Words: Paul Critcher
The historic city of Lincoln, which lies between Nottingham to the south-west and Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north-east, is sometimes overlooked as a touring destination.
That’s a shame, because there is much to enjoy in this fascinating 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 hugely impressive cathedral, which was the world’s tallest structure in 1311 – a record that the city held for more than two centuries.
Today’s visitors will find many of Lincoln’s most popular attractions offering 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 live entertainment.
Away from the city itself, you can also enjoy the great outdoors, with fine nature parks, reserves and the wonderful Wolds.
DAY 1
9am Time to veg out! Kick off your day in style at Pimento, a vegetarian café that has been dishing up delicious breakfasts in its 18th-century building for more than 30 years. It’s on Steep Hill – Lincoln’s famously steep cobbled street, which dates back to Roman times – and popular specialities include the 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, dating back to the 11th century and 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, constructed 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 Once you leave the confines of the cathedral, you’ll find yourself within easy 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 Spanish dishes, such as pollo al ajillo and lentejas con chorizo y jamón. visitlincoln.com/food-drink/the-strugglers-inn oleolelincoln.co.uk
2pm Shopping spree Time to explore the indie shops along Steep Hill, where you’ll find everything from vintag
