Why Visit Lincoln

To read my full guide to Lincoln click here

Lincoln isn't on many peoples radar as a must visit UK city, which is a shame because it's one of the best. Imagine York Minster was on top of a massive hill looking down over the rest of the city, or if The Shambles was really, really steep. Then you'd have something resembling Lincoln.

It's a proper, seriously pretty old English city, with a new up and coming university breathing new life into the old town. There's ancient Roman ruins and quaint little shops and tea houses next to Costa Coffees and Wagamoma's. Classic old country pubs stand side by side new craft beer and cocktail bars meaning there's something for everyone. 

The old and the new are intertwined and beautifully mixed in this ever changing, just off the beaten track British gem. Stately homes and country parks surround the city, while monuments to it's important past can be seen at the Bomber Command Centre or the sculpture commemorating the designing of the first ever tank in Lincoln.

The Usher Art Gallery, Lincolnshire Life Museum and Guildhall provide an array of cultural experiences, while if you can make it up the 2012 UK street of the year winning Steep Hill you'll be in the middle of the absolutely stunning Bailgate area.

Castle Square is one of the most beautiful parts of any English city, with Lincoln Castle to the West, Newport Arch to the North, Lincoln Cathedral to the East, and Steep Hill heading back down South. You can walk the castle walls, getting great views of the magnificent cathedral, or visit the depths of its prison before heading across the square to visit what I think is the best cathedral in the world.

Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world for 238 years and it remains the residence of the mischievous Lincoln Imp, after whom the local football team is named. This is a proper Gothic cathedral with vaulted ceilings, magnificent alters and you can imagine what the view from the roof is like.

Lincoln is just one of those cities you never think to visit but really should. It's the home of The Dambusters, Europe's biggest steampunk festival, and one of the most famous Chistmas markets anywhere in the world.

If that's not enough for you Lincoln also has some exception bars ranging from frequent CAMRA pub of the year winners like The Struggler's Inn through to exceptional new bars like The Strait and Narrow or The Cardinal's Hat. There's even a proper grimy rock bar called Sugarcubes for those of you that want to get down with the sickness. For all the information on Lincolns best bars click here. Or for my full city guide click here.