Sarah Riches | 06 May 2021
10 things to do in Lincoln, UK
Set halfway between London and Scotland, Lincoln rivals Bath or York with its cathedral, waterfront and Roman ruins – making it ideal for a short break. Here are 10 top things to do
Set halfway between London and Scotland, Lincoln rivals Bath or York with its cathedral, waterfront and Roman ruins – making it ideal for a short break. Here are 10 top things to do
Lincoln Cathedral (Visit Lincoln)
Construction on the city’s grand cathedral began in 1072, on the orders of William the Conqueror. Highlights include an eye-catching organ, 19th century murals and the Lincoln imp – a stone engraving of a mischievous sprite tucked into the top of a pillar. Now an emblem of the city, legend has it that young imps were once let loose on the cathedral, causing havoc. To put a stop to this, an angel turned them into stone.
Steep Hill (Visit Lincoln)
The aptly named Steep Hill – the fourth steepest street in England – is halfway between the cathedral and Lincoln’s modern city centre. The cobbled lane is famed for historic buildings which house tearooms, vintage bookshops and independent shops which sell everything from wine to truffles.
Lincoln Castle (Visit Lincoln)
Like Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle was built in 1068 under the orders of William the Conqueror. Get your bearings by orbiting the castle on the medieval wall that surrounds it, which has views of the city’s skyline. You can also see one of the only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta – a record of English rights dating back to 1215 – and explore the cells of a Victorian prison.
Doddington Hall and Gardens (Shutterstock)
One of England’s most notable Elizabethan architects, Robert Smythson, designed this country mansion in 1595, 8km from the city centre. The privately owned hall is ornately decorated with 400-year-old portraits and ornaments. Once you’ve explored the hall, stroll around its grounds, which stretch over two hectares. Highlights include a kitchen garden, nature trail and a summer house overlooking a pond. There’s also a cycle track which guides you back towards the city via the National Cycle Network Route 64. If you’d like to linger, stop for a break in the farm shop or tearoom, or book one of 22 holiday cottages.
War planes (Shutterstock)
The RAF Bomber Command was created in 1936 ahead of the Second World War, and Lincolnshire was the site of a third of all of its command stations. It’s fitting, then, that Lincoln is home to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), which honours the million men and women who supported the Bomber Command during the war. The centre’s most poignant exhibit is a wall engraved with the names of all the 58,000 people who worked for and died in Bomber Command. The wall surrounds the UK’s tallest war memorial, which has views across the city. Visitors can also join a free guided tour of the memorial and two landscaped peace gardens, and listen to stories about the aircrew and the civilians who built their planes.
Brayford Waterfront (Visit Lincoln)
You can explore Brayford Waterfront – England’s oldest inland harbour – on foot, but in warmer months hop aboard the Brayford Belle, a two-tier vessel with a guided commentary on Lincoln’s past and present. Grab a seat on the top deck for the best views of the canal.
Hartsholme Country Park (Shutterstock)
If you hire a bike in the city, you can follow cycle lanes and be in this 80-hectare park within 15 minutes. Dating back to the 1860s, it features woodland set around a reservoir. Angling is permitted, and you can also join free guided rambles and bird-watching walks. Whisby Nature Park is a few kilometres south, while Lincolnshire Wolds – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is to the north of the city.
The Usher Gallery, part of The Collection (Visit Lincoln)
Originally founded as The City and County Museum in 1906, The Collection was created when the museum merged with The Usher Gallery to form a centre of art and archaeology. The art section, The Usher Gallery, displays neoclassical sculptures, 18th century portraits and a collection of vases by the British artist Grayson Perry. It also hosts contemporary exhibitions throughout the year. The archaeological part meanwhile focuses on artefacts collected from across the county, with exhibits dating back 300,000 years.
Newport Arch (Shutterstock)
The Romans built a fort in Lincoln between 50 and 60 AD, signifying the beginning of the city. Many Roman ruins can still be seen today, including the UK’s only remaining Roman arch, the Newport Arch, which is still in use. The arch marks the starting point for The Lincoln Roman Trail, an interactive tour of the city’s Roman remains, which includes a trip to The Collection.
The Arboretum (Shutterstock)
Just a short walk from Lincoln Cathedral, The Arboretum was designed during the 1870s by the celebrated gardener Edward Milner. Spanning nine hectares, it is home to lakes, fountains and a children’s play area. As well as holding Grade II-listed status, the park has five listed features, most notably a cast iron bandstand from 1884.
The Cornhill Quarter (Visit Lincoln)
Getting there Trains from London King’s Cross to Lincoln takes around two hours with LNER.
Where to eat Centered around the city’s 1879 Corn Exchange, The Cornhill Quarter is home to cafes, restaurants and shops. Stop for brunch in Cosy Club or stay for dinner at the family-run Sign of the Fish.
Where to stay Bail House Hotel or the Cathedral View Guest House are close to the centre, while The Old Dairy Barn is a barn conversion in nearby Ingham.
For more information, visit visitlincoln.com.
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