County counsel: Lincolnshire
Looking for a holiday destination with something to offer the whole family? Look no further – Lincolnshire has history, scenery, great beaches and lots of attractions, says Bryony Symes
Our Bryony is your guide to this great holiday destination, which has something to offer the whole family
1 Nature’s finest landscapes
The sheer size of the county of Lincolnshire guarantees a huge variety of landscapes to explore. Why not start with Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve? Here, muddy seashores, salt marshes and sandy beaches make a peaceful walking destination. There’s a useful visitor centre, way-marked hiking trails and bird hides to help you make the most of it. Web www.lincstrust.org.uk/ nature-reserves/gibraltar-pointnational-nature-reserve
2 The RAF’S Few in World War II
Lincolnshire has been at the very heart of the RAF’S activities since it was formed in 1918. Visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre at RAF Coningsby and you can find out more about 101 years of aviation history by taking a guided tour of the hangar. The aircraft on display include a P7350, the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world. Web www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ history-and-heritage/battle-ofbritain-memorial-flight
3 Standing on the shoulders of giants
Visit Woolsthorpe Manor, home of Sir Isaac Newton, to find out how he laid the foundations for science today. Not only is this a beautiful 17th-century manor, but when it reopens on 9 March, there will be yet more to discover in the Science Centre, as the Year of Space begins. Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4 History right beneath your feet
Discover Lincoln’s Roman roots 15 feet below the Royal Bank of Scotland. Posterngate lay hidden for centuries, but now you can see the ancient gateway to the city, preserved boundary walls, the remains of a turret and the original flagstones, on which Romans would have walked. Web www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ history-and-heritage/posterngate
5 Medieval churches, local landmarks
Among Lincolnshire’s many pretty market towns, Boston should not be overlooked. With medieval buildings watched over by the towering St Botolph’s Church (known locally as the Boston Stump) and landmarks such as Fydell House – a fine Georgian house and gardens that are free for visitors to explore – there’s plenty to see here. Web www.visitbostonuk.com
6 Beside the seaside, without the crowds
The Lincolnshire coast is known for popular seaside holiday destinations such as Skegness and Mablethorpe, but don’t overlook the quieter charm of Chapel St Leonards. There’s a sheltered beach and a scenic promenade, plus an impressive new North Sea Observatory that’s not to be missed. Web www.chapelstleonards.com
7 A royal birthplace and a historic ruin
If you’re looking to stretch your legs on your Lincolnshire tour, head off to the Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore the rolling countryside. There’s also historic ruins to see, such as Bolingbroke Castle, birthplace of Henry IV. Web www.heritagelincolnshire. org/sites/bolingbroke-castle
8 A thousand years of local history
Delve into the fascinating past of the area at Lincoln Castle, where you can walk the medieval walls, explore the dungeons and towers, see the Magna Carta, and visit the Victorian Prison. There are a thousand years of history here – to find out more, take a free guided tour of the bailey. Web www.lincolncastle.com
9 See the seals and meet the meerkats
For a fun family day out, head to Natureland Seal Sanctuary, where you can find out how seals are rescued, reared and cared for. There’s a small colony of seals that you can visit, plus plenty of other animal attractions, such as penguins, alpacas and meerkats. Web skegnessnatureland.co.uk
10 The essence of Skegness
No visit to Skegness is complete without a stroll along the pier. Although this is no longer the fourth longest in Britain, you can still enjoy some great vistas of the Lincolnshire coastline. There’s year-round indoor family entertainment in the pavilion, too. Web www.skegnesspier.co.uk