Lincoln Castle’s new ‘Merryweather Promise’ means that if your visit ends up damp and dreary, you can come back before the end of October for free.
Valid throughout the summer holidays from 22 July to 5 September 2023, the guarantee gives visitors confidence that they can enjoy everything the medieval castle has to offer, come rain or shine.
The Merryweather Promise is named after John Merryweather, the longest-serving governor of Lincoln Castle’s Georgian gaol, from 1799 to 1830.
He certainly left his mark on this site, when in 1820 he applied to build the turret on the top of the Ranulf’s Tower in order to act as a look out post and prevent escape from the gaol. It also happened that he was a keen astronomer and the new, taller tower acted as the perfect spot for his telescope!
Today, the Observatory Tower, as it is now known, is one of the most iconic images of Lincoln’s medieval castle.
Being a keen gardener, Governor Merryweather – just like today’s visitors – will have taken a particular interest in the weather too.
Lincoln Castle site manager, Keith Holland, explains:
“While there is plenty to explore inside the Victorian Prison and Magna Carta Vault, we know that Lincoln Castle is best enjoyed in good weather. So, if rain stops you exploring the medieval wall walk, picnicking in the grounds, or greeting our dragons Lucy and Norman this summer, you can come back another day.
“The most breath-taking views over Lincolnshire are enjoyed from the heights of the Observatory Tower. In order to ensure these are best appreciated – and in recognition of the Tower’s creator - we have introduced the aptly-named ‘Merryweather Promise’.”
The castle’s Merryweather Promise will allow visitors who have bought a castle day ticket to return before the end of October for free if it rains during the day of their visit for more than an hour.
The Merryweather Promise does not apply on the special event weekends of the 12 and 13 August, or the 26, 27 and 28 August.
Full terms and conditions and a list of qualifying ‘rainy days’ can be found on www.lincolncastle.com.