Travel: 5 reasons to visit Lincoln
Founded by the Romans, this is a city where heritage sits alongside contemporary influences
1
ricH HistorY
Lincoln’s stunning cathedral dominates the city. Built around 900 years ago, it boasts two rose windows and the Lincoln Imp (a ‘grotesque’ perched inside who, according to legend, was turned to stone by angels). Admission for adults is £8 (concessions available), but there is free entry at certain times and ticketed carol concerts in December (lincolncathedral. com). It’s also the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market (6-9 December).
2 magna carta
Built by William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago, Lincoln Castle is home to one of only four existing Magna Carta documents. It also houses a Victorian prison, Majestic
Lincoln Cathedral
which featured in Downton
Abbey. Admission to the castle is £13.50 for adults (www.lincolncastle.com) or £7.50 for the Christmas Emporium event, which includes a light show, stalls, street food and a teepee bar.
3 TEATIME
Steep Hill (the name says it all!) connects Lincoln’s town centre with the
Cathedral Quarter. Medieval cobbles cover the 1:7-gradient slope on this popular tourist street, passing historic buildings (some amongst the oldest in the UK) and bijou shops and businesses, before reaching Bailgate. Boost your energy levels with a slice of homemade cake or the local delicacy, plum loaf, in one of the many tearooms. Yummy!
4 MEMORIAL
A new addition to the area, the International Bomber Command Centre, is home to the UK’s tallest war memorial. The Spire is the height and width of a Lancaster Bomber’s wing and the surrounding walls display the names of those who perished in the Second World War. A sobering but educational monument, the veterans’ stories bring military history to life for all ages. Open six days a week, entry is free, apart from exhibitions (internationalbcc.co.uk).
5 LAKESIDE STAY
Looking for somewhere to recharge? Just over 20 miles away, Tattershall Lakes (awayresorts.co.uk) is a 360-acre holiday park. Each Luxury Lodge is set up close to nature, so it’s like hasslefree camping! Nearby RAF Coningsby stages flypasts, so expect to see everything from Battle of Britain Spitfires to ultra-modern combat Typhoons – impressive stuff!