The Lincoln Guides: 5 of the best things to do when you visit Lincoln

In this post, I’ll be sharing 5 of the best things to do when you visit Lincoln, from the iconic Lincoln Cathedral to the beautiful Doddington Hall. So without further ado, here’s what made the list…

Lincoln Castle

1. Lincoln Castle

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Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and home to an original 1215 Magna Carta, Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years and is the perfect place to discover 1000 years of history. You can walk the Castle Walls, visit the Victorian Prison, see the iconic Magna Carta and learn about its story and go on a guided tour, amongst many other activities.

Lincoln Cathedral
Credit: Matthew Feeney

2. Lincoln Cathedral

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If you come to Lincoln, you have to visit the famous cathedral where films such as the Da Vinci Code have featured it. It is the fourth largest in the UK and has been described as one of the most precious pieces of architecture in Britain. They also hold events throughout the year with even a theatre production of Oliver Twist taking place in the cathedral nave, so it’s worth seeing what’s on.

Steep Hill Lincoln

3. Bailgate and Steep Hill

Steep Hill is a steep (actually named the fourth steepest in the country!) cobbled street which is lined with independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants – you can spend hours exploring these lovely independent businesses. The street leads to the Cathedral and Castle and also to Bailgate which is part of the Cathedral Quarter and once again, filled with independent boutiques, shops and cafes along cobbled streets. Surrounded by the remains of medieval Lincoln it makes for a wonderful experience.

Doddington Hall Lincoln
Credit: Simon Broadhead of Heritage Photographic

4. Doddington Hall & Gardens

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Doddington Hall is around 8 miles from Lincoln City Centre but is well worth a visit. A beautiful Elizabethan Manor House with walled gardens plus a restaurant, cafe and farmshop – there is plenty to do and Doddington are encouraging visitors to eat, shop and stay, and enjoy a summer safely in their wonderful grounds. They hold a multitude of events throughout the year, from decorating the hall at Christmas to pumpkin picking in October and sculpture exhibitions in the Summer.

The Collection Lincoln
Photo credit: Michael Westley

5. The Collection and Usher Gallery

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The Collection is the county museum and gallery for Lincolnshire. It brings together an award winning archaeology museum and the region’s premier art gallery, The Usher Gallery in the heart of the city. The Collection pays host to a huge variety of exhibitions, events, workshops and lectures. There is also a Play space in The Collection which is great for younger visitors.