Lincoln Castle
Lincolnshire, England
Photo: Dmitrij M, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Rodw, CC0 · User:Neddyseagoon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Lincolnshire County Council
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Lincoln Central, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Magna Carta; wall walk; Victorian prison
Pinpoint
Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA
Telephone 01522 782019
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
One of only four surviving originals of the 1215 Magna Carta is held in a purpose-built vault here, alongside a Victorian prison and a wall walk that circles the whole site with views over the cathedral and city. It's substantial enough to fill most of a day, though part of the wall walk is currently closed for refurbishment.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Magna Carta vault - one of just four originals left in the world, and the reason this castle carries more historical weight than most others on the list.
Before you go
Check before buying wall-walk tickets, as roughly a third of the circuit has been closed for refurbishment; the free 11am guided tour is worth building your visit around, and toilet cubicle space is tight for wheelchair users or plus-size visitors.
What visitors say
Lincoln Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 11,827 Google reviews
Most reviewers are highly positive about Lincoln Castle, particularly the Victorian prison, the Magna Carta display, and the informative guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.
A couple of more critical reviews note that sections of the walls and grounds were closed for refurbishment at the time of their visit and felt the £18 entrance fee should have reflected that, and one mentions the toilets are cramped for larger or less mobile visitors.
“Very big, well sign posted castle and grounds. Fabulous gaol and vault. Disabled toilets and womens toilets lacking in space for plus size visitors and those with mobility issues. The disabled cubicles and standard ones…”- Sophie Rose-Cook, visitor review
Getting in - what Lincolnshire County Council says
Platform lift to Victorian Prison (may not suit larger wheelchairs/scooters); not all cells accessible; wall walk not wheelchair accessible due to narrow, steep steps; wheelchairs available for hire at no charge; medieval wall walk partially closed for repairs; accessible toilets; limited step-free routes
Taken from Lincolnshire County Council’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Plan your visit
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours with the operator before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track.
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “The Gentleman tour guide was great he is actually a archaeologist, he showed everyone around the castle tell us all and some off beat stories about the history of the castle.” - David Kirby
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Disabled toilets and womens toilets lacking in space for plus size visitors and those with mobility issues.” - Sophie Rose-Cook
- Facilities
- “There's a Refreshments cafe plus toliets onsite.” - David Kirby
Common questions about Lincoln Castle
Where is Lincoln Castle?
Lincoln Castle is in Lincolnshire, England, at Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Lincoln Castle?
Yes - Lincoln Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Lincolnshire County Council. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Lincoln Castle?
The Magna Carta vault - one of just four originals left in the world, and the reason this castle carries more historical weight than most others on the list.
Is Lincoln Castle a ruin or still intact?
Lincoln Castle is a partial ruin - Magna Carta; wall walk; Victorian prison.
