Things to do in Lincoln, England that you can’t miss!

Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Lauren Allen

There are so many incredible places in England! This can make it hard to choose where to go if you are heading to the country for the first time or planning your ideal staycation. Places such as London, York and The Cotswolds are on most people’s must-see lists, but that doesn’t mean that cities such as Lincoln shouldn’t be a strong contender. In my option, there are so many things to do in Lincoln that make it well worth visiting.

In this post, I will share all the top locations to ensure you have the most amazing time visiting this cathedral city. Here are the top 20 things to see during your trip!

20 things to do in Lincoln, UK:

1 | Hit up Steep Hill

Steep Hill, AKA the cutest part of town, is a must-see whilst visiting Lincoln. In fact, it would be pretty hard to not visit Steep Hill at least once during your trip. This is due to its prime location leading up to the cathedral and castle. Despite it being a steep climb (duh!), it’s well worth it to check out the charming independent stores and tea rooms.

Whilst walking up (or down) the hill, be sure to keep your camera in hand to snap some photos. This part of the city is one of the most photogenic with photo opportunities around each corner. Even in the rain, I loved wandering up and down the hill shooting at different angles and locations.

2 | Checkout Brayford Waterfront

Waterfronts are often popular places to wind down or do a spot of people-watching. Brayford Waterfront in Lincoln is no different, especially on a sunny day. This area is lined with bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stop for some food and drinks.

3 | Visit some of the city’s best cocktail bars

Of course, I wouldn’t be on a trip if I didn’t visit at least one bar… One of the very best things to do in Lincoln at night is to head out for a drink or two. There is no need to head back to your hotel once all the attractions close their doors for the day.

In the city centre, there are a fair few popular UK bars such as Slug and Lettuce. However, if you are on the hunt for independent spots, you’re in luck. Bars such as The Curiosity Shop are a hit with tourists and locals alike. Personally, I enjoyed the vibe as I sipped on my Pineapple Margarita on a quiet Sunday evening.

Other well-loved bars in Lincoln include Vice + Co and The Hilton Hotel’s Electric Bar.

4 | Admire the breathtaking architecture of Lincoln Cathedral

You simply can not visit Lincoln without exploring the cathedral. This incredible building dates back to 1071 and boasts an incredible history. If you want to check it out, ticket prices start from £7.20 for a concession or £9 for adults. Your ticket includes a free tour of the floor level, which you can join at either 10.30am, 11.00am, 1pm or 2pm. The tour lasts around one hour.

To learn more about the cathedral’s past, wander inside the roof and see some great viewpoints, you can join a guided roof tour for just £7.50. This tour will take you to the cathedral’s most impressive areas and share more in-depth knowledge of key points in the history of the building. You will also be treated to views of the city looking over onto the castle and cathedral square.

Alternatively, other tour options include the cathedrals tower, the outdoor tour and the graffiti tour. Each tour lasts between one hour and 90 minutes, so depending on how long you are in Lincoln, you may need to give one or two of them a miss in favour of other attractions. It’s also worth noting that you also need to pay for each tour separately so if you are trying to save some cash, the cost of doing all of these will definitely add up.

Top Tip: The cathedral is open from 10am until 4pm Monday – Saturday and on Sundays, is only open for three hours from noon until 3pm. Due to this, I recommend planning your time effectively as some of Lincoln’s top attractions open a little later.

5 | Go shopping

During my trip, I was on the hunt for homeware. I managed to find some lovely bits for my new place at some unique stores. If you are wanting to support independent businesses, I highly recommend visiting Follie and The Pot Shop.

If you are looking to hit up your standard retailers, then all you need to do is head to Waterside Shopping Centre. Here you will find shops such as Next, Paperchase and much more. The centre is open daily except on Sundays from 10am until 5pm, giving you hours to shop until you drop.

6 | Join a guided tour

Guided tours with locals are often the best way to get to know a new area. Over the years, I have joined many tours on my travels and although they can often eat up a lot of time, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling more knowledgeable.

Tour guides are experts at sharing key facts, local tips and everything you need to know about getting the most out of your adventure. Lincoln is no different.

If you want to get a true rundown of this charming English city, there are a number of options. For example, you could book yourself onto the following:

• A guided tour of the cathedral quarter
• Lincoln free walking tour
• The Lincoln ghost walk

7 | See the Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle

One of the top things to do in Lincoln is see the Magna Carta. This world-famous document is known for establishing that law must also be followed by leaders such as kings in order to stop them from taking advantage of their power. Once upon a time, there were approximately 250 copies, but now only 4 remain. One is housed at Salisbury Cathedral, one is inside the vault at Lincoln Cathedral and two are on display at the British Library in London.

Aside from the Magna Carta, there are other things to see at Lincoln Castle. For example, you can spend some time checking out the victorian prison and dungeons before heading out to explore the castle grounds.

8 | Walk the castle walls

To enjoy some fantastic views of the city, make sure you climb the stairs up to the castle walls. If you have ever been to York, this will leave you questioning which city you are actually visiting. Both places have a lot of similarities and it was during the castle walk that I truly felt that.

However, unlike York, Lincoln’s castle walls have staircases leading down to the dungeons with historical pasts that include hangings and much more. You will also be able to climb towers for more elevated views of the city, something which you can not do in York.

In my opinion, this is one of the best activities to do in Lincoln. Even on a rainy day!

9 | Watch some live music at The Engine Shed

The Engine Shed is one of Lincoln’s most loved gig venues with many of the UK’s best bands playing shows here. As gig venues go, the venue is known for amazing sound quality and helpful staff making it a great place to see a live show. Plus, who knows, you may discover your new favourite music act!

10 | Enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the Number 38 Restaurant

Located inside The Tower Hotel, Number 38 is one of the best places to eat in Lincoln. Their menu offers a wide selection of dishes including burgers, tagine and salads. Each dish is beautifully presented and after eating there myself, I can see why this spot is so popular.

Each course was delicious and came with fantastic service from the waiting staff. Furthermore, the restaurant also has a great drinks menu including a selection of speciality cocktails (that of course, I had to try). I can’t recommend this place enough (just don’t go for breakfast, read my review of the Tower Hotel to find out why).

11 | Attempt to free yourself from an Escape Room

In recent years, escape rooms have sprung up in thousands across the UK. As the name suggests, these games give you and your pals the chance to work out how to “escape” the room that you were locked in at the start of your visit. You will be given clues that lead to the next step in your game and (hopefully) make it out before you run out of time.

Personally, I find escape rooms pretty funny. Especially if prior wine is involved (wink wink).

Like most cities across England, Lincoln has a few escape rooms. You can choose between Deliverance Escape Rooms and Tension Twisted Realities which are both in the city centre. Alternatively, you can head further afield to Escape Lincoln which is a bit outside of town in Vulcan Park.

Either way, you are guaranteed to have a good laugh!

12 | Check out the historic Newport Arch

Dating all the way back to the 3rd century, Newport Arch is a must-see in Lincoln. This medieval arch from the Roman times is Grade 1 listed and famous for being the oldest arch in the country that is still used by traffic daily. Next door to the arch, you will spot the charming Arch Cottage which is a holiday home available for rent in an ideal location.

13 | Watch a show a the New Theatre Royal

Seeing a show at the theatre is often a great pass-time to enjoy once tourist attractions have closed for the day. New Theatre Royal in Lincoln offers a variety of evening shows to attend including plays, pantomimes and live screenings. Just check out their current listings to see if anything takes your fancy.

14 | The Medieval Bishop’s Palace

An English Heritage site, visiting The Bishops Palace is one of the most impressive things to do in Lincoln. Constructed in 1163 to house the city’s Bishop, it became one of the most significant buildings of its time. This was reflected in its impressive architecture and size.

The palace offers amazing views of the cathedral and the surrounding areas. This makes it a must-visit for photographers and creatives alike. Lastly, the gardens are a peaceful place to wind down after a busy day of exploring Lincoln. You can even visit the on-site vineyard that is managed regularly by local volunteers.

Important: The Bishops Palace is currently closed until 2023.

15 | See some fantastic art at the city’s best art galleries

Art lovers will be in their element in Lincoln. As well as some great independent stores offering goods made by local artists, the city also has a number of art galleries and museums. You could easily spend half a day (or more) hitting them all up and getting inspired by wonderful pieces of art.

Some of the best galleries to visit in Lincoln are:

• The Usher Gallery
• The Collection
• Harding House Gallery

16 | Eat your way around the city

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in new places is to eat. This may feel more exciting when you are in a foreign country, but the UK is home to so many incredible cafes and restaurants. You’d be a little silly if you didn’t check them out.

If you are on the hunt for some fantastic food, you’re in luck. There are some great places to eat in Lincoln that are definitely worth a visit. If you don’t fancy dining at Number 38, some other top-rated restaurants amongst tourists and locals include:

• Kine
• The Jews House Restaurant
• Thailand is No.1
• Dough Loco

17 | Visit the International Bomber Command Centre

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Lincoln, consider spending an hour or so at the International Bomber Command Centre. This memorial is fairly new and only opened to visitors at the start of 2018, but it’s a fantastic way to pay your respects to those who lost their lives during the second world war.

The location of the centre is also pretty decent as it overlooks the city of Lincoln and gives visitors amazing aerial views.

18 | Go on an Instagram mission

Lincoln is a very photogenic city. This makes it an ideal place to shoot some content for Instagram. With charming photo spots around almost every corner, you will be spoilt for choice. My personal favourite Instagram spots in Lincoln include the castle walls, anywhere around Steep Hill and Newport Arch.

19 | Relax at Hartsholme Country Park

Located around 3 miles away from Lincoln city centre, Hartsholme nature park is a fab place to get your steps in whilst being surrounded by wildlife and nature. The squirrels here are known for being rather friendly and often let visitors get close enough to feed them (how cute).

The park is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Lincoln, especially after 5pm when most top tourist spots have closed for the day.

20 | Museum of Lincolnshire Life

To learn more about Lincoln and the rest of the county, pay a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. This is an ideal location to discover things you may not know about the city and its surrounding areas.

FAQ about hitting up all the best things to do in Lincoln:

When is the best time to visit Lincoln?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you are hoping for sunshine, the best time to visit would be between June and August. If you would like decent weather but fewer crowds, visit in the shoulder season (April, May, September or October).

Alternatively, you could also consider visiting Lincoln in December to hit up the Christmas markets and enjoy the festivities.

How long do you need in Lincoln, England?

A weekend in Lincoln is long enough to see the city’s best bits. However, to delve a little deeper, I recommend staying an extra day or two. This will give you enough time to slow down and truly appreciate your surroundings. It also means you’ll be able to visit more museums and galleries without feeling like you need to rush.

What is the weather like in Lincoln?

Unfortunately, this is England we are talking about. A country where even in the Summer, a downpour of rain really isn’t that surprising. Due to this, I recommend packing for a variety of seasons because England really is THAT unpredictable.

How much money do you need to visit Lincoln?

There are so many cheap things to do in Lincoln that it’s easy to explore the city on a budget. There are also hotel rooms starting from £55 a night which really isn’t bad if you are splitting the cost with a friend or loved one. Even if you are planning to travel alone as I did, I found Lincoln to be quite reasonable in terms of cost.

Overall, you could easily have an amazing weekend in Lincoln with around £150 – £200. Of course, this depends entirely on personal preferences and how you like to travel but feel free to use that number as a rough guide.

Is Lincoln worth visiting?

If this post hasn’t convinced you to visit Lincoln, I’m not sure what will! Of course, Lincoln is absolutely worth visiting! In fact, I’ll go as far as to say it’s one of the best places to visit in England. Add it to your bucket list right away!

Has this guide to the top things to do in Lincoln helped you plan your ideal trip? Or have I missed anything that you think needs adding? Let me know in the comments section below!

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