A jewel in Lincolnshire’s crown, Lincoln Castle is one of the county’s most visited attractions. At almost 1000 years old, this medieval stronghold has bared witness to some of the most dramatic events in English history.

The site of bloody battles, rebel sieges and royal visits, Lincoln Castle is bursting with incredible stories. Scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk to walk in the footsteps of kings and criminals; Visit the imposing Prison for a taste of Victorian justice and reform; Venture into the Magna Carta Vault to see the charter that changed the course of history.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions here, Lincoln Castle also boasts a fantastic events programme. With live concerts, cinema screenings, classic car shows, medieval jousts and more, you will find a whole host of events to enjoy, all year round.

Key information

• On-site café
• Accessible (Please note, due to the nature of this historic building, parts of the Wall Walk and Victorian Prison are not accessible)
• Disabled toilet facilities

Distance from Elm’s Farm Cottages: 32 miles, 51.5km

Just half an hour from Elm’s Farm Cottages, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is the perfect place for a family day out. Providing a sanctuary to animals from all over Europe, the park is home to a variety of different species, from tigers and tortoises, to leopards and lemurs.

A must visit for ornithologists, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park boasts one of the UK’s largest parrot rescue centres. There are over 1000 parrots housed at the centre – some of which have rather memorable personalities!

If you’re keen to get up close and personal with the residents here, the park also offer a variety of interactive Animal Experiences. You can meet Nigel the puma, feed Cecil the tapir, and even take a tour of a tiger’s den. Whichever activity you choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Key information

• On-site café
• Fully accessible
• Changing places
• Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2024

Distance from Elm’s Farm Cottages: 19 miles, 31.2km

The Wolds Wildlife Park is a family-friendly attraction, just north of Horncastle. Surrounded by the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, this park is the ideal place to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.

There are a whole host of different animals to see here, from small domesticated species, to big cats and primates. With an on-site café, children’s activities and live talks taking place every day, you can easily spend an entire day exploring, and still come back for more!

If you want an opportunity to get closer to the amazing animals here, the Wolds Wildlife Park offer the most incredible hands-on Animal Experiences. These unique encounters will give you the chance to interact with some of your favourite species, learn more about their needs, and meet the keepers who care for them.

Key information

• On-site café (and ice cream parlour!)
• Fully accessible
• Disabled toilet 

Distance from Elm’s Farm Cottages: 18.3 miles, 29.4km

If you’re after an action-packed adventure, Boston Bowl is the ultimate indoor attraction. So much more than just a bowling alley, this family-friendly venue boasts a variety of activities, guaranteed to keep even the most energetic children entertained.

The state-of-the-art bowling lanes here have automatic scoring systems, gutter guards and ramps, so the whole family can get stuck into a game – and settle any rivalries once and for all!

Also at Boston Bowl:

Play Towers: A sensory sensation, Play Towers provides a world of adventure for little ones. With slides, tunnels, towers and ball pits galore, this soft play area is the perfect place for small children to burn off some energy, and let imaginations run wild.

Krazee Klimb: If you’re up for a challenge, Krazee Klimb offers the ultimate climbing experience. Perfect for older children, there are 12 fun-filled walls to climb, each offering a different, daring experience. From speed walls to stepping stones, this activity is sure to keep you on your toes.

Battle Warehouse: Suitable for children aged 5 and over, Battle Warehouse will allow you to test your shooting skills in a race against time. This glow-in-the-dark experience will put your wits to the test as you head into combat with nerf-style guns. Challenge friends and family to the ultimate battle, and blast your way to victory!

Sliders: After an action-packed day out, you will inevitably have built up an appetite. Luckily, Boston Bowl is home to Sliders, an American-style diner. The menu features a great selection of fast food, from loaded hot dogs to hickory chicken. All of the meat on offer is sourced locally, so you can sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest produce whilst you dine. 

Key information

• On-site restaurant

Distance from Elm’s Farm Cottages: 5.6 miles, 9.1km

Boston Stump is listed among the top 18 churches in Simon Jenkins' book 'England's Thousand Best Churches'. It is one of the largest parish churches in England, with its tower it is the highest of any parish church. Limited wheelchair access is available but ask in the coffee shop for assistance. Boston Stump does not have an accessible toilet.

Visit one of the largest saltmarshes in the UK. Reedbed and wet grassland are a breeding ground to redshanks and skylarks. Freshwater scapes provide habitat to breeding wading birds such as avocets and plovers with safe breeding for thousands of migrating birds including curlew sandpipers, little stints and greenshanks. Free car parking with blue badge spaces 24m from the visitor centre. Visitor centre and hides are accessible for wheelchairs. The Saltmarsh can be viewed from a hard standing area.

This heritage centre is home to the Lancaster 'Just Jane' one of only four Lancasters remaining in the UK, and this is one of only three in the world that can move under its own power (taxi rides available in the Summer). Further exhibits at the centre include aircraft Hangars, original Barnes Wallis Bouncing Bomb, military vehicles, a NAAFI, a Station Chapel, a Control Tower and an Escape Museum. Closed on Sundays. Wheelchair access to most of the site including the coffee shop and disabled toilet. A few upstairs areas not accessible.

Browse top brands such as M & S, Radley, Gap, Visit the garden centre or enjoy a walk in the Festival Gardens. Landscaped areas showcase designs by Charlie Dimmock and Chris Beardshaw. Fun for all the family at Adventure Land. Open all year, 7 days a week. All areas wheelchair accessible with large car park.