As well some of the UK’s top visitor attractions (think Lincoln Cathedral), the county of Lincolnshire boasts plenty of unique attractions and offbeat experiences for those looking to venture off the well-trodden tourist trail.
With this in mind, we’ve come up with 10 unusual things to do in Lincolnshire. From curious landmarks to havens for birds of paradise, our guide offers plenty of ideas for those of you looking for offbeat places to visit. So read on!
1. Visit the Bubblecar Museum, Langrick
First in our list of unique tourist attractions in Linconlshire is this quirky museum.
The Bubblecar Museum, located in the small village of Langrick, offers a nostalgic journey into the world of microcars.
These tiny, odd-looking vehicles were a especially popular after World War II, and were a response to the need for economical transportation.
The museum is the only one of its kind in the country and is home to more than 50 microcars.
These are commonly known as bubble cars due to their distinctive, rounded shapes.
The collection includes models from manufacturers like Heinkel, Isetta, and Messerschmitt, among others. These vehicles tell the story of automotive ingenuity and adaptation during a time of resource scarcity.
Each car in the museum is carefully restored, many to a drivable state. The Bubblecar Museum also features period settings to enhance the visitor’s experience, with recreated scenes from the 1950s and 1960s providing a backdrop to these unique cars.
This setting transports visitors back to an era when these diminutive vehicles were a common sight on the roads.
The Bubblecar Museum, with its unique collection of quirky vehicles, offers a memorable glimpse into a fascinating chapter of automotive history.
So it’s a must-visit attraction for automobile enthusiasts as well as those of you seeking unusual things to do in Lincolnshire.
2. Visit Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, Mablethorpe
The Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, located in the charming coastal town of Mablethorpe, provides a unique sanctuary for a diverse range of animals, prioritizing their rescue and recovery.
This remarkable establishment dedicates itself to the rehabilitation of injured wildlife, striving to restore them to their native environments.
The sanctuary is particularly known for its seal rescue program. Stranded or injured seals found along the coast are brought to the centre, where they receive expert care and rehabilitation.
But the experience doesn’t stop with seals. The Wildlife Centre also hosts a variety of other animals from across the globe, including birds of prey, reptiles and meerkats.
Each animal’s enclosure is carefully designed to emulate their natural environment, offering you an educational and immersive wildlife encounter.
Whether it’s witnessing a seal’s recovery journey, marvelling at the flight of a falcon, or learning about the behaviours of a meerkat, the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre offers a rich, interactive experience.
3. Experience the RAF Scampton Heritage Centre, Scampton
Those of you looking for alternative activities in Lincolnshire should direct your attention to this historic attraction.
At the Raf Scampton Heritage Centre in Scampton, Lincolnshire, you will embark on an engrossing journey through a pivotal era in British aviation history.
This top attraction is of profound historical significance, allowing you to delve into captivating narratives and the contributions of the Royal Air Force (RAF), particularly during World War II.
As you navigate through the centre, you’ll delve into the history of the iconic 617 Squadron, famously known as the ‘Dambusters‘, who conducted their audacious raid in 1943.
On display are historical records and personal accounts that chronicle their lives offering a poignant tribute to the service men and women who served there.
The centre is also home of the world-renowned Red Arrows. While touring the centre, you’ll get a unique insight into the thrilling world of these aerial acrobats and their spectacular display routines.
Engaging and educational, the RAF Scampton Heritage Centre offers you a rare window into the heroics and human stories behind the RAF’s illustrious history, creating an unforgettable visit.
4. Enjoy the Parrot Zoo, Friskney
If you’re looking or quirky things to do in Linconlnshire, then prepare for an enchanting encounter at The Parrot Zoo – an exclusive sanctuary that’s a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature-lovers.
Stepping into The Parrot Zoo unveils a sanctuary committed to the well-being and conservation of an array of parrots.
The site covers 15 acres and is home to a variety of species which find solace within the sanctuary’s protective confines.
The Parrot Zoo serves as an educational and conservation hub, fuelled by a dedicated team of experts and passionate volunteers who offer their insights into the inhabitants, their habitat preservation and conservation initiatives.
You’ll be privy to captivating encounters with parrots in close proximity, all of which are kept in enclosures that reflect their natural environments.
A visit to The Parrot Zoo transcends mere observation, as it becomes an act of support for a sanctuary devoted to the well-being and future of these remarkable creatures.
5. Explore Doddington Hall and Gardens, Doddington
Image: doddingtonhall.com
Although one of the lesser known attractions in Lincolnshire, this majestic estate really is a must-visit.
Upon your arrival at Doddington Hall and Gardens in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, you’ll find yourself stepping into an enchanting realm of English history.
This magnificent Elizabethan manor-house, built in 1595, stands as a cherished family home that graciously welcomes visitors to experience its historical grandeur.
Inside Doddington Hall, a treasure trove of historical artefacts, curated artwork, and period-specific furnishings await you.
These pieces unravel a rich tapestry of British aristocracy, making each room a chapter from the past.
The grandeur of the Great Hall, the intricate plasterwork, and the elaborate tapestries are a feast for the eyes, transporting you back through the centuries.
The journey continues outdoors into the breathtaking gardens spanning over 6 acres.
Here, you’ll explore various garden landscapes, from a romantically wild garden to a meticulously planned terrace, each exuding its own unique charm and history.
Visiting Doddington Hall and Gardens offers an adventure into the heart of English elegance and heritage.
6. Go to the Newport Arch, Lincoln
Image: visitlincoln.com
Considered one of the hidden treasures in Lincolnshire, the Newport Arch is a historical landmark that’s the oldest surviving Roman archway in the UK.
Built around the 3rd century AD, the arch was part of the Roman fortifications that protected the ancient city of Lindum Colonia, which later became Lincoln.
It provides an exceptional example of Roman architecture, featuring intricate details and sturdy construction.
Made of local limestone, the arch stands as a testament to the city’s rich Roman heritage.
And despite the ravages of time, the original structure remains largely intact – a captivating attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
7. See the Bowthorpe Oak, Manthorpe
Image: telegraph.co.uk
If you’re going off the beaten path in Lincolnshire, then it’s well worth take the time to see this ancient tree.
The Bowthorpe Oak, nestled in the quaint Manthorpe near Bourne, Lincolnshire, is the oldest oak tree in England and potentially Europe.
This awe-inspiring tree is believed to have witnessed over a thousand years of history.
On reaching this ancient marvel, you’ll be captivated by its hollow trunk, so large that it’s said to shelter more than 20 people comfortably.
From its tranquil perch in Bowthorpe Park Farm, the Bowthorpe Oak has silently observed the relentless flow of time and transformation of the world.
The tree doesn’t just bear natural significance but also resonates with cultural importance.
It’s served as a unique gathering spot over centuries, graced countless paintings, and inspired numerous literary pieces.
Despite the tide of time, this resilient oak continues to flourish, generously adorning itself with a fresh canopy of leaves each season.
A worth addition to our guide to quirky and unusual things to do in Lincolnshire.
8. Catch a Flick at the Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa
Image: thekinemainthewoods.co.uk
Filed un ‘oddities and curiosities in Lincolnshire’, the Kinema in the Woods promises a cinematic experience unlike any other.
This distinctive movie theatre, nestled amidst lush woodland, has been entertaining film enthusiasts since 1922, making it one of the UK’s oldest operational cinemas.
Upon entering, you’re welcomed by a fusion of vintage charm and modern comforts.
The Kinema retains its original architectural features, complete with an iconic back-projection system.
Its atmospheric auditorium, where time seems to have stood still, evokes the golden age of cinema, creating a unique nostalgic ambiance.
However, the Kinema doesn’t shy away from modernity. It boasts advanced digital projectors and sound systems to ensure the highest quality viewing of the latest releases.
If your timing is right, you might even enjoy an organ performance during intermission, a nod to the cinema’s long-standing traditions.
A visit to the Kinema in the Woods transcends a typical movie outing – it’s a nostalgic journey that intertwines with the present and is perfect for those of you seeking unusual things to do in Lincolnshire.
9. See Ellis Mill, Lincoln
Image: lincolnshire.gov.uk
This enchanting tower mill, originally one of nine in the city, is now the sole survivor and stands as a proud testament to Lincoln’s industrial past.
As you enter Ellis Mill, you’ll be captivated by its rustic charm and historic ambiance. The mill, still in operation, lets you see first-hand the traditional process of grinding grain into flour.
Here, the power of wind is harnessed through large, wooden sails, turning the grinding stones to produce flour as it was done centuries ago.
The Ellis Mill’s operation is in the hands of a devoted group of volunteer millers. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and will lead you through an engaging exploration of the mill’s functioning.
They’ll demystify the complexities of the machinery and shed light on how this mill has woven itself into the fabric of the local community over time.
A visitor attraction that promises one of the more distinctive outings in Lincolnshire.
10. Visit the Church Farm Museum, Skegness
Image: churchfarmvillage.org
Last but not least in our guide to unusual things to do in Lincolnshire is the Church Farm Museum in Skegness. This captivating historical visitor attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich rural heritage.
A remarkable assortment of well-preserved buildings await you, including traditional farmhouse, a blacksmith’s forge and a charming thatched cottage.
These meticulously restored buildings serve as captivating testaments to the ordinary routines and livelihoods of their former inhabitants, showcasing their lives in vivid detail.
To enhance your experience, experienced guides will accompany you, skillfully weaving captivating anecdotes and providing enlightening perspectives that breathe life into history.
The Village Church Farm also hosts a diverse range of interactive events and demonstrations, allowing you to engage in traditional crafts, sample local delicacies, and actively participate in activities that celebrate the vibrant heritage of Lincolnshire.
The site offers an immersive journey into the past, filled with engaging encounters that leave lasting memories and is one of the more unusual places to explore in Lincolnshire.
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For more information about unusual things to do in Lincolnshire, visit the offical tourism website.
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