UK: Lincoln – Castle and Cathedral
We’d been stopping with some friends for a couple of days when they suggested we head out to Lincoln for the day. This sounded like a wonderful idea, as we’d both been to Lincoln before but had never explored the historical centre of the city.
Lincoln was a Roman town rivalling London in importance and many traces of this time in the city’s history remain – remnants of the old city wall, aqueduct and well can still be seen. The 3rd-century Newport Arch is believed to be the only Roman arch still used by traffic. In Viking times Lincoln was an important trading centre producing coins at its own mint. Yet it is the Normans who left the largest imprint on the city, building the castle and cathedral that we see today.
LINCOLN CASTLE
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and a seat of justice. During Victorian times the castle was turned into a prison. Today, you can walk the castle walls and visit the cells and see how the prisoners spent their time at the castle.
The wall of Lincoln Castle looks incredibly impressive from the outside, forming a complete perimeter around the castle. It is imposing and is in wonderful condition. When you enter the castle, you can see virtually the whole of the wall – it is even more spectacular. We climbed the spiral staircase up onto the walls. From the wall, we looked down on the streets of Lincoln below and across to the Cathedral, which looked stunning on this warm, summer’s morning. We walked the third of a mile circumference of the wall, gazing on the castle grounds and Victorian prison, and outside to the changing views of the city and to the fields and hills beyond. It was fabulous.
Climbing down from the walls we went inside the Victorian Prison. Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison was designed for the ‘separate system’, an isolating regime that kept prisoners apart from the corrupting influence of their fellow prisoners. The Victorians believed that this would encourage them to reflect and repent, and more importantly to reform.
Men, women and children as young as eight were held here from 1848 to 1878 for crimes ranging from stealing a waistcoat and a Bible, to highway robbery and murder. During this time seven murderers were hanged at the castle and their bodies were buried in Lucy Tower where their graves can still be seen today.
The prison block has been beautifully restored so you can walk along the gantries and explore the cells where there are artefacts and displays telling the stories of prison life and some of the people who ended up inside.
We left the prison to visit the Magna Carta display. In my naivety, I thought that there was only one Magna Carta produced. I was wrong. More than one copy of the 1215 Magna Carta was produced and there was a second charter made in 1217 with some of the original clauses incorporated into this second charter, which was called the Charter of the Forest. Lincoln Castle is now the only place in the world where an original 1215 Magna Carta and 1217 Charter of the Forest can be seen side by side. These precious documents are held below ground in a carefully controlled environment to protect them. As well as seeing these charters, there is a short film that explains the significance of the Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest.
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Leaving Lincoln Castle behind us we took the short walk across to Lincoln Cathedral the third biggest in the United Kingdom. The history of Lincoln Cathedral goes back to 1073 when Bishop Remigus moved his see from Dorchester to Lincoln. It was Remigus who began the building, and some of his work can still be seen in the west front. The cathedral was consecrated days after Remigus’ death in 1092.
After fires and a devastating earthquake in 1185 left the cathedral a shambles, requiring significant rebuilding work, it took on a Gothic style of architecture. When the central spire was eventually raised in 1311, it became the tallest building in the world: taking the mantle from the Great Pyramid of Giza. This lasted until 1549 when the spire collapsed in a storm.
We were not able to fully explore the cathedral when we visited as it was being prepared for an event. So, instead, we headed down Steep Hill, which certainly lives up to its name where we have a delicious lunch in a quaint café.
We were not able to fully explore the cathedral when we visited as it was being prepared for an event. So, instead, we headed down Steep Hill, which certainly lives up to its name where we have a delicious lunch in a quaint café.
Planning your visit to Lincoln
By Train
Travelling to Lincoln by train is one of the easiest and quickest options. The city is directly connected to London by rail, and the journey from King’s Cross station takes just a couple of hours. Lincoln Central railway station is located at the heart of the city centre and within close walking distance of many attractions, shops, eateries and facilities.
We recommend using Trainline to find and book the cheapest train tickets to Lincoln.
By BusTravelling to Lincoln by bus may take a little longer than train, but is usually a lot cheaper and so a good option if you’re looking to squeeze the pennies. If this is the case and you are travelling from London, Megabus is a compelling option as it provides the cheapest tickets you will find.
National Express is another option for bus transport, with services available from more cities around the UK.
By carIf travelling from the south, come off the A1 at Newark and take the A46 to Lincoln. From the north, take the A57 exit near Retford.
From elsewhere in the Midlands, the A46 links Lincoln with Leicester on the route that was once the Fosse Way, the greatest of Roman roads. If you are arriving via Humberside Airport, you can get to Lincoln via the A15 in around 45 minutes.
| Website: | https://www.lincolncastle.com www.lincolncathedral.com |
| Telephone: | T: +44 1522 554559 (Castle) T: +44 1522 561 600 (Cathedral) |
| Hours: | Lincoln Castle is open 7 days per week from 10 am to 4 pm. Cathedral – 10 am to 3.30 pm (last admission at 3 pm) |
| Fees: | Lincoln Castle: Adult: £15.00, Senior Citizen / Student: £14.00, Child: (5-16 years) £8:30, Under 5: Free Lincoln Cathedral: Adult: £9.00, Senior Citizen / Student: £7.20, Child: (5-16 years) £4:80, Under 5: Free |
Best time to visit Lincoln
Lincolnshire is located in the East Midlands region, notable cities and towns include Lincoln, Skegness and Cleethorpes, the county is known for Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle and the Lincolnshire Wolds (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The county has a temperate maritime climate with typically warm rather than hot summers and cool to cold winters. Lincolnshire rarely experiences very extreme weather meaning Lincolnshire can be visited throughout the year. On average in the city of Lincoln the hottest month is July in summer and the coldest is January in winter. Rainfall on average falls fairly evenly throughout the year, the wettest month is August and driest is February.
The weather is unpredictable as with the rest of the UK and it is possible to see elements of all four seasons in one day. The city may experience some snowfall in the winter. It is advisable for visitors to check the weather forecast before they arrive in Lincolnshire to get a better idea of the sort of clothing they will need during their trip. Bringing hooded waterproof coats and hats will ensure visitors are prepared for any spells of wind and rain the city and the region may experience.
Where to stay
1. THE OLD PALACE LODGE
The Old Palace Lodge offers elegant guesthouse accommodation in the ancient heart of Lincoln, just a stone’s throw from the historic Cathedral.
The 16 beautifully appointed rooms are located in the historic uphill area of Lincoln. There are a variety of rooms including a beautiful Grand Suite, Master Rooms, Deluxe Doubles as well as Classic Double and Twin Rooms & some Singles. All rooms have Freeview TV, Free Wifi, a hairdryer, Hospitality tray & Complimentary Toiletries
2. THE POPLAR BOUTIQUE B&B
The Poplars is a private period guest house on the Roman trail in a quiet part of Lincoln’s city centre
Close to Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle within historic old town whilst being within minutes walk of both Bishops Grotesque and Lincoln University, theatres, galleries and museums.
The Poplars offers en suite double, twin and single rooms, which include complimentary on-site parking, Wifi, Netflix, Nespresso machines and within our delightful homely Lincoln guesthouse.
Included is a full menu of continental fayre and treats for all tastes which await you for breakfast
3. LITTLE REDLANDS B&B
Welcome to Little Redlands, a proper 5-Star Gold B&B as accredited by VisitEngland! It is a somewhat exceptional B&B in the charming Cathedral city of Lincoln. Situated majestically on the corner of the old Roman Road ‘Foss Way’ in the south of the City, this delightful Victorian villa is centred on a stunning turret framed by many stained glass picture windows.
Brimming with character, our 3 en-suite bedrooms exquisitely blend the many period features with the high specification modern conveniences and discreet technology expected by the most discerning of travellers. From the turret, period cornices and tasteful décor to the electric gated entry, in-room tablets and electric vehicle charge points.
As a small independent B&B, we strive to offer exceptional accommodation and personalised service: we want you to fondly reflect on your sojourn at Little Redlands in the stunning heritage city of Lincoln as ‘your special home in our city’.
Little Redlands is just for adults, with a maximum of two people per suite, so please leave children with trusted friends or family.
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