Lincoln is located in the county of Lincolnshire in the East of England. This historic city has a rich heritage and ancient architecture, and you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Lincoln. The Romans lived here; medieval wars raged. Look up at the towering Lincoln Cathedral, stroll through the crisscrossing cobbled streets and visit the Magna Carta preserved in Lincoln Castle. But Lincoln isn’t all about heritage; come and sample fresh local produce, browse the antique shops for a variety of treasures or enjoy a night out in one of the bustling riverside pubs; wherever you go, a rich culture surrounds you. In Lincoln, you will find colourful things to do and see in Lincoln and never feel bored.
Fun Things to Do in Lincoln: Lincoln Attractions
Known for its beautiful old buildings and deep cultural and historical attractions, it has a wide range of fun things to do in Lincoln. Here are some of the exciting activities and attractions you can experience in Lincoln.
Lincoln Cathedral
Location: Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX
Lincoln Cathedral is one of the largest hilltop cathedrals in England and the third largest in the UK (after St Paul’s Cathedral and York Minster in London). Situated on the River Witheem, Lincoln Cathedral stands on a hilltop renowned for its magnificence and grandeur. Lincoln Cathedral was built in the 11th century, rebuilt and expanded repeatedly over the next century. It is said that the height of the spire at the time of its completion was thought to have surpassed that of the Egyptian pyramids, making it the tallest artificial structure in the world at that time.
Lincoln Cathedral is made entirely of coursed stone, the surface of which is black due to its age, giving it a stately appearance. When you enter the church, the nave dome is dazzling in its splendour, and the historical artefacts and all the goldsmiths, stonemasons and carpenters on display in the hall can be described as skilful and skilful. The total area of more than 10,000 square metres of windows, all fitted with colourful mosaic glass, are under the reflection of the sun, colourful, gorgeous, and unusual. Stopping to walk underneath gives people a mysterious illusion of upward sublimation until they reach the heavenly kingdom.
Lincoln Castle
Location: Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA
Lincoln Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century on an existing Roman fort site. Lincoln Castle has a rather unique shape and is one of only two castles in Britain to have two artificial hills. Lincoln Castle has been used as a prison and courthouse in modern times and is one of the better-preserved castles in Britain. Lincoln Castle is now a Lincoln landmark, along with Lincoln Cathedral. This magnificent medieval fortress was used as a prison in King George’s time and during the Victorian period. Lincoln Castle represents a fascinating piece of history, with the only remaining copy of the Magna Carta, the cornerstone of the British political order enacted over 800 years ago, housed in Lincoln Castle. Lincoln Castle also hosts the annual Luna Cinema open-air cinema and Knights Jousting events, so take advantage of it.
International Bomber Command Centre
Situated on the outskirts of Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) stands as a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in Bomber Command during World War II. This striking memorial, complemented by a state-of-the-art exhibition space, offers an immersive journey through history, where powerful storytelling is seamlessly blended with stunning visuals. The Spire Memorial, the centrepiece of the IBCC, rises majestically against the skyline, symbolizing peace and reconciliation. Visitors can delve into personal stories, engage with interactive displays, and find solace in the serene remembrance garden, making the IBCC not just a historical site but a profound place of reflection and learning that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Museum Of Lincolnshire Life
Location: Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LY
Near the city centre, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is conveniently located in Eastgate, Lincoln. Founded in 1969, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Lincolnshire’s rich heritage. Exhibits range from an Edwardian nursery to a tank built here in the First World War. The museum is housed in a Victorian barracks and introduces local people to farming life. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life is one of the best places to learn about Lincolnshire’s history and culture. Whether you’re interested in history or want to take the kids on an educational and interactive experience, it is ideal.
Things to Do in Lincoln for Young Adults
New Theatre Royal Lincoln
Nestled in the heart of historic Lincoln, the New Theatre Royal is a charming gem that has captivated audiences since 1893. This beautifully restored Victorian theatre blends old-world elegance with contemporary flair, offering a rich tapestry of performances from gripping dramas to lively musicals. Its intimate atmosphere ensures every seat feels close to the action, making each visit a unique experience. With its ornate architecture, plush seating, and a diverse program that celebrates local talent and international stars, the New Theatre Royal is more than just a venue—it’s a cultural treasure that brings the magic of the stage to life in Lincoln. New Theatre Royal offers a relaxing place and things to do in Lincoln for young adults.
Steep Hill
This famous cobbled street through Lincoln is Steep Hill Street, winner of the 2011 Britain’s Best Street Award. With a gradient of 16.12°, it was rated by the Ordnance Survey as the fourth steepest street in the UK. The street connects the modern shopping area of the city centre with the historic Lincoln Cathedral and is surrounded by colourful shops, cafes, pubs and many historic sites that are still in use today. Step Hill is very popular with young people and is lined with a wide range of shops, where you can enjoy a cup of afternoon tea after a shopping trip, admiring the old buildings and the view of the street. Lincoln’s High Street also has many shops where you may find items that are out of stock in the big cities.
Brayford Waterfront
Brayford Pool is Lincoln’s waterfront and attracts many visitors to its restaurants, hotels, bars and cafes. There’s even a multi-screen cinema here to catch the latest blockbusters. If you prefer peace, take a boat trip on Brayford Belle, sit back, and enjoy a coffee as the swans glide across the water. When you’re not studying, grab a few friends for a drink, dessert, music and a night’s chat in one of the many cafes and bars at Brayford Pool in Lincoln. Or catch the latest film at the waterfront cinema, a concert or a comedy show at the City Theatre.
The Asylum Steampunk Festival
Steampunk, as the name suggests, combines steam and punk. Steam stands for steam-powered machinery. Punk, on the other hand, is a non-mainstream fringe culture, a genre written in street-speak dialogue, which is significant for its stylistic independence of subject matter rather than its antisocial nature. Lincoln is known as the world’s most steampunk-inspired city, and The Asylum Steampunk Festival, held here every year, is the world’s largest steampunk festival, attracting punk enthusiasts worldwide. During the festival, events are held on art, literature, music, fashion and comedy themes. People dress in steampunk-inspired costumes and antique decorations such as brass goggles, giving the event a steampunk atmosphere.
The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed is a vibrant entertainment centre in Lincoln, in the heart of the city centre, next to Brayford Pool. A converted old railway station, The Engine Shed is a venue that perfectly blends history and modernity and is a meeting place for Lincoln’s young people and music lovers. It is Lincoln’s largest live music and entertainment venue facility and regularly hosts a fantastic range of live music gigs, DJ parties, comedy shows and social events, injecting the city with a unique cultural atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to experience the latest music trends or have a fun night out with friends, The Engine Shed offers a vibrant space that’s guaranteed to make every night unforgettable.
Things to Do in Lincoln for Families
In addition to its rich history, Lincoln offers many family-friendly locations. Lincoln has many options if you want to explore historic sites, enjoy the outdoors, or find kid-friendly entertainment. Here are some great things to do in Lincoln for Families.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is a fascinating wildlife reserve in Lincoln, England, mainly known for its spectacular tiger rescue centre and the world’s largest parrot park. This vast park not only offers visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of rare animals up close but is also dedicated to animal rescue and conservation. The interactive experiences here vary, whether interacting with the colourful parrots or watching the graceful tigers. For families and nature lovers alike, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is the ideal place to explore nature, learn about animal conservation, and have a great time.
Lincoln Imp Trail
Do you know the Lincoln legend about the Lincoln Imp? According to the legend, one day, the Devil let the Imps out to cause mischief, and two of them came to Lincoln Cathedral, knocked down the vicar, smashed the stained glass windows and chandeliers, and made a mess of the whole cathedral. An angel tried to stop the mayhem and one of the imps ‘luckily’ escaped, while the angel punished the other by being turned into a stone statue, which can still be seen in Lincoln City F.C., nicknamed ‘The Imp’. The Lincoln Imps have become one of Lincoln’s most famous icons. Lincoln is also Lincoln’s Imp Trail, which includes 30 Imp statues, souvenirs, and more along the way, making it a great place for families to visit.
Doddington Hall & Gardens
In the countryside west of Lincoln, Doddington Hall & Gardens is a large Elizabethan-style manor house built between 1593-1600 and set in approximately 6 acres of grounds. The gardens surrounding the estate are another highlight, offering beauty in all seasons, from flower beds to tranquil woodland walks, and the tools of the family workshop from over 400 years ago remain in the grounds, including textiles, ceramics and furniture, making Doddington Hall & Gardens look like a fairytale from a distance. From afar, Doddington Hall & Gardens looks like a fairy tale world, with red walls, grey round roofs and green grass, surrounded by walls and trees, with the sound of church bells ringing from time to time, like a paradise far away from the earth!
How to Get Around Lincoln?
How to Travel to Lincoln?
Lincoln is located in the East Midlands of England and is also the Midlands, Yorkshire and the East Coast meeting point.
- Train: Lincoln is easily accessible from London; you can take the London North Eastern Railway from London King’s Cross Station directly to Lincoln, the journey takes on average of 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Airport: There are flights to Lincoln from Humberside International Airport and East Midlands Airport, connecting Lincoln with European destinations such as Amsterdam. It is also possible to take a ferry from Rotterdam to Hull and from there to Lincolnshire.
Travel Around Lincoln
Walking: Lincoln is small, compact, and worth exploring on foot. You can make your way along the cobbled lanes of the Cathedral Quarter and then follow Steep Hill to the bustling Cornhill Quarter for shopping.
Cycling: Explore Lincoln and Lincolnshire by bike and pace yourself along the way. Download maps and routes from the National Cycle Network and Lincoln Cycle Network in advance.
Sightseeing buses: There are many ways to avoid Lincoln’s steep hills and cobbled streets. The Cathedral Quarter can be accessed on foot and by car. A Lincoln Sightseeing Bus takes you around the city’s sights between March and October.
Where to Stay in Lincoln?
Lincoln offers various accommodation areas to suit different needs and lifestyles. Below are some of the areas of Lincoln that are considered to be some of the best accommodations for different groups, such as families, young professionals and students:
- Cathedral Quarter: The Cathedral Quarter is rich in history, and you can choose to stay in hotels, B&Bs, or self-catering flats near Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle.
- Brayford Waterfront: Lincoln’s waterfront is a vibrant hub with numerous restaurants and bars. You can choose to stay in one of the well-known hotel chains here.
- Lincoln suburbs: The Lincoln suburbs are rich in natural beauty. You can stay in country park resorts or camping lodges or opt for an overnight cruise at Burton Waters.
We offer a number of accommodation options for Lincoln students and visitors, including student flats, private accommodation, hotels, and more. Whether you want to stay in the lively business district of the city centre or close to the sights and sounds, our accommodation in Lincoln has something to suit you. Book your Lincoln student accommodation now with uhomes.com.
FAQ About Things to Do in Lincoln
Is Lincoln UK worth visiting?
As a historical and cultural city, Lincoln has Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle and other historical sites. In addition, Lincoln also accommodates colourful and modern elements with the times, go-karting, boat trips, cinema, shopping, and so on, so you can always find something worth visiting in Lincoln!
Where can I find unique shopping experiences in Lincoln?
Steep Hill and the Bailgate area are perfect for those seeking unique shopping experiences. Here, you’ll find independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisan stores. The Lincoln Central Market is also worth a visit for local crafts and fresh produce.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Lincoln?
Yes. Lincoln offers plenty for families, including the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, where kids can learn about local history through interactive exhibits. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is another great option, featuring a variety of animals and the world’s largest collection of parrots. Rand Farm Park offers hands-on experiences with farm animals, making it a hit with younger children.
