Lincoln Castle stands on Castle Hill, opposite Lincoln Cathedral, in the old part of the city. William the Conqueror began it in 1068 on the site of a Roman fort. The main draws are the Medieval Wall Walk, a 360-degree route along the ramparts with views over the city and countryside, the Victorian prison, and the Magna Carta Vault, which holds one of four surviving copies of the 1215 charter. The castle grounds are free to enter.
Who built it and why
William the Conqueror started the castle in 1068, two years after the Battle of Hastings. He placed it on a hill the Romans had used for a fortress, and parts of the Roman walls were built into the new defences.
The castle was built to control the north of the kingdom, which the Normans had reason to watch closely. It is now one of the best preserved castles in England, and one of only two in Britain with two mottes, the artificial earthwork mounds that form part of its layout.
Uses through the centuries
Over the centuries the castle served as a court, a prison and a place of punishment. It was used as a debtor's prison from 1787 to 1878, and it still houses a law court.
Public executions were once held here. The records say they drew crowds of around 20,000 people, who gathered outside Cobb Hall.
The Medieval Wall Walk
The walk runs along the castle's ancient ramparts, and it is a complete circuit of 360 degrees. Restoration work between 2010 and 2015 repaired the curtain wall and opened the route to visitors. The walk sits more than 100 feet above the ground, so the views are wide, taking in Lincolnshire and the rooftops of the city below.
The cathedral is easy to pick out from the walls. Dragon sculptures stand in the grounds near the Cobb Hall entrance, and children tend to head for them first.
The Victorian prison
The prison building holds the cells, the court-related displays and a chapel. In the chapel, the seating was made of cagelike stalls. Each stall hid its occupant from the others, so inmates could not tell who their fellow prisoners were. The arrangement was meant to keep a measure of dignity for each man.
The building also displays some of the finds excavated on the site, including Roman objects from a 4th century townhouse. Hands-on activities, such as making mosaics or trying handwriting exercises, are offered in some sections.
The Magna Carta Vault
The vault sits underground and was built as part of the restoration. It holds an original copy of the Magna Carta, issued in 1215, alongside the Charter of the Forest. A cinema room beside the vault shows films about the two documents, which helps explain what they say and why they mattered.
The Magna Carta is one of four surviving copies, so the vault is the main reason many visitors buy a ticket. Allow time to watch the film before you look at the originals.
Getting in and around
The grounds are free to enter. The wall walk, the prison and the vault need a ticket. A Castle Day ticket includes a free guided tour of the bailey, led by a specialist guide.
There is a cafe and toilets on site. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking are wheelchair accessible. From the cathedral, Steep Hill leads up to Castle Hill, where a historic Tudor building houses the tourist information centre.
Dogs are welcome on a few set days each year, usually in summer. Check the dates and rules on the official website before bringing one.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
The castle grounds are free to enter. The Medieval Wall Walk, the Victorian prison and the Magna Carta Vault need a ticket, and the site recommends booking in advance.
Can you see the Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle?
Yes. The Magna Carta Vault holds one of four surviving copies of the 1215 charter, alongside the Charter of the Forest.
Is the castle accessible for wheelchair users?
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking are wheelchair accessible.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on a few set days each year, usually in summer. Check the dates and rules on the official website before you go.
Is there a cafe?
Yes, there is a cafe and toilets on site.
