Why go?

This city has so much more to offer than its famous plum pudding and sausages. Spend a weekend here and you will discover completely different, but each as satisfying, experiences. Explore the open countryside and sample the fresh, seasonal produce in local farm shops. Or, for some cultural respite, visit the heart of uphill Lincoln, an area steeped in history and where you’ll find a friendly mix of people, traditions and buildings. Tie in your visit with the Lincoln Christmas market, held in the cathedral grounds, where you can stroll around 250 stalls – a truly festive experience.

What to do

The cultural and historical centre of Lincoln is neatly built on top of the aptly named Steep Hill. It is here, shod in a pair of comfortable shoes, that you should start your tour. Dominating the skyline, the cathedral towers above the city – take a peek inside at the two beautiful 13th-century rose windows in the north-south transept, known as the two eyes of the church. In the cathedral’s shadow stands the remains of the Bishop’s Palace, once the administrative centre of the powerful diocese, and just beyond this you’ll come to the city’s castle. Originally started in 1068 by William the Conqueror, it’s home to one of four remaining Magna Carta, as well as the city’s crown courts. Walk around the castle walls to see the vastness of the complex, as well as the stunning views of the cathedral, the city, and the surrounding countryside. Once back on firm ground, head to the cobbled streets of the Bailgate area, where you’ll find a plethora of quirky independent boutiques, delis and restaurants – most of which are housed in 14th-century buildings and half-timbered Tudor houses. Grab a frothy cup of coffee before dipping in and out of the shops to pick up some local goodies. Head down Steep Hill and make your way to the recently reopened Usher Gallery, which houses a collection of fine and decorative arts. Stroll across the road and you will come to The Collection Museum, where you can see a Roman mosaic that was found while the building was being built.

Where to stay

Directly opposite the cathedral is the Lincoln Hotel (01522 520348, thelincolnhotel.com), a perfect base to explore the city from. Rooms are contemporary and some come with views of the magnificent cathedral. Book into the Green Room restaurant to enjoy fine dining, with seasonal delights served up by creative head chef Sam Owen. In the heart of the Bailgate area is the intimate White Hart Hotel (01522 563290, whitehartlincoln.co.uk). Tom Hanks stayed here while filming The Da Vinci Code and you can see why. This 14th-century coaching inn has been transformed into a modern-day country style hotel with all the trimmings.

Where to eat and drink

Food glorious food – Lincoln really is an exciting melting pot of flavours, ingredients and produce. Doddington Farm Shop and Café is part of Doddington Hall, and sells and serves produce grown in the kitchen garden to allow the food to be as fresh as it can be. After eating in the cafe, take a walk over to the bauble barn – bursting with Christmas goodies – before packing your hamper with all the necessary ingredients to make your Christmas dinner with. Browns pie shop (brownspieshop.co.uk), as the name suggests, is a cosy, friendly English pie shop and restaurant in the Bailgate area. Warm yourself up with the selection of fluffy pies or indulge in a hearty meal. Multi-award winning restaurant The Old Bakery (01522 576057, theoldbakery.co.uk) sources as much local produce as possible. The restaurant is a hit with locals and the food is quite simply unique. Dishes include venison loin served with porcini mushrooms, Valrhona chocolate oil and juniper apple and blackberry sauce.

Time running out?

Before you leave, pick up some local cheese from The Cheese Society (thecheesesociety.co.uk). Choose from soft, creamy Cote Hill Blue or rich Lincolnshire Poacher.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Lincoln is two hours by train from London.

Getting There

Virgins East Coast (08457 225 333, virgintrainseastcoast.com) trains depart regularly from Kings Cross changing at either Peterborough or Newark Northgate. National Express (0845 600 7245, nationalexpress.com) operates a daily service from London Victoria to Lincoln city bus station.

Resources

VisitLinconshire (01522 526450, visitlincolnshire.com) provides extensive resources for planning your visit to Lincoln and the surrounding areas. The tourist office is located in the city centre.