Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of your weekend visit
Words: Paul Critcher
THE CITY OF LINCOLN, lying between Nottingham to the south-west and Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the northeast, is sometimes overlooked as a touring destination.
That’s a shame, because there is much to enjoy in this historic place, which in the 13th century was the third-largest city in England. Its importance as a political and cultural centre in the Middle Ages is reflected by its impressive cathedral, which was the world’s tallest structure in 1311 – a record it held for more than two centuries.
Today’s visitors will find that many of Lincoln’s most popular attractions have a historical bent, but it’s far from stuck in the past – this thriving university city has reinvented itself with Brayford Waterfront, bustling with bars, restaurants and entertainment.
Away from the city, you can enjoy the great outdoors, with fine nature parks, reserves and the wonderful Wolds.
HOUR BY HOUR
DAY 1
9am Veg out!
Kick off your day in style at Pimento, a vegetarian café that has been dishing up delicious breakfasts from its 18th-century building for more than 30 years. It’s on Steep Hill – Lincoln’s famously steep cobbled street that dates back to Roman times – and specialities include Veggie Full English and Tofu on Toast.
pimentosteephill.com
10am High heaven
It’s a quick walk from Pimento to Lincoln Cathedral, the pride of the city, which dates back to the 11th century and is built in the spectacular Early Gothic style. Among many highlights are the two great rose windows (known as the Bishop’s Eye and the Dean’s Eye), the glorious Willis organ, built in 1898, and the Shrine of St Hugh, who rebuilt the cathedral after an earthquake in the 12th century. An £11 charge (under-17s free) applies between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
lincolncathedral.com
12.30pm Off to the pub
Leave the cathedral and you’re within staggering distance of one of the city’s favourite pubs. The Strugglers Inn dates to 1841 and prides itself on its great range of beers and cask ales. The pub offers a choice of bar snacks, but for something more substantial, try the nearby Olé Olé Tapas, which has an excellent menu of traditional Spani
