Bail House Hotel Lincoln
Entertaining Since 1354
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Local Attractions
Lincoln Castle
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 on a site occupied since Roman times, Lincoln Castle has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost one thousand years. Inside the Castle walls is also a Victorian prison giving an insight into crime and punishment in the Lincoln of the past.
Lincoln Castle hosts an exciting events program through the year and offers free guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history of Lincoln and its Castle. Join one of the experienced tour guides to discover more about the history of Lincoln Castle and its role in the city through its history.
The Castle is home to the Lincoln's own Magna Carta, one of only four original copies dating back to 1215, as well as the Charter of the Forest. Lincoln Castle is the only place where you can see the two documents together in the world, a unique opportunity to see the documents that shaped society as we know it today.
Lincoln Cathedral
Once described by Victorian writer John Ruskin as "out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedral we have", Lincoln Cathedral is not to be missed.
With the Norman invasion of Britain in the 11th century, William the Conqueror commisioned the building of Lincoln Cathedral and in 1092 it was consecrated, becoming the head of the largest diocese in England - extending from the Humber to the Thames.
After fires and earthquakes had demanded rebuilding of some of the cathedral, it took on a Gothic style of architecture. When the central spire was eventually raised in 1300, it became the tallest building in the world: taking the mantle from the Great Pyramid of Giza. This lasted until 1549 when the spire collapsed.
In spite of its size, the cathedral is filled with intricate detail. In Lincoln Cathedral the architects of the Gothic style perhaps reached the pinnacle of their art; it is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Lincoln.
The Collection
The Collection plays host to a huge variety of historic exhibitions throughout the year alongside regular talks and events that add another dimension to your experience of the exhibitions and displays on show.
Come face to face with Lincolnshire’s earliest inhabitants in the museum and explore the wonderful art collections in the Usher Gallery across the road. Discover PLAY at the Collection, an exciting space for younger visitors and enjoy the vibrant exhibition programme.
Use an interactive, multimedia tour guide to make the most out of your visit: let the iGuide bring history to life with video and audio clips, images and games as you explore the exhibitions. Each attraction has its own tour and there are different guides for younger and older visitors.
All public areas of The Collection and the Usher Gallery are fully accessible, a buggy park and public lockers are available. Pay a visit to the Stokes Cafe at The Collection to finish your visit with a drink or snack.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life
The Museum of Lincolnshire Life’s rich and varied social history collection reflects and celebrates the culture of Lincolnshire and its people from 1750 to the present day. Exhibits illustrate commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life.
As the home to an authentic World War One tank named “Flirt”, the museum also houses interactive galleries of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, which have won prestigious national awards. Perhaps you can find information about family members who served here?
The Museum of Lincolnshire Life offers a wide range of services including exhibitions in a community gallery, group quiz sessions and an education program linked to the National Curriculum.
Visit Their Website
Phone: 01522 782040
Address: Old Barracks, Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LY
Bishop's Palace
Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond, the medieval bishops’ palace was once among the most important buildings in the country. The administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, its architecture reflected enormous power and wealth.
Explore the site as part of a day out in Lincoln. Guided by our audio tour, see the undercrofted East Hall and also the chapel range and entrance tower built by Bishop William Alnwick, who modernised the palace in the 1430s.
Relax and enjoy the unique contemporary Heritage Garden, a haven of peace and tranquillity.
Tattershall Castle
Discover 800 years of the castle’s history from palatial dwelling to cattle shed; romantic ruin to restoration. The brick castle was built by Ralph Cromwell, Lord Treasurer of England, between 1434-1447 as a display of his wealth, power and ambition in unstable times.
Explore six floors of this imposing building from basement to battlements, climb all 149 steps of its spiral staircase and marvel at the views of the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside from the roof. Make sure you view the magnificent fireplaces and follow the stained glass window timeline.
Our audio guides are free to take and will transform your visit, sending you back to the castle’s medieval heyday to imagine the hustle and bustle of castle life. After you have climbed to the top return to the Guard House for a cup of tea and a wrapped cake. You can relax in our seating area, sit in front of the fire and take a rest from all those steps.