Lincoln is a city that often flies under the radar. It doesn’t seem to get the attention that it deserves so I’m here to change with my list of the best things to do in Lincoln. This guide will show you exactly why you need to visit this brilliant city and I just know you’ll be planning a visit soon!
Situated almost in the geographical centre of its namesake county, Lincoln is a historic and quaint cathedral city in the East Midlands. There is no doubt that Lincoln flies under the radar and is often bypassed altogether for bigger cities nearby such as Nottingham or Sheffield or even York. I think that that means there are many people who don’t realise just how much they are missing out.
Whilst the city of Lincoln is small (read: walkable), it is steeped in history. ‘Lindum’ was one of the largest settlements in Britain during the Roman times. The castle was built shortly after the Norman conquest by William the Conqueror and the gothic cathedral’s construction dates back to 1072.
I’m very proud to say that I moved to Lincoln back in 2002 at the tender age of 12. I studied for my law degree at the University before moving further north for work. My family still live in the city so I’m regularly back visiting. I know the city like the back of my hand; I’ve drank on its streets, I’ve written songs about it and I’ve met my wife in its lecture theatres. It feels only right that I finally share the love of my hometown with the world. We could debate whether I’m officially still a local anymore but come on, I’m here to share some great tips about visiting, like the best things to do in Lincoln and where to eat and drink in Lincoln too, so let’s just forget about that!
From the cobbled streets of The Strait and Steep Hill to the transformed Cornhill Quarter, from independent cafes to 16th century pubs to vintage clothing stores to high quality eateries, there’s something for everyone here.
Hopefully I’ve done enough in my guide to the most wonderful things to do in Lincoln to convince you to visit whether its for the first time or tenth time. It’s even convinced me that I need to spend more time as a tourist when I visit!
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THINGS TO DO IN LINCOLN
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Once the tallest building in the world, Lincoln Cathedral proudly and confidently announces itself to all who visit with it being visible from miles away no matter from which direction you arrive in the city. The majestic cathedral dominates the city skyline (sitting 83 metres tall on top of a 50 metre ridge) and serves as ‘the north star’; you can’t get lost if you can see the cathedral.
This has to be without doubt one of the most beautiful and breathtaking cathedrals in all of the United Kingdom. Important restoration and conservation work has finally come to an end on the cathedral’s West Front (and most impressive face) so you can now see the cathedral without scaffolding for the first time since 2016. There’s a brand new visitor centre to take advantage of and you can visit the main areas of the cathedral without charge though donations are welcome and encouraged. This is without doubt one of my favourite things to do in Lincoln; every time I’m home you can bet there’s a walk around the cathedral involved.
To explore the cathedral properly and to take part in a guided floor tour, the admission fee for adults is £9.
LINCOLN CASTLE
Opposite the cathedral, through Exchequer Gate and across Castle Hill lies, you guessed it, Lincoln Castle. As with the cathedral, the castle imposes itself high above the city and I couldn’t think of a better location for William the Conqueror’s castle. Construction began in 1068 as a means to control the north of the Norman Kingdom and to prevent any rebellions.
Lincoln Castle has witnessed so much across almost 1,000 years and it’s even home to one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. After a five year, £22m restoration project, the castle is a must-visit on any trip to Lincoln. The castle has to be one of the best preserved in the country. You must walk along the medieval walls, see the Victorian Prison, climb to the top of the observatory tower and relax in the castle gardens.
An adult day ticket (which includes the wall walk) costs £15 and is well-worth it.
SHOP IN THE BAILGATE
The Bailgate area of Lincoln is my favourite. It’s full of lovely hotels (White Hart), locally run shops (bookshops, bakers, butchers & antiques) plus plenty of independent pubs and cafes. I could easily spend an entire day wandering around the streets of Bailgate; it’s picture perfect.
CLAMBER UP STEEP HILL
The fourth steepest street in England is right here. Steep Hill (no prize for the person who named it) connects the historic uphill area of Lincoln with the modern high street below. The street is full of tea rooms, pubs, independent stores and even a restaurant dedicated to pies. It’s a hard walk up but you will be more than rewarded.
Take a little detour partly down Michaelgate (another steep cobbled hill), turn around and admire the crooked Tudor building with the cathedral in the background.
EAT STREET FOOD AT THE STACK
One of the latest additions to the food scene in Lincoln is one of the North-East’s greatest exports; the Stack. I’ve spent many a hazy afternoon at the original Stack in Newcastle before its move across to St James’ Park as well as at their beachfront location in Seaburn just above Sunderland. Thankfully the owners behind Stack decided to bring their brand of shipping containers, street food and good drinks to Lincoln – housed within the old Argos/Lakeland stores in the St Marks’ area of town. The venue is stunning, possibly one of the best (perhaps until Durham’s is finally built!), and you’ll find Stack classics such as Acropolis (Greek food) and Yolo (Coffee + Cocktails) as well as new traders serving up burgers, loaded fries, duck wraps and pizza. This is the place to spend an afternoon (or night) with friends eating and drinking and enjoying live entertainment!
EXPLORE THE ARBORETUM
Take the time to wander towards the eastern end of Lincoln and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful walk through the Arboretum; a fine example of a Victorian park. You’ll find a bandstand, lakes, fountains and a children’s play area.
GRAB A COFFEE AT ONE OF LINCOLN’S BEST CAFES
There are many great cafes across Lincoln but it pays to know exactly where to find those that serve up the best coffee, pots of tea and slices of cake. Stokes Lincoln is the most iconic of Lincoln’s cafes; housed a historic building on High Bridge dating back to 1540. This building is the only medieval bridge in England with houses still on top of it! The coffee’s very good and the pots of tea are seemingly never ending! You can also grab a coffee from Stokes if you’re at the top of Lincoln too from their other cafe in the Lawn. I also recommend 200 Degrees, Coffee Aroma and Coffee By The Arch!
VISIT THE COLLECTION & USHER GALLERY
Long gone are the days where we, as young teenagers, may or may not have had a few beers on a Friday night outside the Usher Gallery. Now, both the Usher Gallery and the Collection are places that I, as a 30-something year old father, love to visit.
The Collection Museum is a great, free place to visit in Lincoln, with a focus on local archaeology. The Usher Gallery was opened back in 1927 and is all about art so a must-visit if that’s what you’re into.
ENJOY A DRINK IN LINCOLN’S BEST PUBS & BARS
There are many great places to drink in Lincoln from those that cater for students to those visiting on weekend breaks. For good beer, check out The Strait and Narrow, The Cardinal’s Hat and The Strugglers Inn. I always like to visit Duke William along the Bailgate for a few drinks and some food (also a great place to stay in Lincoln) too. If you’re not into beer, places like the rooftop at the Doubletree Hilton, The Botanist, Carousel Bar and The White Hart all do great cocktails.
INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE
Lincolnshire is synonymous with the Royal Air Force both historically and presently with many RAF bases scattered across the county. With my Dad being in the RAF throughout my childhood, I’ve always had an interest in military history (more so when I was younger) so it’s great to visit the International Bomber Command Centre atop Canwick Hill.
The Spire is the focal point of the centre and serves as a memorial to Bomber Command who played such an important role in WWII. The Spire can be seen from within the city of Lincoln; it’s 102ft high (the wingspan of a Lancaster bomber) and 16ft wide at its base (the width of a Lancaster wing). You’ll also find the Wall of Names next to the Spire which carries the names of almost 58,000 people, both men and women, who lost their lives in Bomber Command.
Parking is £3 for the day and access to the Peace Gardens and Memorial is free of charge (this is the Spire and Wall of Names). If you want to access the exhibitions it’s £9.50 for an adult (save £1 by booking online in advance) and the centre is open six days per week, Tuesday to Sunday.
RELAX AT HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK
Only a few miles south-west of the city centre, you’ll find Hartsholme Country Park with a beautiful reservoir to walk around. There are Victorian landscaped gardens, a cafe plus a campsite too. If you fancy walking a little further to stretch those legs you can wander through the Swanholme Lakes Nature Reserve.
HAVE LUNCH AT THE PYEWIPE INN
On your way in or out of Lincoln, along the A57, you should plan a slight detour to the Pyewipe Inn situated on the banks of the Fossdyke canal (the canal dates back to the Roman times). On a hot summer’s day, there’s little place better to relax with a pint of beer with a great view back towards the cathedral. You can walk or cycle along the canal too all the way from the city by which point you’ll have definitely earned your lunch!
VISIT DODDINGTON HALL
Last but by no means least, I would highly recommend a short drive out of Lincoln to Doddington Hall; a 16th century mansion with beautiful Elizabethan gardens, a farm shop, a cafe and a separate coffee shop within the Giant bike shop. There are plenty of walks too across the parkland where you’ll spot rare-breed red cattle and the Doddington Pyramid.
Well, there you go then, my guide to the best things to do in Lincoln. What do you think? Can you see yourself putting Lincoln straight onto your list of places to visit? I know I will be arranging to visit again very soon!
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