Medieval Lincoln

On By Little Miss TravellerIn Lincolnshire, The Midlands, United Kingdom

Lincolnshire has been up to now a county we have just passed through along the motorway, but finally we decided to stop for a few hours and take a look.

We left the car in the lower part of the town close to the Brayford Waterfront, a natural harbour on the River Witham now transformed into a leisure complex with shops, bars and pavement cafes overlooking the water.  Boat trips on the Brayford Belle can be taken along this scenic waterway during the summer months but they were not operating on our visit.

Brayford Waterfront, Lincoln
Brayford Waterfront

Overlooking the river is High Bridge, the oldest bridge in England to have houses built upon it, the structure dates from the 12th century and we chose to eat lunch at the Stokes High Bridge Cafe with its half timbered black and white Tudor exterior.

Moving on, we explored the Cornhill and City Square areas of the  town.  Along High Street are the usual household names but tucked in between you will find some independent gems housed in beautiful historic buildings.  The medieval centre has an abundance of original 14th and 15th century buildings together with a large number of half timbered Tudor houses.

Stonebow arch, Lincoln
Stonebow, Lincoln

A few steps further on we came to Stonebow, a stunning Tudor and Gothic bridge that once formed the city’s southern gate.  Interestingly, the City Council still hold their meetings above this archway.  Continuing through the archway we arrived at the foot of Steep Hill which, as its name suggests, is a very steep cobbled street connecting the lower and upper parts of the town. Built by Romans, it was voted ‘Britain’s Great Street’ in 2012.  Antique shops, galleries and bookstores sit alongside tea shops, pubs and restaurants in delightful, historic buildings.

Shops on Steep Hill, Lincoln
Steep Hill, Lincoln

As we approached the top of the hill the Cathedral came into view.  Lincoln Cathedral is the third largest in Britain with a vast nave supported by columns of marble and limestone.   Adjacent to the cathedral we viewed the ruins of the Bishop’s Old Palace from a time when the Bishops of Lincoln were among the most important people in the country.

Across from the cathedral stands Lincoln Castle which still functions as a court as it has done for more than 900 years.  We would have liked to have taken a tour around the castle but unfortunately it was closed for renovation on the the day we visited.

Tudor buildings on Steep Hill, Lincoln
Tudor buildings along Steep Hill

After all these years bypassing the city we now wish to make a return visit to view inside the castle and take a river trip.  Lincoln is certainly worthy of a visit, we were most impressed!

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49 thoughts on “Medieval Lincoln”

  1. Pingback: Blog Share #7 – Discovering Your Happiness

  6. girlinaus

    Lincoln has been my home for the last 8 years (with a break for travelling) until last Friday! A lovely place, I’m sure to miss. Definitely check out the Brayford belle, it’s a lovely trip – especially if you stop at the pye wipe pub along the way! 🙂

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  8. One of my favourite UK cities, just a 20 minute drive from my home – I worked in the Cathedral Close area for six years, it is beautiful. Fascinating history surrounding the city too – and some lovely shops on Bailgate – it’s got the lot!!

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  9. I was there briefly, so many years ago that it’s now just a blur, but I do remember the cathedral. The Christmas market is excellent, I believe, but too crowded these days. Better at a quiet time. 🙂

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  11. Frede Lemieux

    I recently moved to Lincoln (from Canada!) and I love this town… So much visible history everywhere! The Castle is definitely worth a visit next time you’re around; the Medieval Wall Walk gives you a superb view on Lincolnshire, and on clear days you can see as far as the next county (Nottingham). And if you are looking for a break whilst going up the well-named Steep Hill, I highly recommend Bunty’s Tea Room! 🙂

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  16. A well known fact that still blows my mind…. The Egyptian pyramids were the tallest man made structure for thousands of years until Lincoln Cathedral. Wow. Just wow. Blows my mind. (the steeple didn’t last and eventually fell… Can’t blame them for trying though!)

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  18. Amazing shots and the city looks so medieval! I’m planning to go study at Leeds for a semester next year. Thanks for the post! Another place to explore while in the UK 🙂

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