What to do and see in Lincolnshire, England: The Best Architectural Buildings

'I have always held and proposed against all comers to maintain that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles' - John Ruskin Lincoln Cathedral was for almost 300 years the tallest building in the world. Yet, in spite of its size, it is filled with intricate detail. Remigius, the Bishop who built the earliest part of the Cathedral in the Norman style, came over with William the Conqueror. Later, in Lincoln Cathedral the architects of the gothic style perhaps reached the pinnacle of their art. Everywhere you look there is the most intricate detail, walls, roofs elaborated by the finest carving. From the time of the death of the saintly Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Avalon who so lovingly restored the Cathedral after an earthquake in the 12th century, thousands of people have come on pilgrimage to this place of pilgrimage, holiness and prayer. In 1215 another Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, was present at Runnymede along with Lincolnshire's Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Langton. When King John agreed to the barons' demands, copies of Magna Carta were made and distributed to sheriffs and cathedrals throughout England. Lincoln Cathedral's Magna Carta is one of only four from the original distribution still in existence. It is the only one to bear the name of its city.

Gunby Hall is a country house in Gunby, near Spilsby, in Lincolnshire. Otherwise known as Tennyson’s ‘Haunt of Ancient Peace’, Gunby Hall is a fine ‘William and Mary’ red brick house, dating from 1700 and extended in the 1870s, located in a quiet corner of Lincolnshire. Many of the rooms are paneled and there is a beautiful oak staircase. The house contains collections of grand family portraits, elegant furniture and exquisite china. The Massingberd family had connections with many influential people of their day; from the Wedgewood family, Tennyson and the composer Ralph Vaughn Williams to Rudyard Kipling and Charles Darwin. Bennett Langton, James Boswell and Dr Johnson were also regular visitors to the house and there is a famous signed copy of Boswell’s ‘The Life of Dr Johnson’ kept in the Library. Joshua Reynolds’ paintings of Bennett Langton and his wife are part of the collection as well a beautiful grand piano that Ralph Vaughn Williams played when visiting the Massingberds. The exquisite garden is planted with traditional English plants, fruit and flowers. It has a dovecot that pre dates the house and a charming loveseat hidden away behind fragrant roses

Regularly described as a “hidden gem in Lincolnshire” this exciting visitor attraction offers a variety of events and exhibitions and an award – winning schools’ education programme. Owned by English Heritage the Hall is operated by Lincolnshire County Council. Gainsborough Old Hall is a large, late- medieval manor house built by the noble Burgh family around 1460. The house boasts an impressive Great Hall; original medieval kitchen; East and West ranges containing a myriad of rooms and a haunted ghost corridor.

The only working 8 sailed windmill of its type in the world. Explore all 5 floors of this unique windmill, take a guided tour (subject to volunteer availability) and learn about milling and the stories that lie behind our mill's 190 year history. Children will love exploring the mill and taking part in our mouse hunt, as well as finding out more about how the mill works through many of the exhibits in our visitor centre. A lift gives access to our exhibition space and the mill's ground floor for those who can't easily access all floors. Our tea room offers delicious cakes - baked with the mill's own flour. Finally you can end by visiting our shop, wher Current opening hours: Fri, Sat and Sun from 11a.m. to 4p.m. Adults £5, Children 5-16 £3, Under 5's free. Please check our website for up-to-date news, events and school holiday opening hours. During Covid19 visits to the mill tower and exhibition is limited to one group at a time. Please book in advance via the mill's website.

Re-Opening on 1st June 2021. Come and discover this surprising attraction within the former police cells of Grimsby Town Hall, it will take you on a time travel journey to uncover the town’s colourful past. As you pass through dark, twisting corridors you will be able to explore mysterious nooks and crannies and make your way up and down winding stairs. You will discover the town’s treasures as you piece together the jigsaw that reveals how Grimsby developed. Please note that we now bookings only please follow the link https://nelincolnshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Time_Trap_booking Face Coverings Are Mandatory A maximum of 6 tickets can be bought per transaction. We are unable to offer larger group bookings at this time. For your own safety and that of others, please only visit with members of your household or those in your social bubble. Please do not plan to meet people outside of your household during your visit.

This impressive, refurbished original canal company office, built in 1838, is a Grade-II listed building standing in the old public wharf area, now known as Navigation Yard, off Carre Street. The building, thought to be the only one of its kind still in existence, has a heritage theme covering the early development of the new River Slea and portrays the story of the Navigation in Sleaford.