9 Best Things to Do in Lincoln
What is Lincoln Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Lincoln embrace both the city’s long and remarkable history as well as its modern and lively atmosphere. The city is quite compact, making it easy to walk around. Its small size is more than made up for by its high concentration of interesting sights and experiences. It also means that you’re no more than a 5-minute drive away from open countryside.
Lincoln is a university city and students make up quite a large proportion of the population during the school year. This makes it quite a budget-friendly destination with plenty of cool bars, cafés and boutiques.
What are the best things to do in Lincoln?
1. Lincoln Castle
Historic ruins of a Norman fortress
Good for: History, Photo
Lincoln Castle offers a rich visitor experience, from walking its medieval walls to exploring centuries of legal and political history. Built in the 11th century, it houses 1 of only 4 surviving original copies of Magna Carta, displayed in a purpose-built vault alongside the Charter of the Forest.
You can tour the Victorian prison, climb the towers for panoramic views, and enjoy interactive exhibitions throughout the grounds. On the first Saturday of each month, the Lincoln Maker’s Market sets up just outside the gates, featuring local crafts and produce. With its blend of heritage and activity, the castle is a highlight of any visit to the city.
Location: Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA, UK
Open: April–October: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. November–March: daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 782019
Lincoln Castle
2. Steep Hill
The name says it all
Good for: Food, Shoppers
If you’re walking from the High Street up to Lincoln Cathedral, you’ll first have to contend with Steep Hill. The narrow, historical road justly deserves its name because the ascent is at an angle of 16.12°, making it one of the steepest streets in England.
As exhausting as the climb is, it’s something of a rite of passage for anyone visiting Lincoln and remains a popular site that’s worth seeing. The cobbled street, with a very convenient handrail, is lined with beautiful red-brick and timber frame houses containing independent art galleries, tea rooms, spas and boutiques. Hobbsons Restaurant & Pie Shop is among the highlights, as are Harding House Gallery and Jews House Restaurant.
Steep Hill
3. Lincoln Cathedral
Incredible religious building that’s home to the Lincoln Imp
Good for: History, Photo
Rising 272 feet and set atop a hill, Lincoln Cathedral dominates the skyline and is visible from nearly every corner of the city. Construction began in 1072, and with its original spires, it once reached 520 feet, making it the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. In summer, you can climb 338 steps to the top of the central tower for panoramic views.
The cathedral’s Gothic architecture features intricate carvings and stained glass, but its most famous detail is the Lincoln Imp, a mischievous stone figure tied to local legend. The imp has become a city symbol, even inspiring the nickname of Lincoln’s soccer team.
Location: Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX, UK
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 561600
Lincoln Cathedral
4. Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Showcasing the city’s important place in history
Good for: Families, History, Budget
This engaging museum explores Lincolnshire’s social and industrial history from 1750 to today. Housed in a former militia barracks from 1857, it features over 250,000 artifacts, including vintage farming equipment, recreated shops and homes, and a World War I tank built in Lincoln.
Despite its historic setting, the museum offers interactive displays, a family-friendly trail, and a playground. Special events throughout the year highlight different eras of local life. Entry is free, though some events may carry a small charge. Whether you’re interested in rural heritage or wartime innovation, this museum offers a vivid look at how Lincolnshire has evolved.
Location: Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LY, UK
Open: Friday–Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Phone: +44 (0)1522 782040
Museum of Lincolnshire Life
5. High Street
High-end stores in historical settings
Good for: Food, History, Shoppers
High Street in the center of Lincoln is lined with high-end stores, making it the go-to destination for shoppers. You’ll find favorite stores like Primark and House of Fraser, as well as unique shops within the Waterside Mall. Further north, towards where High Street meets Steep Hill, you’ll find more bars and restaurants.
While the high-street shopping is reason enough to visit Lincoln’s High Street, it’s the unique features that make this pedestrianized route really stand out. Be sure to stop for a snack at Stokes High Bridge Cafe, a charming Tudor-era building atop a small stone bridge. A little further along the road is the beautiful 16th-century Lincoln Guildhall.
High Street
6. Brayford Pool
Dining with swans on the waterfront
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Right in the heart of Lincoln, Brayford Pool is a lake and marina lined with restaurants on the north side and the University of Lincoln on the south. The pool itself is home to a huge array of pleasure boats, as well as a tiny island and dozens of mute swans.
Along the northern bank, you’ll find a selection of big-brand eateries offering a range of cuisines, including Italian, Brazilian, and Japanese. Many of them offer tables out on the cobbled street where you can enjoy the afternoon sun while you eat. At the eastern end of Brayford Pool, you’ll find a movie theater and tradiotional pub in a quirky, old-fashioned building.
Brayford Pool
7. Lincoln nightlife
A selection of high-end pubs and clubs
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Being a university city, Lincoln naturally has no shortage of places to drink and party. While the nightclubs are mostly modern and high-energy, the pubs are mostly traditional, with calm and comfortable atmospheres. If you fancy a pint, be sure to check out The Strugglers Inn on Westgate, The Ritz on High Street and The Magna Carta near the cathedral.
One of its top nightclubs is the massive 6-roomed Home on Park Street, with a roof terrace and a variety of music genres to choose from. There’s also the 2-storey Superbull on Silver Street, specializing in house and hip hop. If live music is more your thing, check out open mic nights and live gigs at The Komodo on Butchery Court.
8. Eat a Lincolnshire sausage
One of the best bangers in Britain
Good for: Food, Shoppers
A Lincolnshire sausage is a tasty addition to typical English dishes like bangers and mash, toad in the hole, sausage casserole, or a full English Breakfast. The recipe adds sage to a normal pork sausage, which results in a peppery flavor. The pork is also coarsely ground, giving it a chunkier texture than typical pork sausages.
While you can find Lincolnshire sausages on the menu in many pubs and restaurants around the city, the best place to buy them to cook for yourself is the Redhill Farm Shop in The Bail, a short walk from Lincoln Cathedral. The shop’s wares have won numerous awards, being ranked among the best sausages in the UK.
9. The Engine Shed
Lincoln’s top student bar, club, and events hall
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Built on the site of a former 1875 train storage shed, The Engine Shed blends historic architecture with a modern events space. Since opening in 2006, it has hosted major acts like Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, Dizzee Rascal, and Russell Howard in its 1,800-capacity concert hall.
Operated by the University of Lincoln’s student union, it’s also home to Tower Bar, a popular spot for casual drinks and student nightlife. The venue regularly features live music, comedy, and touring performances, making it a lively part of Lincoln’s cultural scene. Some original brickwork from the old shed still remains, adding character to the contemporary interior.
Location: University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
The Engine Shed
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