Key facts
- Operator
- Lincolnshire County Council
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
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.
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.
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.
Magna Carta; wall walk; Victorian prison
“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
