Lincoln Guildhall
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Guildhall and Stonebow Lincoln

4.5
·114 reviews·, United Kingdom

Step back in time at Lincoln's Guildhall and Stonebow, a historic gem offering free guided tours of medieval and Tudor treasures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Less crowded, more engaging

CrowdLow
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Lincoln Guildhall

Guildhall and Stonebow Lincoln

Best Time

Morning tours

Less crowded, more engaging

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Lincoln's Guildhall and Stonebow, a historic gem offering free guided tours of medieval and Tudor treasures.

4.5
(114 reviews)

"The free guided tours are outstanding, packed with knowledge and delivered with passion!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Tours are Gold!

The free guided tours are highly recommended for their depth of history and passionate guides .

⏰ Arrive for Tour Start

Be at the door a few minutes before the tour begins to ensure entry and a good spot .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Guildhall Meeting Room

The Guildhall Meeting Room

Above the Stonebow

Step into the historic Tudor-style meeting room where council has convened since 1237. Marvel at its preserved architecture.

Royal Charters & Silver Sword

Royal Charters & Silver Sword

Treasury

See ancient Royal Charters dating back to the 12th century and a silver sword from Richard II. A tangible link to centuries of history.

The Slanting 16th Century Staircase

The Slanting 16th Century Staircase

Entrance

Ascend the remarkably slanted 16th-century staircase, a unique architectural feature that hints at the building's age.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Guided Tours: A Must-Do

Don't miss the free guided tours! They're incredibly informative, lasting 1-1.5 hours, and cover the Guildhall's rich history and Lincoln's past. Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, making it a highlight for history buffs.Reddit

Timing is Key for Access

The Guildhall is above the Stonebow and tours are the primary way to access it. Arrive a bit before the tour start time to ensure you're there when doors open. Check the schedule as tours are typically twice daily.Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Less crowded, more engaging
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#lincoln #lincolnshireuk #lincolnshire #visituk #englandtiktok #fypengland #visitengland #exploreengland #uktravel
@uktravel
50.5K likes • 250.1K views

🎯 Free Tours are Gold!

The free guided tours are highly recommended for their depth of history and passionate guides.Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive for Tour Start

Be at the door a few minutes before the tour begins to ensure entry and a good spot.Reddit

Reverend condemns graffiti on Lincoln church and says 'it doesn't represent us' #lincoln #lincolnshire #church
@lincolnshirelive
13.7K likes • 214.6K views
The Strugglers Inn - Lincoln, England
@kalanighosthunter
13.2K likes • 246.9K views

👟 Watch Your Step

The 16th-century staircase is notably slanted – take your time and enjoy the unique climb.Reddit

📚 History Buffs Rejoice

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Lincoln's medieval and Tudor past.Reddit

Replying to @jack.sansum Lincoln, Lincolnshire 📍#lincoln #lincolnshire #travel #traveltok
@jevwd
7.7K likes • 141.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Tours are Gold!

The free guided tours are highly recommended for their depth of history and passionate guides.Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive for Tour Start

Be at the door a few minutes before the tour begins to ensure entry and a good spot.Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step

The 16th-century staircase is notably slanted – take your time and enjoy the unique climb.Reddit

📚 History Buffs Rejoice

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Lincoln's medieval and Tudor past.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(114 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about the free guided tours at the Guildhall and Stonebow, praising the guides' extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. The historical artifacts and the building's architecture are also highly appreciated, making it a must-visit for history lovers. Some minor concerns include the challenging nature of the slanted staircase for those with mobility issues.

"We visited on Wednesday morning for the 10.30 tour. This tour is free to do which is amazing! The tour lasts between an hour and an hour and a half. The tour guide was a very nice man who amazed us with his knowledge! No question went unanswered. I don't know what I expected from the tour but I got more from it than I could have imagined. We learnt so many facts and were told great stories. The building is preserved extremely well. And the treasury is full of amazing objects and historical documents. I wouldn't hesitate about doing the tour again! If you haven't been, you should go!"

Hannah R

"I attended the 10:30am tour this morning. I'd like to say a big thank you to Colin for the fascinating tour, I learned a lot about the Guildhall and also the history of Lincoln. The tours are free, but I'd happily recommend this even if there was a charge."

Lynn B

"Lincoln Guildhall is above the Stonebow. The grade one listed building dates back to 1520. The tudor style building was extended in the 1800s in a matching style. The council has met on this site since 1237. There are free informative guided tours twice a day. It is a stunning looking building."

Andrew Nell

What People Like

Incredibly informative free tours
Passionate and knowledgeable guides
Fascinating historical artifacts

What People Dislike

Slanted staircase can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Guildhall and Stonebow are located in the heart of Lincoln's historic city center. You can easily walk to it from most central Lincoln attractions. If arriving by car, there are several car parks nearby, such as the Lincoln Central Car Park. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in the city center.

Yes, there are several public car parks within walking distance of the Guildhall and Stonebow. The closest options include the Lincoln Central Car Park and the Boston Road Car Park. Be aware that parking in the city center can be busy, especially during peak times.

Absolutely! The Stonebow itself is a prominent historic archway, and the Guildhall is situated above it. You can admire the exterior architecture from street level at any time. However, to see the interior and its treasures, you'll need to join a guided tour.

The Stonebow is a historic medieval gatehouse and archway in Lincoln, dating back to the 14th century. It served as a fortified entrance to the city. The Guildhall is located directly above this impressive structure, making them a combined historical landmark.

Yes, the Guildhall and Stonebow are very accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes serve the Lincoln city center, with stops just a short walk away. Lincoln Central train station is also within walking distance, making it convenient for day-trippers.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the guided tours of the Guildhall and Stonebow are completely free! This is a fantastic aspect highlighted by many visitors. You don't need to book in advance, but it's advisable to arrive a little early for the tour start time.Reddit

The Guildhall typically offers free guided tours twice a day, usually in the morning and early afternoon. It's best to check the official Lincoln City Council website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date tour times, as these can vary.Reddit

The guided tours usually last between an hour and an hour and a half. This provides ample time for the guide to share detailed historical information and answer any questions you might have.Reddit

Access to the interior of the Guildhall is primarily through the guided tours. While you can see the Stonebow from the outside, the historical rooms and treasury are best experienced with the insights provided by a tour guide.Reddit

There are no specific age limits mentioned for the Guildhall tours. The content is generally historical and informative, making it suitable for most ages. However, younger children might require more engagement to stay interested for the full duration.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect to see the historic Tudor meeting room, ancient Royal Charters dating back to the 12th century, a silver sword from Richard II, and other fascinating historical artifacts. You'll also learn about Lincoln's history as a wool town.Reddit

Yes, visitors consistently praise the tour guides for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for Lincoln's history. They are adept at answering questions and making the tour engaging.Reddit+1

The Guildhall is an old building with a significant 16th-century staircase that is quite slanted. While the guides are accommodating, visitors with significant mobility issues might find the ascent challenging. It's advisable to contact them in advance to discuss accessibility.

Photography is generally permitted inside the Guildhall during tours, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide at the start of the tour. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it's disruptive.

The Guildhall's history spans from the medieval period (council meetings since 1237) through the Tudor era (16th-century building) and into the 1800s with extensions. The artifacts, like the Royal Charters, date back even further.

📸 📸 Photography

The most photogenic spots include the impressive 16th-century staircase, the historic meeting room with its period features, and any displayed artifacts like the silver sword or Royal Charters. The exterior of the Stonebow archway is also a classic Lincoln shot.Reddit

Photography is usually allowed inside the Guildhall during tours, but it's best to confirm with your guide. Be respectful of the historical artifacts and other visitors. Avoid using flash if it might damage delicate items or disturb others.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm) would be useful for capturing both the interior details and wider shots of the rooms. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the historic nature of the building.TikTok

Yes, the Stonebow archway itself is a striking subject. You can get good shots from street level looking up at the arch and the Guildhall above. Consider different angles and times of day for varied lighting conditions.TikTok

Generally, yes, but always ask your guide first. Some very old or delicate artifacts might have restrictions. If allowed, focus on capturing the intricate details of items like the Royal Charters or the silver sword.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Guildhall and Stonebow can be a surprisingly engaging experience for families, especially if your children have an interest in history or stories. The free guided tours are a great way to keep kids entertained as the guides often use storytelling to bring the past to life.Reddit Highlights like the slanted staircase and the chance to see ancient artifacts like swords can spark their imagination. However, be mindful that the tours can be up to 1.5 hours long, so ensure your children have the attention span for this duration. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly activity that offers a unique glimpse into medieval and Tudor England.Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, the Guildhall and Stonebow is an absolute treasure trove. The free guided tours are exceptionally detailed, delving into Lincoln's medieval past, its importance as a wool town, and the building's Tudor origins.Reddit You'll get to see genuine Royal Charters from the 12th century and a silver sword from Richard II, artifacts that are rarely accessible to the public.Reddit The guides' profound knowledge and passion make this a deeply rewarding experience, offering insights that go far beyond a typical historical site visit.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This is a dream destination for budget travelers! The guided tours of the Guildhall and Stonebow are completely free, offering incredible value for money.Reddit+1 You get a comprehensive historical experience, including access to ancient artifacts and expert commentary, without spending a penny. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in Lincoln's rich heritage without impacting your travel budget.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of the Guildhall and Stonebow

The Guildhall and Stonebow in Lincoln represent a fascinating intersection of civic history and architectural heritage. The Stonebow itself is a formidable 14th-century gatehouse, once a crucial part of the city's defenses and a symbol of its importance. Above this impressive structure sits the Guildhall, a Grade I listed building with roots stretching back to 1520. The council has continuously met on this site since 1237, making it one of the longest-serving civic centers in the country.Reddit The building showcases a blend of Tudor architecture, with later extensions in the 1800s that thoughtfully match the original style.

Visitors on the free guided tours are treated to a journey through centuries of Lincoln's past. You'll learn about its significance as a wool town, a vital economic driver in medieval England. The treasury within the Guildhall houses remarkable artifacts, including Royal Charters dating back to the 12th century, offering a tangible connection to the nation's early history. The presence of a silver sword belonging to Richard II further underscores the building's historical weight and its connection to royalty.Reddit The guides' passion and extensive knowledge bring these stories to life, making the visit an engaging historical exploration.TikTok

Beyond the artifacts, the building's structure tells its own story. The 16th-century staircase is a notable feature, famously slanted, providing a unique and memorable ascent to the main meeting room. This architectural quirk is a testament to the building's age and the craftsmanship of its original builders. The free guided tours are consistently lauded as exceptional, offering more value than many paid attractions, and are a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Lincoln.Reddit+1

Experiencing the Free Guided Tours

The free guided tours are the absolute highlight of any visit to the Guildhall and Stonebow, and are frequently cited as a must-do by visitors.Reddit+1 These tours are not just informative; they are delivered with infectious enthusiasm by guides who are clearly passionate about Lincoln's history. The guides possess an incredible depth of knowledge, answering every question with detail and engaging anecdotes, making the experience far richer than a self-guided visit could ever be.Reddit

The tours typically last between an hour and an hour and a half, covering the Guildhall's extensive history, from its medieval origins to its Tudor construction and beyond. You'll explore the main meeting room, learn about Lincoln's role as a wool town, and marvel at the treasures in the treasury, including ancient Royal Charters and a silver sword from Richard II.Reddit Some guides even take visitors downstairs to handle replica swords used by historical figures like King Henry VII, an unforgettable hands-on experience.Reddit

To make the most of your tour, it's recommended to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time. While the tours are free, the value they provide is immense, with many visitors stating they would happily pay for such an insightful experience.Reddit The guides' ability to weave historical facts with compelling stories ensures that even those not typically interested in history will find themselves captivated.TikTok

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