Washingborough Hall Hotel is a privately owned Georgian country house hotel in Lincolnshire, England, where Lucy and Edward Herring have overseen careful refurbishments since 2008 while retaining original period features. This guide traces the property’s evolution from an early-18th-century private residence to a four-star country house hotel, with verified details on ownership, location, and amenities to help you assess whether it fits your travel needs.
Last checked: 2026-05-26
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Property type: Grade II listed Georgian country house · Location: Washingborough, Lincolnshire, 2 miles from Lincoln city centre · Star rating: 4-star · Award: AA Rosette for food · Grounds: 3 acres of private grounds and gardens · Facilities: Bar, snug, three reception rooms, civil wedding licence, EV charging, wheelchair-accessible public rooms
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-26.
Sources reviewed: official property website, The Telegraph travel review, The Hotel Guru, Britain’s Finest, Tripadvisor, Booking.com guest reviews, KAYAK, Google Hotels listing, Expedia.
This article does not reflect an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 2.6 miles from Lincoln city centre (KAYAK)
- 3 acres of private gardens and woodland (Britain’s Finest)
- AA 2 Rosettes for the on-site restaurant (The Hotel Guru)
- Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel (The Telegraph)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property type | Grade II listed Georgian country house |
| Location | Church Hill, Washingborough, Lincolnshire, 2.6 miles from Lincoln city centre |
| Star rating | 4-star (some sources list 3-star) |
| Award | AA 2 Rosettes |
| Grounds | 3 acres of private grounds and gardens |
| Facilities | Bar, snug, three reception rooms, civil wedding licence, EV charging, wheelchair-accessible public rooms, free parking, free Wi-Fi |
| Check-in / Check-out | After 3:00 PM / Before 11:00 AM |
| Dog-friendly | Yes, certain rooms with nightly charge (approximately £15 per dog) |
What Is the History of Washingborough Hall Hotel?
Georgian Origins and Grade II Listing
Washingborough Hall was originally built as a private house for the Fairfax family around 1730, during the tenure of George Fairfax as Rector of Washingborough from 1706 to 1733. The property functions as a Georgian manor house set within the village of Washingborough, approximately two miles from the historic centre of Lincoln. The current owners describe the property as a Georgian country house hotel that retains much of its original period character, including sash windows and open fireplaces.
The House History from Washingborough Hall
After the Second World War, the property became a nursing home under Bainbridge family ownership. Around 1967, this operation evolved into a guest house and briefly operated as a nightclub called “Scandals” before transitioning back to accommodation use. In 1979, Brian and Mary Shillaker purchased the property from the Bainbridge family and developed it as a popular hotel and restaurant, establishing its foundation in the hospitality sector prior to the current ownership era.
The property has cycled through several distinct eras—from private rectory to nursing home, brief nightclub venue, and finally to the country house hotel it operates as today. Each chapter has shaped the building’s character and room configuration.
Who Owns Washingborough Hall Hotel?
Current Ownership and Management
Lucy and Edward Herring took ownership of Washingborough Hall Hotel in October 2008, during a period of severe economic recession in the United Kingdom. Since that acquisition, the day-to-day operation of the hotel has been managed by Church Hill Hotels Ltd. The Herring family lives next door to the property, and their ownership is described as hands-on and family-oriented rather than remote or corporate.
The Laundy Family Connection
The owners describe the property as privately owned and operated under Church Hill Hotels Ltd. The hotel’s own website emphasises that since 2008, the owners have undertaken careful refurbishments while retaining original features such as sash windows and open fireplaces. Expert reviews from The Telegraph note that the Herrings maintain a visible presence at the property, contributing to the unstuffy atmosphere described by guests.
If proximity to Lincoln and a countryside setting are priorities, the Herrings’ personal stewardship of the property since 2008—including the gradual refurbishment programme—may be relevant for guests who value owner-managed establishments over branded chain hotels.
How Far Is Washingborough Hall from the City Centre?
Distance to Lincoln City Centre
Washingborough Hall is located on Church Hill in Washingborough village, approximately 2.6 miles from the centre of Lincoln, England. Multiple sources, including KAYAK and the hotel’s own marketing materials, confirm this distance as “just over two miles” or approximately 2.6 miles driving distance from the historic heart of the city. Britain’s Finest markets the property as being “just over two miles from central Lincoln,” positioning it as a countryside retreat that remains accessible to urban amenities.
Transport Options
KAYAK notes that Washingborough Hall is approximately a 60-minute drive from Humberside Airport and is well placed for visiting Lincoln and Newark-on-Trent. The Telegraph highlights that the hotel sits on a traffic-free cycle route into Lincoln and offers secure bike storage for cyclists, making it appealing to visitors who prefer active travel options over car journeys.
The trade-off: The 2.6-mile distance means guests are close enough to access Lincoln’s historic attractions, restaurants, and transport links, while also being removed from the city’s noise and traffic. Cyclists benefit from dedicated route access and bike storage.
Is There a Bar at Washingborough Hall?
Bar and Lounge Facilities
Yes, Washingborough Hall features an old bar and snug available to guests. The hotel’s on-site bar operates alongside its dining facilities, providing a traditional country house atmosphere. The Telegraph describes the property as having both traditional and contemporary style rooms, which extends to the common areas—the bar and snug offer contrasting environments within the same building.
Dining and Afternoon Tea
The hotel’s on-site restaurant, called The Dining Room, serves British cuisine and holds an AA 2 Rosette award according to The Hotel Guru. Expedia notes that the restaurant offers quality British dining with terrace access when weather permits. The hotel also offers afternoon tea service, which is highlighted as a signature offering in marketing materials. Google user ratings and Booking.com reviews frequently praise the quality of the breakfast served at the property, with guests noting in-room tea and coffee facilities as a standard amenity.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| On-site dining | The Dining Room (British cuisine, AA 2 Rosettes) |
| Bar facilities | Old bar and snug |
| Afternoon tea | Available (confirm directly with hotel for current schedule) |
| Breakfast | Frequently praised; free breakfast noted on some booking platforms |
| Dietary options | Contact hotel directly to confirm dietary accommodations |
Washingborough Hall Hotel: Complete Property Profile
Washingborough Hall Hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel situated on Church Hill in Washingborough, Lincolnshire, England, approximately 2.6 miles from Lincoln city centre. The property operates under private ownership by Lucy and Edward Herring through Church Hill Hotels Ltd, with day-to-day management handled by the operating company since October 2008.
The hotel offers approximately 18 to 20 rooms depending on the source consulted, with The Hotel Guru listing 20 rooms while Tripadvisor indicates 18 rooms—a discrepancy that may reflect room reconfiguration during the Herring refurbishment programme or different counting methodologies between platforms. Core amenities confirmed across multiple sources include free Wi-Fi, free parking, an on-site restaurant with AA 2 Rosettes, room service, meeting rooms, and a civil wedding licence. The property is wheelchair-accessible in public rooms and offers EV charging facilities.
Guest reviews on Booking.com and Google frequently highlight the cleanliness, in-room tea and coffee facilities, perceived value for money, and proximity to Lincoln. The hotel is dog-friendly in designated rooms with a charge of approximately £15 per dog per night according to The Telegraph, making it accessible to travellers with pets. Check-in is after 3:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM according to KAYAK.
Note on room count: Sources vary between 18 and 20 rooms. If precise room count is critical for your planning, contact the hotel directly to confirm current inventory and room types available.
Price Range and Value Positioning
Expedia positions Washingborough Hall as targeting leisure travellers who value a country-house feel close to Lincoln. While comprehensive pricing data is not compiled in public sources, the hotel’s positioning as a four-star Georgian country house with AA Rosette dining and three acres of grounds places it in the mid-to-upper tier of Lincoln-area accommodation.
The dog-friendly policy with an approximately £15 nightly charge for canine companions represents a relatively modest supplementary cost compared to some UK country house hotels. Guests on Booking.com frequently note perceived value for money, though pricing varies seasonally and by room type. Direct booking through the hotel website or comparison across booking platforms is advisable for accurate current rates.
The pattern: Washingborough Hall occupies a niche between budget city-centre hotels and luxury estate properties. Its combination of Georgian period character, AA Rosette dining, and countryside setting creates a distinct value proposition for travellers prioritising atmosphere over modern chain-hotel consistency.
Getting There and Location Overview
The hotel sits on Church Hill in Washingborough village, with direct access to a traffic-free cycle route into Lincoln city centre. For drivers, the 2.6-mile journey connects the rural setting to Lincoln’s historic quarter via standard road routes. Free parking is available on-site, eliminating the parking costs associated with city-centre Lincoln accommodation.
The proximity to Humberside Airport (approximately 60 minutes by car) and good positioning for visits to Newark-on-Trent makes the property viable for visitors combining multiple destinations in the East Midlands region. Cyclists benefit from secure bike storage, a factor highlighted by The Telegraph for visitors planning activity-based trips to Lincolnshire.
Alternative Hotels Near Lincoln
For travellers exploring options in the Lincoln area, several properties compete in the same geographic and quality bracket as Washingborough Hall. The table below compares key attributes across four options based on publicly available information.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Distance from Lincoln | Key Feature | Approximate Price Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washingborough Hall Hotel | 4-star (Georgian country house) | 2.6 miles | AA 2 Rosettes, 3 acres of grounds, dog-friendly rooms | Mid-to-upper tier |
| White Hart Hotel | 4-star (historic city centre) | City centre | Historic building, city location | Mid tier |
| Holiday Inn Lincoln | 4-star (chain) | City centre | Consistent brand standards, conference facilities | Mid tier |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln | 4-star (chain) | City centre | National brand recognition, riverside location | Upper-mid tier |
Our Pick: Why Washingborough Hall Stands Out
Among Lincoln-area accommodation options, Washingborough Hall Hotel offers a distinctive combination that alternatives do not fully replicate: Grade II listed Georgian architecture with original period features, private family ownership since 2008, AA 2 Rosette dining recognition, and three acres of private grounds within 2.6 miles of the city centre. Chain properties like Holiday Inn Lincoln and DoubleTree by Hilton offer consistency but lack the period character and owner-managed atmosphere that define the Washingborough Hall experience. The White Hart Hotel provides historic appeal but from a city-centre location rather than a countryside setting.
For travellers prioritising atmospheric accommodation with recognised dining, independent ownership, and green space access, Washingborough Hall Hotel represents the strongest match among the options reviewed.
Related reading: Down Hall Hotel Guide: Victorian Spa & Filming History · Burt’s Hotel Melrose Review: Dog-Friendly & AA Rosette
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bar at Washingborough Hall?
Yes. The hotel features an old bar and snug available to guests, alongside its AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, The Dining Room. The bar contributes to the traditional country house atmosphere described in expert reviews.
How far is Washingborough Hall from Lincoln city centre?
The property is approximately 2.6 miles from the centre of Lincoln, England. Multiple booking platforms confirm this distance, with some sources rounding to “just over two miles.” The hotel sits on a traffic-free cycle route into the city.
What is the history of Washingborough Hall?
The property was built around 1730 as a private house for the Fairfax family during George Fairfax’s tenure as Rector of Washingborough (1706–1733). It later served as a nursing home after the Second World War, briefly operated as a nightclub around 1967, and was converted to a hotel in 1979 before the Herring family acquired it in 2008.
Who owns Washingborough Hall Hotel?
Lucy and Edward Herring have owned the property since October 2008. Day-to-day operations are managed by Church Hill Hotels Ltd. The Herrings live next door to the hotel and maintain a hands-on, family-owned presence at the property.
Does Washingborough Hall have a restaurant?
Yes. The on-site restaurant, The Dining Room, serves British cuisine and holds an AA 2 Rosette award according to The Hotel Guru. The restaurant also offers afternoon tea service. Breakfast is frequently praised in guest reviews.
What awards does Washingborough Hall hold?
The hotel’s restaurant holds an AA 2 Rosette award for culinary excellence. The property itself is a Grade II listed Georgian country house hotel. Expert reviews from The Telegraph and Britain’s Finest have profiled the property as a quality country house hotel near Lincoln.