Lincolnshire is a large county, its borders encompassing the Lincolnshire Wolds, fenlands and marshes, the wetlands of the Humber estuary, and flat acres in between, perfect for farming of all sorts. Lincolnshire’s coastline varies from the dramatic cliffs of the Lincolnshire Escarpment, to rolling sand dunes and long sandy beaches. With this varied landscape comes an equally varied range of accommodation options. Our pick of the best places to stay in Lincolnshire ranges from country house hotels and old coaching inns turned boutique pads to rustic B&Bs that are ideal for a quiet night away.

Lincoln, the county town, is an old city with architectural riches, and one of the most glorious cathedrals in Britain. Stamford is the other stand-out town in the county and its beautiful streets have not been lost on the location scouts — it's been part of many a period drama including 2005's Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

Lincolnshire's heyday may have been the late Middle Ages, when the county grew fat off the wool trade, and numerous grand churches and abbeys were built — many survive today, creating great beacons on the flat, green landscape. Towns sprang up around these churches, and these historic hamlets are still some of Lincolnshire’s most picturesque. Boston’s St. Botolph’s Church put Boston on the map, it’s still one of the tallest medieval churches in the UK, and on a clear day you can see it from the other side of The Wash, as well as throughout The Fens.

In addition to the churches, Lincolnshire has a large number of impressive county houses and manors. Many have been passed on to the National Trust, but some have been converted into hotels, and now appear on our list of the best places to stay in Lincolnshire. There are endless beaches to explore too with many hidden gems, whether you want to enjoy a blustery walk or build sandcastles with the kids.

The Best Places to Stay in Lincolnshire

For a Special Occasion

• Washingborough Hall is a Georgian mansion in miniature, just three miles outside Lincoln’s city centre, with 20 rooms and suites. Interiors are very country house hotel, complete with William Morris patterns and wood-panelled walls. The rooms in the main house are more traditional, with antiques and garden views, while those in the converted former coach house are more contemporary — some have private patios. There's also a fine dining restaurant and a relaxed lounge/bar.
• The Georges a quintessentially British stay in Stamford: an old coaching inn in one of Lincolnshire’s prettiest historic towns. From the sandstone exterior, to the wood-panelled dining room, and garden wall clad in wisteria, this is a charming place to stay. Child and pet friendly, the hotel’s 47 rooms and suites offer plenty of variety, but all along the lines of ‘traditional luxury’, and the restaurant serves hearty fare.

Country House Hotels

• Allington Manor is a small manor house turned B&B and wedding venue, brimming with charm and antiques. There are just three guest rooms, each individually decorated, plus a very elegant dining room, and a cosy sitting room with exposed beams and a Gothic-looking stone fireplace. Perfect for a stylish countryside escape.
• Stamford’s The William Cecil is a small country house hotel on the Burghley Estate, close to the A1. There are 27 rooms and suites, decorated in a range of styles, with well laid-out bathrooms, some of which have walk-in showers and roll-top baths. Milly's Bistro serves delicious dishes with a weekly changing menu.

For Historic Lincoln

• The Old Palace Lodge is a small, historic hotel in an incredible central position, in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral. Some of its 16 rooms and suites have been converted from a former church, and these have stone-mullioned Gothic windows, or original beams and apex ceilings (all of the rooms have different original features). We like those with the grand windows, which also have roll-top baths. Breakfast is served in the apse of the church, and while there’s no restaurant, you are very close to a good selection. Surprisingly peaceful — aside from the bells!
• The Castle Hotel is a townhouse hotel on cobbled Steep Hill, close to Lincoln's old city walls, the cathedral, and to the castle. The 18 rooms and suites are contemporary in design, with a colour scheme of neutrals and creams. There are a couple of self contained apartments in the courtyard, which are well set up for families, and there’s a small bar, and chic bistro. Stylish and central.
• The Rest is also on Steep Hill, a charmingly converted Baptist church hall, now offering ten guest rooms — some with private terraces overlooking the Bishop’s Palace and the city. There’s no restaurant, but they do have a coffee house and bar, where they serve an excellent breakfast and snacks and drinks all day.

For Foodies

• The Brownlow Arms is a traditional, family-owned, village pub turned foodie destination. The restaurant is surprisingly large — but guests travel long distances to eat the Modern British menu on offer. This is the sort of place where even the bread is homemade, and the triple chocolate brownie has a loyal following! There are just five guest rooms, one tucked into the eves of the pub, and the others in a separate barn conversion.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The New Inn, just outside Grimsby, is a Grade II listed property with recently refurbished interiors, an atmospheric pub, and a restaurant known for using the organic produce from a local estate. The refurbishment brought cleaner lines and neutral colours, to make the most of the remaining original features.
• The Bull & Swan in Stamford is a fairly ancient coaching inn on the Burghley Estate. It’s now run as a pub with rooms — but also remains popular with the locals. You can expect excellent bistro food, a pretty courtyard garden, which is lovely in the summer. The decor is classy too; lots of white, against dark-wood antiques.
• The Crown, Stamford is another old coaching inn in pretty Stamford, with a cosy country pub atmosphere and 18 simply designed rooms. The decor is traditional and makes the most of the exposed stone and beamed ceilings. There's a lively restaurant and you can bring your pets too.

For a Rural Retreat

• The Bridleway B&B offers a chance to stay close to Lincoln, while also staying in the country. Converted from a farmhouse just a few miles to the north of town, these four B&B rooms have been converted from farm outbuildings, and have been simply and tastefully decorated with muted colours and comfortable details. Breakfast is served in a lovely conservatory room.
• The Barn is a 17th century barn, located in a picturesque rural conservation area in the village of Folkingham. Now a four room B&B, with decor that makes the most of the barn’s original features, this is a really relaxed place to stay, in a peaceful setting of gardens and pretty old buildings. Great for walkers. Guests enjoy breakfast in the farm-style kitchen, and can relax in the cosy siting room.

For Couples

• The Elm Tree has some of the grandest B&B rooms on our list, complete with antique four-posters, or canopy beds, elegant antique furniture, and plush fabrics. There are just four rooms, all of them different, but all quite indulgent-feeling. Breakfast is taken care of rather grandly too, because the owner is a former chef. This is an adults only property, and the location, inland from Skegness, is convenient for day trips with your car.

For Families

• The Grange is a three room B&B converted from Victorian-era farm buildings, just outside East Barkwith, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As well as being ideal for walkers, or for popping into Lincoln, The Grange is a great place to relax — they have a tennis court, and trout fishing, as well as a pretty sitting room and gardens. In addition to the three rooms there are three self-catering cottages onsite, making this a great pick for families.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Lincolnshire’s hub airport is Humberside Airport, which is about 40 minutes drive north of Lincoln. East Midlands Airport is next closest, just outside Castle Donnington, near Derby. If you’re coming from London, trains leave from Kings Cross or St. Pancras. Direct trains to Lincoln take around an hour and 45 minutes.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Lincolnshire gets the most visitors during the late spring and early summer months. Summers are mild and warm, and the winters cool, but seeing as this is the UK we’re talking about, the Gurus advise you to pack your wet weather gear at all times. Lincolnshire’s cultural and festival calendar has plenty in it year round, but the big ones are the Lincolnshire Show — held in June; the Lincolnshire Food and Gift Fair — held in November; and the Lincoln Christmas Market — held in December. Lincoln is a city break destination that can be appreciated year round.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Lincoln or Stamford
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the best pubs with rooms in Lincolnshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.