7 ‘unusual’ attractions in Lincolnshire – from giant oaks to Roman archways

Lincolnshire is beloved by tourists for a variety of reasons. There's the scenic Woodhall Spa ^[1], with its boulevards frozen in time, and the spectacular views from the Skegness ^[2] coast.

Then there's Steep Hill ^[3], lined with independent shops and popular bars, and the countless market towns propped up by traders from across the country. According to reports from Global Tourism Solutions, more than 3.5m people visited Lincoln in 2022 - up by almost 22 per cent on 2021's numbers.

Charlotte Goy, chief executive at Destination Lincolnshire, said the statistics were 'worth their weight in gold'. She said: "We have a long road ahead of us, and more challenges to overcome - the cost of living crisis continues to test the industry's mettle alongside inflation - but I believe we're firmly on the right path to success. Now more than ever, we must work together to encourage people to stay longer and spend more with our local businesses."

Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters ^[4]

But while millions flock to the capital every year, some of Lincolnshire's hidden gems can go overlooked by tourists. Of course, market towns and coastal views aren't unique to Lincolnshire - but the Yellowbellies' home county has its quirks, too.

To celebrate what makes Lincolnshire 'Lincolnshire, we've put together a list of seven obscure and unusual attractions, taking inspiration from cottages-to-rent.co.uk's list of peculiar places to visit ^[5].

The Bowthorpe Oak, Bowthorpe Farm

The Bowthorpe Oak in Manthorpe, Lincolnshire (Image: Bowthorpe Farm)

Lovers of the countryside will find plenty to like about the Bowthorpe Oak. Situated at Bowthorpe Park Farm, historians reckon it could be the oldest oak tree in England and one of the oldest in Europe - clocking in at more than 1,000 years old.

The legend goes that it was hollowed out by the Squire of Bowthorpe, who built a room inside that was capable of entertaining up to 20 guests. It certainly wasn't your typical venue, nor your typical tree.

Tickets to visit the oak can be booked online ^[6].

The Bubblecar Museum, Langrick

One of the small vehicles at Lincolnshire's Bubblecar Museum (Image: Submitted)

The Bubblecar Museum ^[7] is home to more than 50 small cars made by Bond, Isetta, Reliant, Frisky and Bamby - manufacturers that are synonymous with 1950s Britain. The museum, based near Boston, also has lots of other 1950s memorabilia such as household items, toys, scooters and games.

Historians at the museum said the small, fuel-efficient vehicles were powered by engines of less than 700cc in size. According to TripAdvisor, it's a 'small museum, but very interesting'.

Tickets are £4 for adults and £1 for children.

Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa

Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa (Image: Philip Jones)

The Kinema in the Woods is not your average cinema - as the name would suggest. It started life as a sports and entertainment pavilion in the 18th century.

With its three screens and historic veneer, it gives moviegoers a chance to step back in time. It was described in a five-star TripAdvisor review as a 'wonderful, if slightly quirky place' by one enchanted visitor.

Films of all genres and varieties - from blockbusters to indie comedies - are screened throughout the week, complete with intermissions. You can catch a matinee on a weekend or a late-night showing of an old classic.

Homefield Alpacas, Louth

Homefield Alpacas (Image: Chris/Geograph.org.uk)

There are plenty of places to walk your dog in Lincolnshire, but how about a hike with a different furry companion? Based near to Louth, Homefield Alpacas runs a variety of alpaca trekking experiences.

They also run husbandry workshops, where you can learn how to handle alpacas on a day-to-day basis. The treks, which are area available to book by appointment, take single or group bookings and are routed through the local countryside, usually lasting up to two hours.

Wool and various items are for sale from their rather unique gift shop.

The Village Church Farm, Skegness

The Village Church Farm museum is run by volunteers (Image: Submitted)

Previously known as the Church Farm Museum, the Village Church Farm offers a glimpse into 300 years of history. Set in three acres of gardens, the Skegness speciality museum boasts a mud-and-stud cottage, historic farm machinery, and even a Richard Hornsby traction engine in full working order.

They say it is the oldest house in the seaside town, with an evergrowing collection of artefacts and memorabilia. Open every day except Thursdays, the museum has proven a hit with visitors, who have described it on TripAdvisor as an 'amazing hidden gem'.

Entry to the museum is charged by donation, though some events have a small charge.

The Newport Arch, Lincoln

Newport Arch during Lincoln's free walking tour. (Image: Eleanor Maslin/Lincolnshire Live)

The Newport Arch is a Roman gate in Lincoln and could be the oldest in the country still used by traffic. It dates back to the third century, when the county's capital was a Roman town known as Lindum Colonia.

It's one of many remnants of the empire's occupation of Britain. The Romans also contributed greatly to the county's road network, building Ermine Road and parts of the A15, which would have carried Roman travellers to and from the capital.

There isn't too much to do there, but it's a worthy bit of Lincolnshire's history - and a cheap excursion.

Parrot Zoo, Friskney

Cottages-to-rent points specifically to the parrot enclosure at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Friskney, near Boston. In their summary of the rather talkative section of the zoo, a researcher for the site wrote: "If you’re looking or quirky things to do in Lincolnshire, 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." They added: "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."

The Parrot Zoo Trust was launched in 1993 and has become the largest parrot sanctuary in the UK. More than 1,000 birds call it their home, the trust says.

Tickets can be booked online ^[8].

References

^{^} Woodhall Spa (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
^{^} Skegness (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
^{^} Steep Hill (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
^{^} Get the latest Lincolnshire Live news with our email newsletters (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
^{^} cottages-to-rent.co.uk's list of peculiar places to visit (www.cottages-to-rent.co.uk)
^{^} can be booked online (bowthorpeparkfarm.co.uk)
^{^} Bubblecar Museum (www.bubblecarmuseum.co.uk)
^{^} online (www.lincswildlife.com)