Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

School Visits

This building, now ruined, standing in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral, was once the largest Church diocese administrative centre in England, covering from Hull to London. Explore topics such as the power of the church in Medieval England with your education group, as well as experiencing the beautiful landscape, gardens and vineyards, enhacing cross-curriculum links to science and geography as well. 

We’ve made some changes to the opening times at Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace. You can find these, as well as all the information you need for a memorable visit, on this page. We’re also working on a new learning offer, as well as special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions, which learning groups will be able to enjoy.

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1 History: Significant places in the locality
  • KS1 Geography: Terminology of human and physical geography
  • KS1 Science: Identify and name a variety of plants and their habitats
  • KS2 History: Local history studies
  • KS2 Geography: Types of settlement and land use
  • KS2 Science: Plants and habitats
  • KS3 History: Development of church, state and society in Medieval Britain, and a local history study
  • KS4 History: Medieval studies
  • KS5 History: OCR A Level: English government and the church, the church and medieval heresy

Self-Led Visits

Book a self-led visit to Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives.                                                          

The Gardens and vineyard offer a chance to see a range of flora, as well as the spectacular views across the city. Explore the ancient Roman wall, a beautiful vaulted ceiling and experience just how thick the Medieval walls originally were!

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING:Coaches can park in town. No coach access on site.
    • TOILETS: No toilet facilities on site. Public toilets are available at Lincoln Castle, approximately five minutes walk away.
    • LUNCH: Undercover provision available when booking the education room and picnics welcome.
    • SHOP: There is no shop on site.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: The education room is bookable and available for bag storage and undercover lunch.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Level access in exhibition but steps and uneven surfaces throughout the rest of the site so no wheelchair access.
    • WET WEATHER: The palace is now ruins so please wear appropriate clothing for all weather.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group

     

     

Learning Resources

  • Enquire now

    0370 333 1181

  • We’re upgrading our booking system between 2-10 February 2026 and won’t be able to take bookings during this time. Please contact bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk for any queries about existing bookings. If you’ve already got in touch with us, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, but please note that we may take slightly longer than usual to respond.