Home / Days Out & Events / Properties / Find a property by map / East Midlands / Lincolnshire / Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace
Sign up for our email newsletter
Unusual Gift Ideas from the English Heritage Shop
Weather Forecast
Upcoming Events
Day Planner. Download Pdf

See Also

PDFWonderful Winter Days Out (753 Kb)
Suggestions of invigorating wintery walks around this property. Print it off today, take it with you on your visit and receive a 25% discount on admission.
Find a Hotel with Active Hotel

Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

Exterior
Exterior (c) English Heritage
Exterior - Exterior (c) Interior - Interior (c) Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace - The 19th Century Chapel, Tower & Cathedral. (c) Medieval Bishops' Palace where Mark Anthony Walker has been chosen to create a Contemporary Heritage Garden. - Medieval Bishops' Palace where Mark Anthony Walker has been chosen to create a Contemporary Heritage Garden. (c) View of the Walled Terrace Garden looking towards the palace ruins. - View of the Walled Terrace Garden looking towards the palace ruins. (c)

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 the enormous power and wealth of the bishops as princes of the church.

Begun in the late 12th century, the palace's most impressive feature is the undercrofted West Hall, initiated by Bishop St Hugh and completed in the 1230s. The chapel range and entrance tower were built by Bishop William Alnwick, who modernised the palace in the 1430s. Having hosted visits from Henry VIII and James I, the palace was sacked by Royalist troops during the Civil War.

Built on hillside terraces, the palace also boasts one of the most northerly working vineyards in Europe, and a Contemporary Heritage Garden. Designed by Mark Anthony Walker, its form was inspired by the cathedral's medieval vaulting and the curves of the vines, with trees shaped to echo spires. Award-winning audio tour.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.10 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.40 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.60 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £10.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Lincolnshire - LN2 1PU
Road Access:
On the downhill side of Lincoln Cathedral. From the CathedralPrecinct gatehouse, follow the wall on the right and go through adoorway in the wall half way along
Train Access:
Lincoln 1 mile
Bus Access:
From surrounding areas
Map Location:
Telephone:
01522 527468

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Guidebooks No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Picnic area Events Hazardous Family Learning Gardens Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders
Facilities Details:
Toilets: None
Shop and exhibition: Wheelchair access via small step - assistance recommended
Refreshments: None, but picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to buildings: 20m from church gate on slightly sloping tarmac/cobbled path. Ground floor accessed via small step and other small steps into each 'cell'. Fairly easy steps to first floor but steps to second floor difficult. Seats available.
Grounds: All areas accessible on impacted gravel paths and smooth grass; gazebo area bumpy.
Parking:
Off road, 20m from entrance via cobbled pathway
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Herb borders. NB Hazardous low ceiling along outside walkway.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Hearing impaired visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
As there is no coach parking available on site, please use city coach parks.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
45 minutes.
Guided Tours:

Guided Tour of Site
Let Charles Rodgers take your group around the palace grounds and learn about the conservation techniques used on site and the recent creation of the Contemporary Heritage Garden. Then travel back in time and hear about the history of the palace; Why is there a curse on the palace and what grizzly events have taken place inside the walls? The tour will look into medieval life as you never knew it was like.

Duration: 1 hour 30 mins.

Minimum – maximum pax: 11-30

Advance booking required:  Yes – 6 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 01522 527468

Further Info

Parking (limited disabled parking on site).
Newsletter