Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Perched upon a limestone escarpment to the north of the River Witham, Lincoln is a historic city constructed atop a Roman fort.

This escarpment inclines steeply towards the river, requiring visitors to ascend the aptly named Steep Hill to reach the renowned cathedral quarter from the railway station.

Upon arrival, prepare to be impressed by one of the premier Gothic cathedrals, which surpassed the Pyramids of Giza during the Middle Ages to become the tallest building in existence.

In addition, Lincoln possesses one of the four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta, displayed at the castle, alongside an abundance of Medieval architecture dating back to Norman times and remnants of its Roman heritage discoverable through an app.

Let’s delve into the best attractions in Lincoln:

1. Lincoln Cathedral

Distinguished by its trio of towers and lauded as one of England’s premier monuments, Lincoln Cathedral held the title of the tallest building in the world from 1311 until 1549. The initial Norman church underwent significant renovations during the 12th and 13th centuries, resulting in its present Gothic design and remarkable rose windows.

Be sure to observe the Dean’s Eye on the north side, featuring Early English tracery in concentric circles, and the impressive Bishop’s Eye on the south, which is one of the largest examples of curvilinear tracery found in any Medieval structure.

Do not overlook the Lincoln Imp, a legendary grotesque positioned on an interior wall, which serves as a symbolic figure for the city.

This monument is celebrated for the ingenuity of its Medieval architects, who engineered vaulting techniques previously unseen, utilizing quadripartite and sexpartite configurations, as well as asymmetrical designs in Saint Hugh’s Choir.

Take the time to admire the west wall, adorned with exquisite Norman stonework.

2. Lincoln Castle

Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068 on the site of Lincoln’s Roman fortress, Lincoln Castle is among the best-preserved fortifications in the country and is unique for having two mottes (earthwork mounds).

It is also home to one of the last four existing copies of the Magna Carta, a document established in 1215 that significantly influenced English and later American governance.

Visitors can traverse the Medieval Walls with an audio guide, inspect a stone sarcophagus and other artifacts uncovered during a 2013 excavation, explore the Victorian prison, and view the Magna Carta in its subterranean vault.

The castle and its grounds host numerous events during the summer months.

The heritage skills center, for instance, provides insights into ancient crafts such as stonemasonry, silversmithing, and stained glass painting.

3. Steep Hill

Winding gently from north to south for 420 meters, the captivating Steep Hill is an ancient thoroughfare originally established by the Romans as the fortress of Lindum Colonia expanded down the hill.

This route commences adjacent to the cathedral and connects at the base with the Strait, narrowing to just a few meters wide.

The central segment of Steep Hill is notably inclined, requiring users to grasp the iron handrail, while road traffic is prohibited.

Along the journey, visitors encounter charming galleries, tea rooms, quaint local shops, dining establishments, and pubs amidst delightful old brick, stone, and half-timbered structures.

Some of the buildings are exceptionally old, such as Norman House and Jew’s House, showcasing Romanesque windows featuring pairs of semi-circular arches.

4. The Collection

Situated on the steep slope between Lincoln’s cliff and the Witham Valley, The Collection is a contemporary archaeology museum that debuted in 2005. This venue encompasses the older Usher Gallery, established in 1927. The primary exhibition at The Collection chronicles Lincoln’s history, spanning from the Stone Age to the English Civil War.

Highlights include Roman artifacts, such as mosaic flooring unearthed during construction and preserved in situ, an Iron Age votive boat retrieved from Fiskerton, a Viking axe-head, comb, shield, and the exquisite 14th-century Luttrell Psalter manuscript.

The Usher Gallery displays works from renowned landscape artists including L. S. Lowry, J. M. W. Turner, and John Piper, along with an extensive collection of sculptures, decorative arts, and timepieces.

5. Museum of Lincolnshire Life

This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Lincolnshire’s history from 1750 to the contemporary era, focusing on industrial, community, agricultural, domestic, and commercial life.

The extensive collection includes agricultural machinery manufactured by local firms, such as a steam ploughing engine, a portable engine, and a Field Marshall tractor from Marshall, Sons & Co. of Gainsborough.

Visitors can also view Ruston-Bucyrus excavators from 1937, alongside a Victorian kitchen, a working printing press, and recreated shop interiors.

Another notable exhibit includes the Mark IV tank produced by William Foster & Co., dating to 1917 and believed to have participated in the Battle of Passchendaele.

6. Doddington Hall

Located just six miles from Lincoln, Doddington Hall is an essential visit for anyone in the area.

This Elizabethan mansion, dating from the late 16th century, exemplifies the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth’s most ambitious courtiers.

Conceived by one of the era’s eminent architects, Robert Smythson, the estate has remained in the same family since its inception, preserving its original contents.

An exceptional array of fine ceramics, textiles, paintings, and furniture has accumulated over the years.

As a private residence, the hall opens its doors to visitors on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from April to September, while the gardens are accessible for an extended period.

Key highlights include the Holly Room, adorned with 17th-century tapestries from Flanders, and the magnificent walled and wild gardens.

7. Medieval Bishop’s Palace

This partial ruin, situated south of the cathedral, was one of the most significant edifices in Medieval England.

The Bishop’s Palace was erected in 1163 and served as the seat of a vast diocese, extending from the River Humber in the north down to the Thames in the south.

The palace was ravaged during the English Civil War, yet substantial remnants remain, including the 13th-century East Hall and undercroft, alongside the 15th-century entrance tower and chapel range.

Visitors can explore these structures via an audio tour, and at the base of a Medieval stairway lies the formal Heritage Garden, established on what was formerly the palace’s kitchen garden, adjacent to a small vineyard planted in 1972.

8. Guildhall

Integrated within the southern Stonebow city gate, the Guildhall is a splendid Tudor structure that dates back to 1520 and remains in operation for City Council meetings.

As visitors approach along High Street from the south, a coat of arms, attributed to King James I and dating to 1617, graces the central portal, commemorating his nine-day stay in the city.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, guided tours are available at 10:30 and 14:00, showcasing the spectacular council chamber and council regalia including the Mayor’s posy ring, chains of office, and a sword presented to Lincoln by King Richard II in 1386.

9. Roman Trail

Established in the mid-1st century, Lincoln functioned as the Roman fortress of Lindum Colonia, which eventually transformed into a city.

Those interested can download a smartphone application that guides users to city locations where Roman-era remnants are still apparent, or where insights about the city’s early history are available.

The Newport Arch, located in the northern area of the city, is the only Roman arch in Britain that accommodates road traffic, dating back to the 3rd century.

The structure currently visible comprises only the upper section, as the remaining portions lie beneath 2.4 meters of accumulated soil and debris from centuries past.

A further discovery can be found in the forecourt of the Lincoln Hotel, where a significant portion of the north tower from the original East Gate is visible, alongside stonework from a different entrance integrated into shops on Steep Hill.

10. Hartsholme Country Park

Located just three miles southwest of the city center, Hartsholme Country Park spans 200 acres on a former country estate.

A consistent recipient of the Green Flag award, the park originated around the banks of a reservoir in 1862. Designed by landscape artist Edward Milner for Hartsholme Hall, which was ultimately demolished in 1951, the Victorian landscaping remains preserved, allowing visitors to stroll through woodlands and alongside expansive water bodies.

Among the picturesque views is the cast iron White Bridge spanning the reservoir.

Visitors may begin their journey at the Visitor Centre, where maps and wildlife guides are available, and enjoy amenities including a children’s play area, a cafe, and a well-loved campsite within the park.

11. RAF Scampton Heritage Centre

Located minutes north of Lincoln, RAF Scampton is an operational Royal Air Force base noteworthy for multiple historical reasons.

It served as the home of the 617 Squadron, which executed Operation Chastise, a renowned bombardment targeting German water facilities in 1943. The base was also where Blue Steel, a surface-to-air nuclear missile, was prepared in the 1960s and has housed the Red Arrows aerobatic team since 1996.

The heritage center, sheltered in a Second World War hangar, showcases various artifacts and machinery, including a Blue Steel nuclear missile (sans payload), along with a small fleet of bombers, Red Arrows jets, and ground vehicles.

Visitors can also explore the office of Guy Gibson, the architect of Operation Chastise, while during the winter months, the Red Arrows facility opens for tours, providing insights into engineering operations and information about the team.

12. International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC)

Overshadowing Lincoln from Canwick Hill to the south, the International Bomber Command Centre serves as a memorial and interpretive center, officially inaugurated in April 2018. The IBCC commemorates the contributions of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, overseeing 364,514 sorties, and features a prominently visible 31-meter memorial spire, the tallest such memorial in the country.

The site is adorned with two peace gardens, one internationally themed and the other focused on Lincolnshire, while the interpretive center houses a state-of-the-art exhibition outlining Bomber Command’s themes of Recognition, Remembrance, and Reconciliation.

13. Ellis’ Mill

Located on Mill Road in west Lincoln, this 18th-century windmill was historically one of a row of nine westward-facing mills, harnessing the winds that sweep across the Lincoln Edge.

Ellis’ Mill operated until the 1940s, when its machinery was removed, and a fire devastated the structure in 1976. The Lincoln Civic Trust acquired and refurbished the mill in 1977, sourcing parts from various mills throughout Lincolnshire, ultimately restoring it to working order in 1981, allowing it to grind flour once more since the 1940s.

As of May 2018, the mill was temporarily closed for maintenance, but it typically opens on weekend afternoons, providing opportunity for visitors to observe this restored marvel in action and meet the dedicated volunteers who maintain its operations.

14. Whisby Nature Park

Approximately a seven-mile drive southwest of Lincoln leads to a stunning park established on a former gravel extraction site.

Whisby’s flooded pits have evolved into a sanctuary for various bird species.

During spring and summer, the park boasts an array of warblers, finches, terns, and swallows, while the winter months see a surge of wildfowl, including grey wagtails, goldcrests, and redpolls.

The park features 6.5 miles of walking trails, tracing former quarrying pathways that guide visitors through grasslands, scrub, wet woodlands, and marshes across wooden walkways.

Seven bird-watching hides are available throughout the park, complemented by an eco-friendly shop and cafe.

15. Lincoln Christmas Market

Lincoln is twinned with the German town of Neustadt an der Weinstraße in Rhineland-Palatinate, and every December it hosts an infusion of German culture through a four-day Christmas Market.

This event unfolds amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Cathedral Quarter, featuring 280 stalls offering freshly prepared food, mulled wine, and unique handcrafted items from local artisans.

Visitors can enjoy amusements and fairground rides along with a variety of live music and entertainment designed to uplift the festive spirit.

Additionally, throughout the four-day event, the city’s other retail outlets extend their operating hours, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere within the city center.