Moat Lane, Old Bolingbroke, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4HH
Bolingbroke Castle
Castle
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A 13th-century hexagonal castle whose ruined walls frame two striking chapters of English history: the birth of the future Henry IV in 1367 and its capture by Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War in 1643.
Bolingbroke’s appeal is unusually tangible: a distinctive hexagonal ruin, a moat and adjacent earthworks make the story of a medieval stronghold legible in the landscape. Its connection to Henry IV and the Civil War gives a short visit real historical depth.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapMoat Lane, Old Bolingbroke, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4HH
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the castle remains and adjacent earthworks, using the visible layout to picture the medieval stronghold. Look for the moat and the surviving castle fabric; the ground is uneven, so take care.
Things to do
Read the castle’s hexagonal plan
Take in the distinctive outline of the 13th-century hexagonal castle and compare it with the surviving remains.
20–40 minutes
Look across the moat and earthworks
Notice how the moat and adjacent earthworks shape the setting of the ruined stronghold. Keep clear of the water and heed site safety guidance.
15–30 minutes
Trace the site’s royal and Civil War stories
Use the site remains and any interpretive signs available on the day to connect Henry of Bolingbroke’s birth in 1367 with the castle’s siege and capture in 1643.
20–40 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: the castle and moat
- 01
Enter from Moat Lane and take in the castle’s hexagonal plan.
- 02
Look across the surviving masonry and moat, then explore the adjacent earthworks where access allows.
- 03
Allow time to read the site’s interpretive signs, mentioned in the supplied source description; check what is available on arrival.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: castle history and Spilsby
- 01
Explore the castle remains, moat and earthworks during daylight.
- 02
Follow the story from the castle’s 13th-century origins to Henry of Bolingbroke’s birth in 1367 and the siege and capture in 1643.
- 03
Continue to Spilsby, three miles west, for shops and places to eat; check current opening and availability.
Verified history
Bolingbroke Castle is the remains of a 13th-century hexagonal castle. Henry of Bolingbroke, the future Henry IV, was born here in 1367. During the English Civil War, the castle served as a Royalist base and was besieged and taken by Parliamentarian forces in 1643.
Hidden details
The castle’s unusual hexagonal layout — Look for the outline of the hexagonal castle in the surviving remains; it is the defining feature identified by the heritage source.
The moat and adjoining earthworks — The moat and earthworks are part of the physical setting around the ruins. English Heritage warns of deep water; do not climb or approach unsafe edges.
When to go
· Daylight hours; English Heritage says the site is open at reasonable times during daylight.
The supplied sources give no season-specific recommendation. Daylight access is specified; check conditions before travelling.
Paths are cut through grass and the ground is uneven in most places. Check conditions before visiting and take care on wet or uneven ground.
Worth pairing with
Spilsby
Three miles west of the castle; English Heritage notes that the market town has shops and places to eat. Check current availability.
Sibsey Trader Windmill
An English Heritage-listed nearby place, given as 8.5 miles from Bolingbroke Castle.
Tattershall College
An English Heritage-listed nearby place, given as 9.4 miles from Bolingbroke Castle.
What to look for
The castle’s hexagonal plan, the surviving masonry, the moat and the adjacent earthworks. Keep to safe areas: English Heritage warns of deep water, uneven surfaces and no climbing.
The story
Medieval history; Henry IV; English Civil War
Best time to go
Any season, in daylight; check conditions before visiting.
Visit during daylight; English Heritage says the site is open at reasonable times during daylight hours. Check current conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage lists free entry and access at reasonable times during daylight. Check current conditions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
English Heritage reports a small car park on Moat Lane. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No facilities at the castle, according to English Heritage.
Food & drink
No facilities at the castle. English Heritage notes shops and places to eat in Spilsby, three miles west; check current availability.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome, according to English Heritage.
Accessibility
English Heritage says wheelchair access is available at both Moat Lane entrances, but paths are cut through grass and the ground is uneven in most places. Check current conditions for your needs.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Moat
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bolingbroke Castle
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
