Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Lincoln Castle has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost one thousand years.
Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conquerorordered the construction of a castle at Lincoln in a bid to control the rebellious north.
Centuries earlier, the Romans had built their legionary fortress in the same place. The Normans constructed their motte and bailey castle here, re-using the remaining stone walls of the original Roman city.
Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and seat of justice. Visit today and you can scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk,follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison, and immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story.
David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault
Lincoln Castle is now the only place in the world where an original1215Magna Carta and 1217 Charter of the Forest can be seen side by side, on permanent loan from Lincoln Cathedral.
Magna Carta, meaning ‘The Great Charter’, is one of the most famous documents in the world and is oftenregarded as the foundation of democracy in England.
Both documents are on display in the state-of-the-art, subterranean David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle. Head underground to view the documents, read the words in English and learn about their history and significance in a 210° cinema room.
Please note: at certain times during the year the documents will be at rest and unavailable. Please see the Lincoln Castle website for details of which documents are on display and when or call 01522 554559 for details.
Medieval Wall Walk & Audio Guides
The Medieval Wall Walk at Lincoln Castle is an unforgettable experience. Accessible by a spiral staircase or lift, visitors can walk the whole circumference of the walls that surround the castle. The walls offer the most amazing views across the city, especially on a clear day.
The accompanying audio guide will tell you more about the castle's history and highlight the landmarks to look out for as you make your way around the walls. A different version is available for adults and children; the adult guide is available in English, French, and German.
Victorian Prison
Visit the Victorian Prison at Lincoln Castle for an insight into crime and punishment in Lincoln.
Built in 1788, this impressive building was used as a debtor's prison until 1878. The prison accommodated the 'separate system' - keeping prisoners isolated to encourage them to reflect, repent and reform. This can be seen by the single cells and the unique separate system chapel - the only original of its kind left globally.
Three floors of restored prison cells, over a male and female wing, offer an opportunity to learn about the justice system of Victorian England. Living history prisoners & guards and interactive touch-screen tables show videos and information about the historical people who spent their lives in prison.
CastleGrounds
The grounds at Lincoln Castle are free to enter and explore during non-event days. The perfect spot for a coffee on a sunny day, or a family picnic in a unique location.
As you wander through the grounds, look out for the Castle Stories plaques on the floor. Dotted throughout the site, these tell the stories of the people who have visited or even resided in the castle over the years.
Book a grounds tour during your visit and you canlearn more about Lincoln Castle’s rich history from an expert guide. Lasting between forty-five minutes to an hour, these fascinating tours offeran introduction to this historic site, as well as a deeper understanding of the castle's colourful history.
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Archaeology Exhibition
During Lincoln Castle's 2013 excavations and restoration, Archaeologists found an ancient, Anglo-Scandinavian church 3m below the ground. Objects found during the dig are on display in the Castle featuring a stone sarcophagus containing the body of a high-status individual - identified by the shoes worn at the point of burial.
The church and the ten skeletons found at the burial site are bought to life in an exhibition showing finds, including the skeletons and other objects found dating back to Roman, Medieval, Georgian and Victorian times.
Dog-Friendly Days at Lincoln Castle
If you have a four-legged friend that enjoys exploring just as much as you do, you can visit Lincoln Castle together on dog-friendly weekends.
From the banks of the Norman Motte to the dark prison cells, your dog can follow you on a journey back through history, exploring the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and the Magna Carta.
You can find all of the dog-friendly dates listed below.
Accessibility
Although Lincoln Castle is a historical monument, a huge effort has been made to ensure as much of it as possible is accessible to as many visitors as possible.
The majority of the grounds of the castle are flat and accessible. The Medieval Wall Walk has a lift to the east section, which is flat and has stunning views of Lincoln Cathedral. An audio guide is available for the Medieval Wall Walk, and a transcript of the full script is available for visitors with hearing impairments.
Some parts of the Victorian Prison have very narrow walkways and doors, making access difficult for wheelchair users, although there are lifts to all three floors of the prison and a viewing platform for the chapel. Transcripts of the Victorian Prison films are available.
There is a lift to the David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault, which is fully accessible. In addition, full transcripts of the Magna Carta films are available.
Admission is free for carers of visitors with disabilities - please note that you may be requested to provide proof of eligibility upon entry. The castle has two wheelchairs for hire. Assistance dogs are welcome. Find out more about accessibility at Lincoln Castle on the Lincoln Castle Access Statement.
Groups
Lincoln Castle welcomes groups of up to 50 with a 10% discount on entry and catering available. Download a suggested Lincoln Castle for Groups itinerary or email Lincoln Castle for further information.
Additional Information
- Free entry to the Castle grounds.
- Cafe
- Gift Shop
- Dog-friendly on selected weekends
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