Historic Houses, Castles and Windmills

Experience nearly one thousand years of jaw-dropping history at Lincoln Castle from battles, to hangings and ghostly tales. View the Magna Carta - one of the four surviving originals sealed by King John in 1215 - and experience the only Victorian prison chapel of its kind.

The dramatic red brick tower of Tattershall Castle is a masterpiece of medieval brick architecture. With elaborate brick vaulting, stone fireplaces, a double moat and breath-taking views, it was built in the 15th century by one of the most powerful men in England - Ralph Cromwell - to impress and to dominate.

A lasting testament to the immense landscaping ability of Capability Brown, Grimsthorpe Castle is a 13th century stone centrepiece within a 3,000 acre park of rolling pastures, lakes, and woodland.


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Built by Queen Elizabeth's Lord High Treasurer in the 1500s, Burghley House is a fabulous Tudor mansion with parkland laid out by famous landscape architect Capability Brown. Take time to eat at the Orangery Restaurant and explore the Gardens of Surprise.

Gainsborough Old Hall is a unique medieval manor house - one of the best-preserved in England. Rich, flamboyant Sir Thomas Burgh built it between 1460 and 1480 and it remains much as he left it, to the delight of thousands of visitors each year.

Alford Manor House, built in 1611, is of significant architectural importance due to its wooden frame with reed and plaster walls. The house underwent a huge restoration project between 2003-2006 and is said to be the largest thatched house in England.

Belton House is such a picture-perfect example of an English country house, so much so that its façade is cited as the principal inspiration for the symbol denoting state.


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Visit Heckington Windmill with its unique eight sails, which hosts displays, demonstrations and is home to a great tearoom.

Or head for the five-sailed Alford Windmill, a rural gem six stories high, which continues to grind flour with tranquil power. Visit the antiques' shop and tearoom in the converted engine house.

Built in 1875 the working Mount Pleasant tower mill in Kirton in Lindsey is now the home of the True Loaf Bakery. The mill grinds organic flours used to produce the delicious breads and cakes baked on the premises in a traditional wood fired oven. Tours, tea rooms and organic shop.

For more information

Visit the Windmills section of the Lincolnshire County Council site


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