The Friends of Lincoln Castle guides are celebrating a monumental milestone, having delivered 10,000 tours to visitors since the landmark reopened in 2015.
The milestone coincides with a special anniversary year for the Friends, with 2025 marking 40 years since the group was founded in 1985.
The tours - free with the purchase of a castle day ticket or to annual pass holders – are one of the most popular parts of people’s visits.
On 15 August 2025, guide, Dawn Studd, welcomed visitors to the 10,000th tour.
Paul Scott, from the Friends of Lincoln Castle Group (FOLC), said: “It’s a privilege to support the castle and share the incredible history of one of Lincolnshire’s great landmarks with visitors.
“While no two tours are ever the same, they are always a great way of staying active and meeting new people. Just this week I welcomed a couple who had travelled all the way from New Zealand and enjoyed one of my tours.
“The Friends of Lincoln Castle are always on the lookout for more enthusiastic volunteers – so if you want to share your passion for local history and meet new people, please get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.”
To celebrate their anniversary, the FOLC are holding a special showcase weekend at the castle on 27 and 28 September. As well as joining free grounds tours, the weekend is a great chance for visitors to meet the volunteers and find out more about their work.
Volunteer guide, Paul Scott, has been leading tours at Lincoln Castle for 11 years.
Kimberley Vickers, culture services manager for Lincoln Castle, added: “Delivering 10,000 tours is an incredible achievement and a real testament to the dedication of our volunteer guides.
“The tours receive consistently excellent reviews, with visitors telling us how much they appreciate the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm in bringing the castle’s rich history to life.
“We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who, come rain or shine, ensure our visitors enjoy a brilliant experience. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration and welcoming many more visitors to this special place.”
On the tours, which last up to an hour, visitors journey through the castle’s colourful past, finding out more about the bailey, the east and west gates, the Victorian Prison, and more.
Guides share information on dramatic events including the two battles of Lincoln, and talk about the remarkable people connected to the monument through the centuries.
Visitors have taken to the travel website Tripadvisor to thank the guides, with their glowing praise helping the castle to secure the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award.
The award means the monument is ranked in the top 10 per cent of visitor destinations worldwide, after receiving consistently great reviews during the past 12 months.
Book your castle day ticket with grounds tour now at www.lincolncastle.com.
To find out more about joining the Friends of Lincoln Castle as a volunteer, please email: lincolncastleguides@gmail.com
Praise for Lincoln Castle’s tours on Tripadvisor
“I can’t overestimate the enthusiasm for the castle that everyone who works there has. I can’t recall any historical site that I have been to where all those who work there do so with such enthusiasm. A special mention to Andrew who led our guided tour, it was both informative and witty. Thank you all for such a great experience.” – 5 star visitor review, Tripadvisor, July 2025
“My friend and I enjoyed a lovely day at Lincoln Castle. The tour really helped bring the castle’s rich history to life. A special thanks to our wonderful tour guide William. He was informative and enthusiastic. We learnt so much!” – 5 star visitor review, Tripadvisor, July 2025
“Excellent morning at Lincoln Castle with an extremely interesting and engaging tour by tour guide, Martin. Kept our 10 and 7 year old boys thoroughly entertained. We also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Magna Carta and the prison. Great day out.” 5 star visitor review, Tripadvisor, July 2025