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ngland’s second largest county is a real hidden treasure, with everything from award-winning sandy beaches to rolling green countryside packed into its borders. And with its proud agricultural heritage, Lincolnshire is also an ideal place to enjoy the relaxed pace of rural life, and a thriving food community.

History and Heritage
When it came to dishing out history, Lincolnshire stood tall at the front of the queue. Impressive mansions, manor houses, the Medieval Bishops' Palace - there’s enough here to keep historian, David Starkey, busy, while Lincoln itself has plenty of historic attractions, with plenty of stunning gardens and tea rooms to be enjoyed.

Arts and Culture
For world-class exhibitions start your cultural journey at The Hub National Centre for Craft and Design before heading to The Collection to take in some ancient artefacts. With independent galleries showcasing local artists and venues offering everything from comedy to dance performances, the only problem is fitting it all in.

Famous Locals
Two particular heavy-hitters called Lincolnshire home, with Sir Isaac Newton foremost among them. Be sure to pay homage to the daddy of gravity by chomping on an apple at Woolsthorpe Manor, his birthplace and supposed location of that fateful liaison with an earthbound Granny Smith. Then make a pilgrimage half a league onwards to Somersby, birthplace of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Food and Drink
To sample world-beating bangers, head to Elite Meats in Lincoln or Meridian Meats in Louth. Look out for the Tastes of Lincolnshire Logo which guarantees local and delicious produce. And if you’re still peckish, slice some Poacher Cheese over a piece of traditional toasted Lincolnshire plumbread for a delicious local snack.

Shopping
Forget high street shopping and mass produced-lines. There’s a more relaxed pace to shopping in Lincoln, so head to Steep Hill or Bailgate to pick up a one-off. And if you want endearing objects from yesteryear then head to Horncastle for a great selection of antiques.

Family Fun
For some vintage old school seaside action, get down to the Blue Flag golden sand beaches of Skegness, Mablethorpe or Cleethorpes. As well as sand, sea and sugary treats, there are amusements galore. If the wind looks as though it will whip the candy floss from your fingers, head to the city where The Museum of Lincolnshire and The Collection will keep the kids occupied for hours.

Key Events
Lincoln comes alive during the festive season, with the world-renowned Christmas Market attracting yuletide trippers from far and wide. During the summer months, this flat county is a perfect airshow destination, with the Red Arrows a highlight of the Waddington Air Show. For a more eccentric gathering, the World Egg Throwing Championships at the Swaton Vintage Day is surely only a tabloid press photo-call away from further recognition. Get there before the rest of the crowds cotton on.

Must See Attractions
It goes without saying that Lincoln Cathedral has to be on the list, so check it out early. You also can’t visit Lincolnshire without visiting at least one farm – Rand Farm Park and The Pink Pig certainly ticks all the right boxes. And, if feeding those cute pigs and cows is a little tame for you, you should try your luck at Natureland Seal Sanctuary for an altogether more riotous feeding time experience.