I’d be surprised if most British people could plot Lincoln on the map. I’d be shocked if anyone outside of the country had even heard of it. This seems strange given that it’s the major city and namesake of the 2^nd largest county in the nation, includes the world’s tallest building from 1311 to 1549, was the birthplace of the tank, and houses a castle built by William the Conqueror, where you can see one of the four original 1215 Magna Cartas that still exist. Despite being relatively modest in size, Lincoln is steeped in rich history, and features beautiful architecture, quirky independent businesses, and a modern side brought to the fore with its recently redeveloped Cornhill Quarter. It’s almost disgraceful that the city is swept aside by most who plan a city break or tour in the United Kingdom, as it offers an experience of awe and wonder many other destinations lack- all it takes is one look the famous cathedral and you’ll be hooked. Discover the best places to visit, stay and eat in Lincoln through this exclusive insight into one of the great untapped jewels of historical Britain.

(Steep Hill (Visit Lincolnshire) Lincoln Cathedral (Tuscan Foundry))

Best places to visit

Lincoln Cathedral

True magnificence in solid form. Lincoln Cathedral’s huge, ornate main hall and imposing, soaring towers are more than enough to make anyone’s jaw drop. This awe-inspiring piece of architecture’s construction began in 1072 under William the Conqueror, and was completed twenty years later- when its main spire was completed in 1311, it became the tallest building in the world, which lasted for around two and a half centuries. The cathedral is the centrepiece and crown jewel of Lincoln, and can be seen for miles around, looming ominously, yet stunningly in the distance. Tours and access to the Exhibition Gallery and Discovery Centre are available between 10am and 4pm (morning prayer to evening prayer) from Monday to Saturday, and adults cost £12.50. On Sunday, there are no tours, and it opens from 11.30am to 2.30pm, however admission costs £10.50. In reality this is a bargain for the experience, especially for someone coming from a country that lacks such historical grandeur. There is also a café at the cathedral, which serves lunch, cake and coffee.

(Cathedral main hall (Seeing the past) Cathedral from a distance)

Lincoln Castle

Being overshadowed by the Cathedral certainly shouldn’t take anything away from Lincoln Castle, as in many ways, it includes much of the same magnificence. In stunningly good condition, the landmark was another site that William the Conqueror had his fingertips all over, with the aim of its construction to impose authority onto the surrounding region. It’s built right at the top of Lincoln’s infamous “Steep Hill”, which makes it quite a trek for visitors to get to now, let alone those dressed armour a millennium ago. For £12, you can take a 360 degree walk around the castle’s towering perimeter wall, which offers not only a view of the landmark itself, but also staggering views of Lincoln and its surrounding countryside, giving visitor’s a unique outlook on the area. There’s also an old Victorian prison within the castle, which provides a unique insight into yet another fascinating period in the city’s history. Perhaps the greatest selling point of the landmark is the fact that it houses the iconic Magna Carta, a monumental 13^th century agreement, of which there are now only four originals in existence.

(The castle from above (Building) The castle from the front (White Hart Hotel))

The International Bomber Command Centre

Despite its many operational RAF bases, Lincolnshire’s involvement in World War II is often forgotten. The International Bomber Command Centre however, serves as a stunning reminder. A bronze spire can be seen poking out the top of Canwick Hill, which is at 31 metres, is one of the tallest war memorials in Britain, and actually the length of a Lancaster plane’s wing. The IBCC’s memorial wall, featuring the names of every person who lost their lives in Bomber Command, serves as a reminder of the true scale and impact of war, whilst also giving an opportunity to pay your respects to those who died for their country. Surrounding this is a landscaped peace garden, and inside is the Hub Café which serves a range of locally sourced food and drink. There’s also three fascinating, interactive and immersive exhibition galleries, where on a free of charge guided tour you can learn what it was really like to be involved in Bomber Command, the stories and struggles of those who were, and the impact of raids on targeted populations. The International Bomber Command Centre offers a unique and fulfilling experience of the effects of the Second World War not just on Lincolnshire, but the world.

(Lancaster war memorial and inside the exhibition (Great days travel group))

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

To take a deeper look into the history of Lincoln and its county, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is the top destination to go. Built in a Victorian barracks built for the Royal North Lincoln Militia in 1857, it houses nearly 250,000 objects, including an authentic World War I tank and many other vehicles from the past few centuries. The exhibitions illustrate commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community lives through rooms set up to look as though they’re frozen in the past, which range from bedrooms and living rooms to horse stables and pharmacies. Shockingly, self-led tours are free, whilst those with a guide are a bargain at £3 each, which is superb value for money given that the overall package takes you on a whistle-stop tour of what the last 250 years has brought to the county.

(“Daphne” the tank (What’s on in Lincoln) The Pharmacy (Lincolnshire tourism guide))

Doddington Hall

If you’re willing to take a short twenty-minute drive from Lincoln city centre, then you can experience the ornate country house and beautiful gardens of Doddington Hall. Situated in a small countryside village, which gives it its name, the site also includes an award-winning farm-shop, that provides good quality, seasonal local produce, as well as a café offering breakfast, lunch and cake. Another option in terms of eating is the Grainstore, which will be looked at later in the article. You can also do some shopping in Doddington, as there are places selling home furniture, ornaments and clothing- there’s also the Giant bike shop due to the village’s location on many well-ridden cycle routes. The centrepiece of the destination is of course, the hall itself, which is a three-story, giant Elizabethan-era house that remains decorated like one. Glittering chandeliers hang from high ornately decorated ceilings that cover rooms full of ancient artefacts and huge four-poster beds, surrounded by rich-looking wallpaper. Additionally, the house carries its own stunning walled and wild gardens, giving visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in organised nature, and nature set free.

(Doddington Hall and its gardens (Senior Travel Expert)

Boultham Park

If you’re looking for a break from the city, then this park in the city’s suburb of Boultham is perfect. It’s a beautiful and idyllic setting to take have a picnic, take a leisurely stroll around the lake, or even run 5k if you arrive at 9:00am on Saturday morning- at that time it’s the hugely atmospheric Lincoln Parkrun. A surprising amount of wildlife is on offer at the park, including squirrels, ducks, geese, swans and maybe if you’re lucky, snakes. Boultham Park also has a café that serves lunch and drinks, whilst a walk round its perimeter is roughly 2km, however it has many entrances and exits, which provide useful links if you’re planning a larger walk around the city. This attractive and peaceful area of greenery should certainly be on the list of anyone visiting the Lincoln, especially if you’re interested in taking a break from the hustle and bustle.

(A view from a bridge (Lincs kids) and Lincoln Parkrun start))

Usher Gallery

For those wanting a greater taste of art and culture during their trip to Lincoln, the Usher Gallery is the premier destination. It also serves as an archaeology museum, housing hundreds of artefacts from the county through time, including coins, an Iron Age spear, and ancient Roman mosaic. In terms of art, many different types are on offer, including paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures both indoors and outdoors, a huge horological collection, and other decorative arts such as ceramics, glass and jewellery. There’s also a coffee bar at the Usher, which serves a wide selection of teas and coffees, as well as an assortment of cakes and other savoury snacks. Stunningly, this experience is free of charge.

(Usher Gallery outside and Usher Gallery inside (Let’s Talk Lincolnshire))

Best places to eat

Best places to stay

Best areas of the city

Thanks for reading this latest post by me, Lewis Defraine, on the Your World Explored blog. Hopefully this has given you an informative and engaging insight into the small, yet historical city of Lincoln, and if this is your first time reading, feel free to take a look at more articles on the blog. Some constructive feedback in the comments would be greatly appreciated, as would be a like, or even subscription to receive more content from Your World Explored.