Lincoln – A Travel Guide

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

Getting there:

Lincoln is a historic city located in the East Midlands and conveniently situated for travel from most parts of the United Kingdom.  Last year LNER began operating AZUMA rail services direct from London King’s Cross station with a journey time of just under two hours making the city even more accessible and perfect for a weekend break.

What to see and do:

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral viewed from the castle walls
Lincoln Cathedral viewed from the castle walls

Lincoln Cathedral is one of Europe’s most celebrated medieval buildings and was once the tallest building in the world.  Standard adult admission is £8 which includes an optional introductory floor tour.  This stunning cathedral dates from 1073 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the British Isles.  Its impressive nave fills a vast area and is adorned by splendid stained glass windows.

Chapter House, Lincoln Cathedral
Chapter House, Lincoln Cathedral

Explore the atmospheric cloisters which lead to the magnificent Chapter House.  You may possibly recognise these parts of the cathedral as they were used for the filming of the Da Vinci Code.

Cathedral Rooftop Tour

The Nave, Lincoln Cathedral
The Nave, Lincoln Cathedral

Highly recommended are the 90 minute cathedral rooftop tours, £5.  Volunteer guides take visitors up into the roof space to explore the hidden gems of the cathedral roof.  Viewing the Bell Ringing Chamber is particularly interesting and to discover that the Cathedral bells are still rung on a regular basis by 12 bell ringers known as the Company of Ringers.  On reaching the rooftop, the effort of climbing all those steps is rewarded by the panoramic views across to the castle afforded from this high viewpoint.  Lincoln Cathedral

View of Lincoln Castle from Lincoln Cathedral rooftop
View of Lincoln Castle from Lincoln Cathedral rooftop

Lincoln Castle

Entrance to Lincoln Castle
Entrance to Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle was built by order of William the Conqueror during the late 11th century.  Entrance is £14 but substantial savings can be made by purchasing a combined Cathedral/ Castle ticket at just £18 as they are located close together.

The Prison at Lincoln Castle
The Prison at Lincoln Castle

Start by exploring the red brick Victorian prison which held prisoners from 1848-1878 for crimes ranging from petty theft to highway robbery and murder.  The prison has been painstakingly restored giving access to the cells and by using the interactive displays it creates a feeling of what it must have been like to be locked up behind bars.

Prison Chapel, Lincoln Castle
Prison Chapel, Lincoln Castle

A highlight is a visit to the prison chapel. It’s unusual as prisoners were placed in separate cubicles so that they could participate in services but were unable to come into contact with other prisoners.  It’s both an austere and atmospheric experience especially as several model figures have been placed in the cubicles and until visitors climb up to the pulpit, they are hidden from view.

Lincoln Castle prison
Lincoln Castle prison

Walk along the castle walls

Take a walk along the medieval castle walls pausing frequently to take in the stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.  Entrance to the walls is included in the castle ticket and audio guides are also available offering a commentary on its history.  Lincoln Castle

Walking along the walls at Lincoln Castle
Walking along the walls at Lincoln Castle

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Housed in a former Victorian barracks dating from 1857.  The museum offers free entry and is open daily 10.00 – 4.00 p.m.  It covers the social history of Lincolnshire from 1750 to more recent times.

Inside the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln
Inside the Museum of Lincolnshire Life

In one building, rooms are set out as various shops, a print-works, school room and a post office.  A larger exhibition hall displays a wide range of vehicles including trains, farm machinery and a WWI tank.  There’s also a children’s playground, café and shop.  It’s deceptively big so allow at least an hour to look around this interesting museum.  Museum of Lincolnshire Life

The Collection Museum

The main collection contains a diverse range of objects from the Lincolnshire area including aspects of archaeology, natural history and armoury.  Entrance is free of charge, with a £5 fee to view temporary exhibitions.  The Collection Museum

Collection Museum, Lincoln
Inside the Collection Museum

Stonebow Arch and Guildhall

Walk through the Stonebow Arch which connects the more modern part of the city with the historic Quarter.  The second floor of the Guildhall is home to City Council meetings and has been in use since its construction in 1520.

Stonebow & Guildhall, Lincoln
Stonebow & Guildhall, Lincoln

Steep Hill

Steep HIll, Lincoln
Steep Hill, Lincoln

A wonderful old cobbled street which becomes steadily steeper the further you walk uphill.  On the steepest section there are handrails to help you on your way, as it’s not called Steep Hill for nothing!  For those not keen on walking up steep hills, don’t despair as a regular ‘Walk and Ride’ shuttle bus operates from the railway station to the Cathedral Quarter every 20 minutes (Monday-Saturday).

International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC)

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln
International Bomber Command Centre

The IBCC recognises the efforts of Bomber Command during World War II.  It is based in Lincolnshire as this is the main county associated with Bomber Command owing to the large number of airfields located there.  It’s located on the outskirts of the city, just off the A15, 2.6 miles south of Lincoln, close to the village of Canwick and is open daily except Monday.

Memorial Spire, International Bomber Command Centre
Memorial Spire, International Bomber Command Centre

The setting for the memorial is on a hilltop in a 10 acre park at Canwick Hill with views across the rooftops of Lincoln and to the magnificent cathedral which was used as a reference point to guide air crews returning to Lincolnshire.  The Walls of Names surround the Memorial Spire in a series of circles with names etched onto them of almost 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War II.

Exhibition area, International Bomber Command Centre
Exhibition area, International Bomber Command Centre

After completing a tour of the Peace Gardens continue your visit indoors to view the exhibition (standard adult admission £8.20 or £7.20 if booked on-line).  The exhibition is arranged over two floors and relates stories of Bomber Command, its pilots, families and the impact of the bombing raids.  International Bomber Command Centre

Brayford Waterfront

Brayford Waterfront, Lincoln
Brayford Waterfront

This is actually England’s oldest inland harbour.  The River Witham flows into Brayford Pool, a natural lake formed from where the River Witham and the Fossdyke Canal meet which was once a bustling port in Roman times.  It’s a lovely place for a stroll with its marina, waterside pubs and restaurants.

University of Lincoln Library
University of Lincoln Library

Cross the bridge over to Brayford Wharf to reach the main campus of the University of Lincoln which has a splendid waterfront setting.  An old railway warehouse which had fallen into disrepair has been renovated, retaining many of the building’s original features and is now the university library.

High Bridge

High Bridge, Lincoln
High Bridge

The bridge was built around 1160 and is the oldest in the country to still have buildings in use on it.

Shopping:

High Street

Waterside Shopping Centre, Lincoln
Waterside Shopping Centre

Here you will find a good mix of independent stores and national brands.  It’s also home to the Waterside Shopping Centre which contains a variety of stores and cafes.  The shopping centre overlooks the River Witham and benefits from attractive views of narrow boats moored along the quayside.

Cornhill Quarter

The first phase of re-development has recently been completed, with shops and restaurants occupying the historic Corn Exchange building.  A second phase is currently underway which will include an Everyman Cinema plus further shops and restaurants.

Bailgate

Bailgate, Lincoln
Bailgate at the top of Steep Hill

Bailgate is located at the very top of Steep Hill and has a village-like feel with its small, locally run shops including a bookshop, bakers and butchers.  One of the stores, Redhill Farm Shop supplies both Lord’s Cricket Ground and Silverstone so pop in to take a look at its array of free range meat, Lincolnshire sausages and tasty pork pies.

Suggested Dining Options:

The Wig & Mitre

Wig & Mitre, Lincoln
The Wig & Mitre

This pub is located in a quaint building at the top of Steep Hill and is reminiscent of an old cottage.  The bar has a cosy atmosphere with its feature fireplace and framed newspaper clippings adorning the walls.  Upstairs there’s a restaurant serving a varied selection of dishes in a relaxed setting. Wig & Mitre

Brown’s Restaurant and Pie Shop

Brown's Restaurant & Pie Shop, Lincoln
The cosy interior of Brown’s Restaurant & Pie Shop

A small restaurant near the top of Steep Hill cosily arranged over two floors. Brown’s specialises in gourmet pot pies with a selection of other dishes on offer too.  The generous sized pies are served in individual pots and come accompanied with creamy mashed potato and a medley of fresh vegetables.  It’s an informal little restaurant with friendly and efficient staff.  Brown’s Pie Shop & Restaurant

Bells Tea Shop

Bells Tea Shop, Lincoln
Bells Tea Shop

Also located at the top of Steep Hill this attractive small café is decorated in a traditional style with pretty little wall lamps fashioned from bone china tea cups and pastel coloured bunting hung across the wall giving it a cosy feel.

Afternoon tea at Bells Tea Shop, LIncoln
Enjoying afternoon tea at Bells Tea Shop

Order their afternoon tea, it’s a quintessential English classic with three tier cake stands filled to the brim with a selection of dainty sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones, jam and clotted cream all served on pretty Cath Kidston crockery.  Bells is a family run business with friendly service and where nothing seems to be too much trouble.  It’s definitely worth the hike up Steep Hill to get there and offers good value too! Bells Tea Shop

Stokes Lawn Cafe

Stokes Lawn Cafe, Lincoln
Stokes Lawn Cafe

Located in the cookhouse of the city’s former Lunatic Asylum, it’s been tastefully converted into a café and coffee roasting house.  Stokes is a family run business which has been in existence for over a hundred years.  Sofas and chairs are upholstered using their own coffee bags whilst up-cycled items from the former hospital adorn its walls.  Continuing the up-cycled theme, a killer whale made from old car bumpers and coffee machine parts appears to swim from the ceiling looking down on diners.

Interior, Stokes Lawn Cafe, Lincoln
Interior, Stokes Lawn Cafe,

Glance through the glass doors to the rear of the café to see where the coffee blending, roasting and packaging takes place. Stokes Cafe

For more information on things to see and do in Lincoln and to find out about the latest local deals and offers I recommend downloading the Lincoln Loyal Free app supported by Lincoln BIG.

 

If you have enjoyed reading this post, you may also like:

The White Hart Hotel, Lincoln

Nottingham – A Travel Guide

 

If you use Pinterest consider sharing and pinning the image below or follow me here:

Lincoln Travel Guide

 

Advertisement

66 thoughts on “Lincoln – A Travel Guide”

  1. Went there for first time just before Christmas 21. Sadly, didn’t do it justice due to a very heavy head cold but your post has inspired me to go back some time soon. The floor tour at the Cathedral was excellent- very informative.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Derby – a festive city break – Love Travelling Blog

  3. Pingback: Day 1. Exploring Edinburgh – Love Travelling Blog

  7. Pingback: Day 3. A Day in Newcastle – Love Travelling Blog

  9. jasonlikestotravel

    So cool seeing the views from above the cathedral, I think I’d timed my visit badly and it was too long to wait to do that myself. That said I’m doing a ‘tower tour’ at Peterborough cathedral this coming Saturday so I’m hoping that will be comparable, albeit the view in Lincoln is certainly nicer.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
      1. jasonlikestotravel

        That sounds great fun! Shamefully I’ve still yet to visit Ely, I’ve passed through so many times on the train but never stop there. Definitely on my to do list this summer!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  11. Pingback: Day 1. A weekend in Durham – Love Travelling Blog

  12. Pingback: Lincoln – A Travel Guide – Hifi Maddy

  15. Pingback: Lincoln – A Travel Guide – view Africa in a different way

    1. Lincoln is an often overlooked city break destination but the city has so much to offer with its historic landmarks and waterside trails. I recommend the pot pies at Browns, they are irresistible after a day of sightseeing Shane.

      Like

      Reply

  25. What an incredible variety of places in this town from the gothic architecture of the cathedral to the very modern library and museums. And how interesting to learn about how prison inmates would attend services secluded in their own little cubicle. Such a great guide of this city!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  27. The cathedral is magnificent and the castle would certainly be worth seeing just for the views from the walls. So much to see and do here and Brown’s Restaurant and Pie Shop has made me hungry. They had me at pies. Thanks for taking us along on your visit. Have a great week. Allan

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. Wow Marion, the Lincoln Cathedral is really beautiful – both outside and inside. And that photo of the High Bridge is also special – great history there.
    And of course, your afternoon tea at Bells Tea Shop looks really nice … this was a beautiful stroll through Lincoln (a city I did not know much about), thank you 🌸.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Lincoln is absolutely beautiful and I’m certain you would enjoy spending sometime exploring the city the next time you are able to visit the UK. Our lockdown restrictions were eased on 12th April with most things returning back to normal hopefully from 17th May so that’s good news for us all to look forward to as the weather improves.

      Like

      Reply

  33. That cathedral is STUNNING, and I’d definitely pay for the tour, especially to check out the second floor for views above and below. The food recommendations are much appreciated, and now I know to bookmark Brown’s Pie Shop and Bells Tea Shop for my visit to Lincoln!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.