can explore the well-preserved cells and learn about the harsh conditions prisoners faced. The chapel, with its rare separate-seating design, is particularly intriguing and adds to the eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.

The castle is also home to one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, a crucial document in the history of democracy. The dedicated exhibition provides excellent insights into its significance and impact.

With its combination of medieval architecture, stunning views, and rich historical exhibitions, Lincoln Castle is an excellent destination for history lovers and families alike. Whether you’re exploring the prison, walking the walls, or learning about the Magna Carta, there’s something to captivate...