White Swan Cottage

Lincoln Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral and a working place of worship, consecrated in the 11th century. The building is grade I listed and has Gothic architecture from several periods, including two large rose windows, the Dean's Eye and the Bishop's Eye. The Victorian writer John Ruskin rated it highly among British buildings.

Tip: The cathedral is a living church, so some areas can close for services or events. Check the visit page for current restrictions before you travel.

Lincoln Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century on the site of a Roman fortress. It is unusual for having two mottes, and it stayed in use as a prison and court for centuries. It sits in the heart of Lincoln's historic Cathedral Quarter.

Tip: Call the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782019 before you go to check which parts are open and which Magna Carta documents are on display.

Doddington Hall is an Elizabethan mansion built between 1595 and 1600 by Robert Smythson, with walled courtyards and a gabled gatehouse. It has been a family home for over 400 years, and its contents reflect that. The Holly Room is covered in early 17th-century Flemish tapestries. Around the hall are gardens of walled and wild areas, with an outdoor sculpture exhibition at times.

Tip: Check the opening times before you go, as the hall and gardens open on different dates and the gardens' last entry is earlier than closing.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a zoo and conservation centre on the outskirts of Doncaster, South Yorkshire. You explore on foot, with three walk-through animal reserves and themed lands that recreate habitats from around the world.

Tip: Booking tickets in advance is cheaper than buying on the day, and Planet Putt next to the entrance is a good wet-weather add-on.

Newark Air Museum sits on the former RAF Winthorpe airfield, just outside Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire. During the Second World War the airfield trained Avro Lancaster crews, and today it is home to a collection of over 80 aircraft, running through the history of flight.

Tip: There is free car parking next to the site, and you don't need to pre-book. In bad weather, check with the museum before you travel.

Gainsborough Old Hall is a five-hundred-year-old manor house, built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460 and now run by English Heritage. It is one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, and a timber-framed building with a striking black-and-white look.

Tip: Head for the medieval kitchen and great hall first, then finish with the tower climb (59 steps) for the view.

Newark Castle stands in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. It was founded in the mid 12th century by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, first as a timber castle and then rebuilt in stone. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building, recognised as an internationally important structure.

Belton House is a Grade I listed country house near Grantham, built between 1685 and 1687 for the Brownlow family. It sits within formal gardens, including Italian and Dutch gardens, and a wooded park crossed by avenues leading to follies. The park has been home to a herd of fallow deer for over 300 years.

Tip: There's no need to book for normal visits, and parking is included in the entry fee. Park in the grounds, not in Belton village. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, parkland and café, but not in the house or playgrounds.