Things to see and do at Tattershall Castle

An adult and child touching a large fireplace which is almost taller than them at Tattershall Castle — Visitors exploring at Tattershall Castle | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

With its rich and varied past Tattershall Castle has a big personality and many stories to tell. From its 13th century foundations to its 15th century splendour, and from its 17th century abandonment to its 20th century rescue and restoration, there’s plenty to discover.

Explore the Great Tower

The magnificent 15th century keep was one of the first of its kind in England and has all the features you'd expect to find in a typical castle. However, with its large windows, ornate fireplaces and impressive chambers, it was built less for defence and more to impress.

There are seven storeys to discover, each originally having had its own distinct purpose and function.

Learn about the builder of the Castle and his personal emblems

Ralph Cromwell, 3 Baron Cromwell (1393-1456), was Lord Treasurer to King Henry VI and held many other important political positions during his lifetime. His emblems included a purse and a plant called ‘Gromwell’, both of which feature prominently on the Castle’s fireplaces. How many will you find?  

Go on a colourful journey through time

One of the final features, installed in 1918 as part of the Castle’s restoration, was the Great Tower’s stained glass. Each window represents a different owner. The windows were fitted in chronological order, top down, from Norman knight Eudo on the third floor to twentieth century diplomat Lord Curzon of Kedleston on the ground floor. In the year 2000 a window representing the stewardship of the National Trust completed the set.

Sunlight illuminating a heraldic stained glass window at Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Walk the battlements and admire the stunning views

The Castle sits between the flat Fens to the south and the rolling Wolds to the north. On a clear day the 360-degree views are something to behold. You'll see not only historic landmarks many miles away but if you’re lucky you may see planes take off from neighbouring RAF Coningsby.

Study the Flemish tapestries

Produced in the 16 and 17 centuries, the four tapestries that hang in the Great Tower were a finishing touch to the restoration work undertaken by Lord Curzon in the 1910s. They depict, in great detail, scenes from the Bible and from ancient history. How many different animals can you spot?

Touch and feel history

The walls of the Great Tower are covered in historical graffiti, especially on the spiral staircase where the recessed handrail is silky smooth from centuries of touch. Look closely and you’ll find all sorts of images, doodles, names and dates from the 17, 18 and 19 centuries. You might also find it hard to resist running your fingers over the intricate heraldic designs and carvings that cover the Great Tower's four stunning fireplaces.

Visit somewhere special

Tattershall is home to large colonies of bats and great crested newts, both of which are protected species in the UK. It is also one of the most notherly points in the UK that you’re likely to spot Egyptian geese, and one of the few places in the region where a plant called navelwort (umbilicus rupestris) grows. Depending on the time of year you’ll see beautiful displays of snowdrops, daffodils, purple and white violets, and wildflowers such as ox-eye daisy and viper’s bugloss.