Steeped in history, yet brimming with modern life – that’s what you’ll discover on a trip to the fabulous cathedral city of Lincoln. Here’s our choice of the Top 10 things to do in Lincoln.
Lincoln Cathedral
Described as one of the finest Gothic Buildings in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral will dominate the skyline on your journey to the city. Once the tallest building in the world, you can explore it at your leisure or on a guided floor or roof tour – with a well-deserved break at the Cathedral café. It remains an active place of worship, and if you get the chance sit in on Evensong you’ll hear the the beautiful acoustics of the Grand Organ and Angel Choir.
Lincoln Castle Revealed
Known as one of England’s best Norman castle, Lincoln Castle has a pretty interesting story to tell. Not only was it at the centre of the fight for the English throne, but it’s also been a Victorian prison and home to Lincoln Cathedral’s 1215 Magna Carta; one of only four surviving copies in the world. Better still, it’s in the middle of a £22 million restoration project. It’s still open for business, with the new visitor centre and Magna Carta Vault opening to the public for the first time in April 2015.
Steep Hill – Britain’s Best Street
If you think Lincolnshire is flat, you’ve obviously never walked up Steep Hill! Voted ‘Britain’s Best Street’ in 2012 you’ll find vintage clothes shops, retro stores, tea rooms, chocolatiers, bookstores and other specialty shops. Start at the top at Castle Square, in-between Lincoln Castle and Cathedral in the Bailgate, and allow yourself to wander down the cobbled streets enjoying the views along the way. Look out for regular street markets selling home-grown local produce right through to arts and crafts.
Lincoln Christmas Market
If you are looking for true festive spirit, then make a trip to Lincoln this December. You’ll be spoilt by its Christmas Market, delicious food and drink, not to mention its gleeful events and entertainment. The famous Lincoln Christmas Market takes place every year in the first weekend of December. It is the biggest of its type in Europe and draws shoppers from all over the world thanks to its 300 stalls. You’ll be spoilt for choice with hand-crafted goods, gifts, locally produced specialist foods, not to mention Victorian dressed carollers, brass bands and twinkling Christmas lights.
Lincoln Roman Trail
If like Monty Python, you’ve ever wondered ‘What have the romans ever done for us’, why not head to Lincoln to find out. Between AD50-60 a legionary fortress was built by the Romans in Lincoln and the city became known as Lindum Colonia. Many Roman structures can still be seen today, including the country’s only remaining Roman arch still used by traffic, and part of a city gate built into shops on Steep Hill. Discover more with the new Roman Trail, which takes you around the remains of Lincoln’s Roman city and to The Collection Museum where many artefacts are on display.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Enjoy free entry and discover the social history of Lincolnshire and its people from the 1750 right through to the present day. Life size exhibits and friendly re-enactment bring its Victorian kitchen and sweet shops to life – look out for those sugar mice! It’s also home to a real WW1 Tank called Flirt, which was engineered in Lincolnshire and helped win the war.
The Collection & Usher Art Gallery
Located next to each other, The Usher Art Gallery and the award-winning Collection museum offer a fine collection of decorative arts and museum artefacts. Together they host a huge variety of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year, as well as regular heritage talks and events. Explore the wonderful art collection in the Usher Art Gallery and then come face to face with Lincolnshire’s earliest inhabitants in The Collection. But don’t forgot to finish the day with a home cooked food at Stokes Café in The Collection.
Brayford Waterfront & Brayford Bell
Explore wildlife, artwork, waterways and the Waterfront Trail whilst in the City of Lincoln. Brayford Pool has long been a favourite for swans and water birds, as well as shoppers re-charging their batteries at the cafes and restaurants along the water front. Or if you’d rather get out on the water yourself, hop on the Brayford Belle Boat Trip anytime of the year for a different perspective of the city.
Whisby Nature Reserve
On the outskirts of the city you’ll find six miles of footpaths around Whisby’s famous pounds and lakes, at the Natural World Centre. The site is now managed by Lincolnshire Widelife Trust and encourages wildlife and nesting birds, including nightingales whose song can be heard during April and May. Take a break at the Boardwalk Café where you can choose locally sourced food whilst enjoying the stunning lakeside views.
Tour Lincoln
This has to be one of the best ways to experience the city. Hop on and off at 11 different stops and take in all of Lincoln’s main attractions and historical sites with live commentary. Full tours last an hour, and start outside the Cathedral before circling you around the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and then down to Brayford Pool and past the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. And if you see something you like, jump off the sightseeing bus to discover more.
For more information www.visitlincoln.com
