In the heart of one of the most captivating historic cities in England stands a fortress that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale. It is Lincoln Castle, an imposing medieval edifice that has dominated the city for nearly a thousand years and today also houses three gigantic dragons. The newest arrival is the largest of them all: it’s Hastings, five meters tall, surveying visitors from above and lending a fantastical touch to a place already rich in history.
The History of Lincoln Castle
The history of Lincoln Castle runs its roots back to the Norman era. It was William the Conqueror who ordered its construction in 1068, just two years after the famous Battle of Hastings. The aim was to consolidate Norman control over the territory and oversee a strategic city in northern England. The fortress was built partly by reusing the ancient Roman structures of Lindum Colonia on the hill.
Over the centuries the castle was the scene of sieges and conflicts, as well as being used as a seat of justice and a prison. A particularly important chapter is tied to the Magna Carta: right here was kept one of the only four original copies from 1215. Today the document is displayed together with the Charter of the Forest of 1217, another historic legal text, in the evocative and subterranean David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault.
What to Do and See at the Castle
A visit allows you to traverse nearly a thousand years of history. One of the most evocative routes is the walk along the medieval walls (currently partially open due to restoration work), letting you walk along the ancient ramparts and reach towers and viewpoints. From there you can admire the city of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside, immersing yourself in the fortress’s medieval atmosphere.
The Victorian Prison, with its multi-level cells and the distinctive interior chapel (the only example in the world of a religious structure built with the “separate system”), and the vault dedicated to the Magna Carta are also well worth a visit. But today it is chiefly the dragons that capture visitors’ imaginations.
Hastings, arrived in August 2026, is the castle’s third dragon and also the largest. The gigantic scaly sculpture is perched above the Heritage Skills Centre and draws inspiration from the mythical creatures depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. Its name specifically recalls the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Hastings joined Lucy, who arrived in 2022, and Norman, who joined the following year. The three seem to emerge from the ancient walls of the fortress and help make the visit a particularly engaging experience for families.
For information about opening hours and days and to purchase tickets, consult the official Lincoln Castle website.
Where It Is and How to Get There
Lincoln Castle sits opposite Lincoln Cathedral, in the upper, historic part of the city. The area also includes cobbled alleys, independent shops, and the famous Steep Hill, a steep but scenic incline that links the lower part to the historic citadel.
Lincoln is reachable by train from several English cities, including London (about 1 hour and 46 minutes), Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester, Peterborough, and Doncaster. From Lincoln’s central station the castle is about a 20-minute walk away, or 10 minutes by car. There are also bus links from the city center such as the Lincoln Walk & Ride.
For those arriving by car there are several parking facilities nearby, while the nearest airport is East Midlands Airport, about 80 kilometers away.
