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Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire

Tattershall Castle Archaeology & Wildlife Walk

View from the moat of the east front at Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
View from the moat of the east front at Tattershall Castle | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

This walk explores the estate of Ralph, 3rd Baron Cromwell - Lord Treasurer to Henry VI - and allows you to discover its hidden history through archaeology and wildlife. Tattershall Castle and parts of the wider estate are a Scheduled Monument, affording it special protections and designating it a nationally important archaeological site. The walk incorporates the village Market Place, itself a conservation area.

Start point

The flagpole at the roadside near the entrance sign for Tattershall Castle, Sleaford Road, LN4 4LR

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Duration 30 mins to 0.45 hour
Dog friendly
  1. *Mostly flat route. For further details, please see Terrain section.

  2. **Uneven surfaces may make this trail challenging for those with mobility issues. For further details, please see section marked Access.

Tattershall Castle opening times

Tattershall Castle and its car park are normally closed between November and mid-February. However, this walk is outside the main castle grounds and thus can be competed at any time of the year. Alternative parking is available a five-minute walk away in the village marketplace.

  • Total stages: 12

    Total stages: 12

    Start point

    The flagpole at the roadside near the entrance sign for Tattershall Castle, Sleaford Road, LN4 4LR

    Stage 1

    Start at the flagpole by the Castle entrance; you may see the Lincolnshire flag flying. Facing away from the road, walk down the church driveway to the left of the flagpole (you may need to open the gate). The Castle will be on your right.

    Stage 2

    You will see a row of Bedehouses (almhouses) on your left and the Collegiate Church of Holy Trinity on your right.

    Stage 3

    Follow the path between the Bedehouses and the Church. As you bear left you will see a picnic area on your right, under which are the remains of Tattershall College. Keep to the left of the picnic area and follow the path to the National Trust car park.

    Stage 4

    Turn right at the car park, down towards the gate into the meadow, and pass through the gap to the left of the gate. Once in the meadow turn right to follow the well-worn footpath along its edge.

    Stage 5

    After about 100 metres, you will see a green metal shed on your right. On the other side, looking over the gate you will see an enclosed area called the Pleasance.

    Stage 6

    Continue along the same path (hugging the bottom of the Pleasance) towards the tree line; you should be able to see the caravans of Tattershall Lakes Country Park through the trees.

    Stage 7

    At the tree line turn left onto the tree-lined path; you will see a lake on your right.

    Stage 8

    When you reach the river turn left along the riverbank until you reach the weir.

    Stage 9

    At the weir turn left and leave the river to follow a small canal now on your right, known as Gibson’s Cut. Cross the canal at the first footbridge you come to.

    Stage 10

    At the main road turn right. Walk approximately 70 metres to the Market Place and look for the brown sign pointing right to Tattershall College. This small building was once the College’s Grammar School. Try the door – if unlocked it is free to enter.

    Stage 11

    Retrace your steps to the Market Place. Take care crossing the road and visit the Market Cross, also known as the Butter Cross.

    Stage 12

    When ready, re-cross the road, turn right and walk along the main road until you reach the Tattershall Castle flagpole.

    End point

    The flagpole at the roadside near the entrance sign.

    Trail map

    Archaeology Map
    Archaeology Map | © National Trust

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Get in touch

Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4LR

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