Planning days out in Lincolnshire is easy once you know where to look, because the county has a bit of everything.
Within a couple of hours’ drive you can walk a medieval castle wall, watch grey seal pups on a wild beach, ride a rollercoaster and wander through a chalk valley.
This list pulls together the best days out in Lincolnshire for families, couples, dog owners and anyone after something a little different.
We’ve grouped them into history, family and wildlife, and coast and countryside, so you can pick the kind of day that suits you. For more inspiration straight from the county’s tourist board, Visit Lincolnshire is also worth bookmarking.
Days Out in Lincolnshire at a Glance
Not sure where to start? Use this table to compare the 15 days out in Lincolnshire below. Drive times are approximate and measured from Ingoldmells on the coast.
| Day out | Area | Best for | Approx. drive from Ingoldmells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Cathedral | Lincoln | History and architecture | 1 hr |
| Lincoln Castle | Lincoln | History and city views | 1 hr |
| International Bomber Command Centre | Lincoln | History, older children and adults | 1 hr |
| Burghley House | Stamford | Stately home and gardens | 1 hr 45 |
| Belton House | Grantham | Gardens, deer park and families | 1 hr 30 |
| Gunby Hall | Near Spilsby | Gardens and quiet afternoons | 25 min |
| Rand Farm Park | Near Market Rasen | Young families, any weather | 1 hr 15 |
| Natureland Seal Sanctuary | Skegness | Young children, any weather | 15 min |
| Lincolnshire Wildlife Park | Near Boston | Animal lovers | 30 min |
| Fantasy Island | Ingoldmells | Thrill-seekers and families | 5 min |
| Gibraltar Point | Near Skegness | Walkers and birdwatchers | 20 min |
| Donna Nook | North Somercotes | Wildlife (late October to December) | 1 hr |
| Mablethorpe | Lincolnshire coast | Beach days | 25 min |
| Cleethorpes | North-east coast | Seaside fun, any weather | 1 hr 15 |
| Hubbards Hills | Louth | Walks and picnics | 40 min |
Historic Days Out in Lincolnshire: Castles, Cathedrals and Stately Homes
History fans are well looked after here. These are the places that come up again and again when people search for a day out in Lincolnshire, and they’re all worth the drive.
1. Lincoln Cathedral
For centuries Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world, and it still dominates the skyline for miles around. Inside, you can explore the soaring nave, the cloisters and the Angel Choir, where you’ll find the famous Lincoln Imp.
Tower tours are available if you want the view from the top, and it’s one of the most rewarding days out in Lincolnshire for anyone who loves architecture.
Check Lincoln Cathedral’s website for opening times and tower tour availability before you go.
2. Lincoln Castle
Just across the road from the cathedral, Lincoln Castle is home to one of the few surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
You can also walk the full circuit of the medieval castle walls, which gives you brilliant views over the city. Combine the two and you have a full day out in Lincolnshire without leaving Lincoln’s historic quarter.
Visit the Lincoln Castle website to plan your visit.
Take a stroll down Steep Hill afterwards. The cobbled street is lined with independent shops, tea rooms and pubs, and it’s a great way to finish the day.
Tip: Steep Hill lives up to its name, so wear comfortable shoes. The castle and cathedral are a short walk apart, so you can easily see both in one visit.
3. International Bomber Command Centre
A short drive south of the city centre, the International Bomber Command Centre tells the story of Bomber Command through personal accounts and a digital archive.
Its memorial spire is as tall as the wingspan of a Lancaster bomber, and the walls around it carry the names of those who lost their lives.
It’s a moving, thoughtful day out in Lincolnshire, and a good fit for older children and adults.
4. Burghley House, Stamford
On the southern edge of the county, Burghley House is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England.
The state rooms are spectacular, and the grounds include the Garden of Surprises, with its water features, plus a woodland play area for younger visitors.
Stamford itself is worth an hour or two of wandering, thanks to its honey-coloured stone streets. Find tickets and seasonal opening dates on the Burghley House website.
5. Belton House, near Grantham
A classic National Trust stately home, Belton House is set in formal gardens and a deer park, with trails and a playground that keep families busy.
It’s an easy, relaxed day out in Lincolnshire, and the walking routes through the parkland are lovely in every season.
6. Gunby Hall, near Spilsby
For something quieter, our write-up of Gunby Hall covers a red-brick manor house with walled gardens that feels delightfully unhurried.
It’s a good pick for couples or anyone who wants a slow afternoon, and it sits conveniently between the coast and the Wolds.
If you’d like more history close to the seaside, take a look at the heritage places near Skegness too.
Fancy a drink with your history? Batemans Brewery in Wainfleet is a great way to spend an afternoon if you enjoy local beer and a good story.
Family Days Out in Lincolnshire: Animals, Adventure and Fun
Travelling with children? These family days out in Lincolnshire mix animals, play areas and plenty of space to burn off energy.
7. Rand Farm Park, near Market Rasen
Rand Farm Park is a hands-on farm where children can meet the animals, take a tractor ride and play in both indoor and outdoor play areas.
The indoor space makes it a dependable choice when the forecast is uncertain, which is a real bonus for family days out in Lincolnshire.
Tip: Check the park’s website before you go to see whether you need to book online, especially in school holidays.
8. Natureland Seal Sanctuary, Skegness
Natureland cares for rescued seals alongside penguins, meerkats and a tropical house, so there’s plenty to see in a couple of hours.
It’s compact, easy to manage with little ones, and a great option if you’re already on the coast. You can read more in our post on Natureland Skegness, or head to the Natureland website for current prices and feeding times.
Rain on the forecast? Our ideas for things to do in Skegness when it’s raining are worth a look too.
9. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, near Boston
Parrots, big cats and tigers are the main draw at this animal sanctuary, which gives a rescued-animal focus to the day.
It’s one of the most popular wildlife days out in Lincolnshire, and our write-up of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park explains what to expect.
The park’s own site, lincolnshirewildlifepark.co.uk, has up-to-date opening times.
10. Fantasy Island, Ingoldmells
If your family wants thrills rather than animals, Fantasy Island is the county’s big theme park, with roller coasters and rides for all ages. Go early, pack a rain jacket just in case, and you have an easy full day out in Lincolnshire for the whole family.
If you’re staying at Kingfisher Caravan Park, the park is only a five-minute walk away, so it’s easy to head over early and dip in and out of the day.
Tip: Check which rides are running on the day, as opening can vary with the season and the weather.
Coast and Countryside: Days Out in Lincolnshire for Fresh Air
Lincolnshire’s coast and Wolds are some of its best-kept secrets. These days out in Lincolnshire are all about open skies, big beaches and wildlife.
11. Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Just south of Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a mix of saltmarsh, sand dunes and wide beach, with bird hides dotted along the Wash.
Bring binoculars if you have them, because the birdlife is excellent year-round. We’ve covered the best walks and what to look out for in our post on exploring Gibraltar Point.
Tip: Bring binoculars and wear sturdy footwear, because paths across the dunes and marsh can be muddy.
12. Donna Nook Grey Seals
From late October through December, Donna Nook is one of the most memorable days out in Lincolnshire you can have.
Grey seals come ashore here to give birth, and you can watch the pups from a public viewing area. The seals are wild, so keep your distance, follow the wardens’ guidance and leave dogs at home.
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust publishes a weekly seal update, which is worth checking before you set off. Read more in our post on Donna Nook.
Tip: The coast is exposed in late autumn, so wrap up warm and wear waterproof shoes.
13. Mablethorpe
Mablethorpe is a traditional seaside town with a long sandy beach, a classic promenade and a more laid-back feel than its bigger neighbours.
It makes a lovely, easy day by the sea, and we’ve put together some tips on making the most of a day trip to Mablethorpe.
Dog owners will find plenty of room to roam, though some beaches have seasonal restrictions. Our round-up of dog-friendly beaches in Lincolnshire explains where you can go and when.
14. Cleethorpes
Further north, Cleethorpes offers sandy beaches, traditional fish and chips, a bowling alley and a cinema, so it works well whatever the weather.
It’s a good option if you want a lively seaside day out in Lincolnshire with a bit more to do than just the beach.
A stroll along the seafront costs nothing, and our list of free things to do in Skegness has plenty more no-cost ideas along the coast.
15. Hubbards Hills, Louth
The Lincolnshire Wolds are a surprise for anyone who thinks the county is flat. At Hubbards Hills, near Louth, you can follow a peaceful path along the River Lud through a steep-sided chalk valley.
It’s ideal for picnics and gentle walks, and you can find more ideas for exploring the area on the Lincolnshire Wolds website.
Pick Your Perfect Day Out in Lincolnshire
Whether you want castles and cathedrals, rollercoasters and farm animals, or wide-open beaches and wildlife, there’s a day out in Lincolnshire to suit you.
The county is big, and the cathedral city, the coast and the Wolds are each around an hour apart by car, so pick one area per day, check opening times before you set off and leave a little time to wander.
If you’d like to base yourself on the coast, a static caravan near Ingoldmells puts Gibraltar Point, Natureland and Fantasy Island within easy reach, with Lincoln about an hour inland.
Our post on things to do in Ingoldmells is a good place to start planning the rest. The county rewards visitors who take things slowly, and you’ll almost certainly find a few favourites you’ll want to come back to.
