Gainsborough Old Hall
One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses, with a complete 15th-century great hall and kitchen
Gainsborough Old Hall was built in the 1460s and 1480s and is one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. Its timber-framed great hall, brick towers and medieval kitchen remain largely intact. Richard III and Henry VIII both visited, and early Puritans (forerunners of the Mayflower Pilgrims) held secret meetings here. Managed by English Heritage and Lincolnshire County Council; admission about £10 (check the official website), with limited opening days. It is located in the town of Gainsborough, about 27 km northwest of Lincoln, roughly 35 minutes by train or car.
Opening hours
About April–October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–16:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Doddington Hall
- Whisby Nature Park
- Hartsholme Country Park
- Museum of Lincolnshire Life
- Lincoln Castle
- Brayford Waterfront
- Newport Arch
- Bailgate