A historic English city crowned by its medieval cathedral. Cobbled streets lead to independent shops, theatres, and museums, while the Lincolnshire Wolds lie nearby.
Lincoln's Gothic cathedral rises above the city's medieval streets, where you'll find the Norman-era Lincoln Castle with its original Magna Carta copy, a 12th-century Jew's House, and Roman ruins. Along the Brayford Pool, England's oldest inland harbor, cafes and restaurants line the waterfront near the university campus.
Getting Around Lincoln's Historic Center
Lincoln splits into upper and lower town areas, connected by Steep Hill - a medieval street lined with shops in 12th-century buildings. The Jew's House, built in 1170, is one of five remaining medieval Jewish houses in England. If you want to avoid the climb, take the Walk & Ride shuttle bus between the high street and cathedral quarter, running every 20 minutes.
Lincoln Cathedral
Inside the Gothic cathedral, you'll find intricate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes, 13th-century rose windows (the Dean's Eye and Bishop's Eye), and the famous Lincoln Imp carved into a column. Daily guided tours run from 10am to 4pm (£9 adult admission, additional £4 for guided tours). The cathedral library contains one of two surviving Wren Libraries worldwide. From April to September, roof tours take you up 338 steps for views across Lincolnshire (£6 additional fee).
Lincoln Castle and Magna Carta
The castle, dating from 1068, has a complete medieval wall circuit you can walk for city views. Its Victorian prison includes the original chapel with separate cubicles designed to isolate inmates - an early example of prison reform. In the purpose-built vault, you'll find one of four surviving original 1215 Magna Carta copies, displayed with the Charter of the Forest (Castle admission: £14.50 adults).
The Brayford Waterfront District
At Brayford Pool, where Romans once anchored their boats, you'll now find students from the University of Lincoln campus and visitors dining at waterfront restaurants. The marina accommodates narrow boats and pleasure craft, while the Engine Shed hosts music performances throughout the year.
Annual Events and Cultural Venues
The Lincoln Christmas Market fills the cathedral quarter with over 200 stalls during the first weekend of December. Throughout the year, catch west end shows at the Theatre Royal or contemporary performances at the Drill Hall. During summer, Lincoln Castle's grounds transform into an outdoor cinema and medieval tournament ground. The Collection museum displays local artifacts from prehistoric flints to medieval pottery across two floors, with art exhibitions in the adjacent Usher Gallery.
Getting To and Around Lincoln
Direct trains connect Lincoln to London King's Cross (2 hours), Sheffield (1.5 hours), and Nottingham (50 minutes). Drivers can access the city via the A46 and A15 roads. Local buses run every 30 minutes to Welton and Saxilby. The walk from the train station to the cathedral takes 20 minutes uphill, or you can catch city buses that run every 10 minutes.
