One of England’s finest historic cities, Lincoln is home to the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle and the famous Steep Hill. From cobbled streets and independent shops to great food, culture and events, there are countless things to see and do.
Hearing all of this made us want to visit, and we wondered why we had never been as everything ticked the boxed of all our interests. Would Lincoln live up to its reptation, or would it be a huge let down?
Read on to find out…
Lincoln Castle
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Lincoln Castle has dominated the city’s skyline for almost one thousand years. Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle at Lincoln in a bid to control the rebellious north.
As you walk around the circumference of the castle, you’ll be following in the footsteps of kings, soldiers and prisoners from hundreds of years ago. From King Henry VIII, who visited with Catherine Howard in 1541, to Henry Carey, convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging in 1859, the castle walls are steeped in stories.
Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and seat of justice. Scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk, follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison, and immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story.
The great stone curtain wall is one of the most dramatic features of the castle, and a permanent reminder of its role as a mighty medieval stronghold. The Medieval Wall Walk is around a third of a mile long, and offers the most incredible views across both Lincoln and the surrounding county.
Explore the dungeons, towers and graveyards along the way and you’ll discover even more about the castle’s colourful past. The site of many battles, sieges and public hangings, there is more to Lincoln Castle than first meets the eye.
We were lucky enough to have volunteer Dominic take us around the wall personally, his knowledge was incredible, and we came away knowing so much more about this fascinating place.
Victorian Prison
We then visited the Victorian Prison at Lincoln Castle for an insight into crime and punishment of the past.
Built in 1788, this impressive building was used as a debtor’s prison until 1878. The Victorian Prison has three floors of restored prison cells, including a male and female wing. As you explore, you will find plenty of opportunities to learn more about the justice system of Victorian England. There are interactive touch-screen tables where you can watch videos and hear stories from the past occupants of these spooky cells.
Castle Grounds
The grounds at Lincoln Castle are free to enter and explore during non-event days. We visited on a late summer warm and sunny day, perfect spot for a coffee, or a family picnic in a unique location. Something many local people were enjoying.
As you wander through the grounds, look out for the Dragons!
Lucy and Norman: The original pair are located near Cobb Hall, appearing to burst through the castle walls with smoke and sound effects. They are scheduled to remain in place until January 2028. Hastings: A third, larger five-meter-tall scaly dragon arrived in August 2026. He is perched on top of the Heritage Skills Centre near Lucy Tower and was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.
Dotted throughout the site are Castle Stories plaques on the floor, these tell the stories of the people who have visited or even resided in the castle over the years.
To make sure you see everything, you can book a grounds tour during your visit and learn more about Lincoln Castle’s rich history from an expert guide. Lasting between forty-five minutes to an hour, these fascinating tours offer an introduction to this historic site, as well as a deeper understanding of the castle’s colourful history.
Lincoln Cathedral
Considered to be one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark. Standing tall for almost a thousand years, the Cathedral serves as a beacon of hope for visitors from across the globe.
Towering over the city since 1092, Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world. Although it may not hold that title anymore, it is still one of the most important.
When the Normans invaded Britain in the 11th century, William the Conqueror commissioned the first Bishop of Lincoln, to build a Cathedral. Foundations were laid in 1072, and on 9 May 1092, it was consecrated.
Despite the Cathedral’s dramatic scale, the details on the building are incredibly intricate. The stonework is full of complex carvings, and the stained glass windows were once described as the “finest in the kingdom”.
Lincoln Cathedral’s connection to Magna Carta
Lincoln Cathedral owns one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta, an iconic charter dating back to 1215. The city is the only place in the world where you can see original copies of both the 1215 Magna Carta and the 1217 Charter of the Forest side-by-side. Both charters are owned by Lincoln Cathedral, but are on display at Lincoln Castle.
Guided tours at the Cathedral
If you’re visiting Lincoln Cathedral for the first time, a tour with one of the cathedral’s expert guides is one of the best ways to explore this magnificent building. Floor tours are included with admission, and offer a great overview of the building’s history and architecture. If you want to enhance your visit even further, there are a number of specialist tours which delve a little deeper.
Lincoln Cathedral Café
Located within the Visitor Centre, Lincoln Cathedral Café is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Choose from hearty meals to light bites. The menu also features a great selection of hot and cold drinks, and a variety of homemade cakes and bakes.
As well as being a great spot for a drink, the café also boasts fantastic views of the cathedral. For an uninterrupted view, grab a seat by the window, or head outside to the Dean’s Green Terrace – the perfect spot for a cup of coffee on a sunny day.
International Bomber Command Centre
The IBCC was created to mark the service and sacrifice of World War II aircrew, ground crew and support staff who lost their lives whilst serving with Bomber Command.
Opened in 2018, the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a memorial and interpretation centre telling the story of the RAF Bomber Command. The centre includes a 31-metre tall spire and memorial walls that feature the names of all those who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during the Second World War. There are also two peace gardens: one Lincolnshire and one International.
The view through the Memorial Spire leads directly to Lincoln Cathedral, reflecting the view that let those of Bomber Command know they were almost home from their missions, and importantly for those who failed to return flying from Lincolnshire, provided their last view of their home.
The IBCC, via its digital archive, delivers the most comprehensive coverage of Bomber Command globally, including the contribution and effect on over 60 nations.
In addition to being an important learning experience, the IBCC is a great family day out. Children can have a go at dressing up as a WWII airman, explore the interactive galleries, and enjoy family-friendly food in the cafe – including ‘ration box’ packed lunches.
Guided Tours at the IBCC
Free guided tours are available of the Spire Memorial and Peace Gardens daily. Tours take place every half hour between April – September, and each hour between October – March.
The White Hart Hotel
You can’t visit Lincoln and cover everything in one day – it’s impossible, and why would you want to. Such amazing attractions deserve the full respect and appreciation of your time.
The best way to do this is st book a short break, somewhere that is the perfect base to explore from. We stayed at The White Hart Hotel, and it proved to be the perfect choice in so many ways.
Located in the oldest part of Lincoln, the White Hart Hotel is situated between the 900-year-old Norman Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, and Lincoln’s Medieval Cathedral, which dates back to 1072.
This is a hotel not only with a great location, the service, food and all round hospitality were faultless. You can read our full review here.
www.thewhitehart-lincoln.co.uk
These are some of the reasons to visit this superb city. We will be back to discover more.
In the meantime, put Lincoln on the top of your city break list. You are going to love it!
You’re welcome!
Review and images by Angela Riches and Dave Riches
