Located in the East Midlands in Lincolnshire, I reckon the city of Lincoln is one of the most underrated historical city destinations in England. With medieval history, Roman ruins, quaint cobbled streets and tons of activities, there are plenty of things to do in Lincoln for the perfect day trip whether you’re coming from locally or on the train from Nottingham, Grantham or beyond.
Lincoln is great if you’re a history lover but even if you’re not a history fan, the amazing views from the castle, the quintessentially English streets and the boutique shops in the old town area make it hard not to fall in love with Lincoln.
I first visited Lincoln when I was at school in Lincolnshire and probably didn’t appreciate it as much as a teen! Then I returned more recently with my husband and had a whole new appreciation for how lucky we are to have this gorgeous, underrated city on our doorstep.
If you’re thinking of planning a visit, this one day Lincoln itinerary should help you plan the best days out Lincoln has to offer! Or if you prefer to explore a bit slower, this itinerary could be spread over a weekend if you’re eager to stay overnight in Lincoln.
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Best things to do in Lincoln in one day
In this Lincoln travel guide I’ve combined Lincoln tourist attractions with a few more unusual things to do in Lincoln so hopefully everyone you’re visiting with can find something to pick and choose what activities in Lincoln suit you!
Fortunately, Lincoln is a very walkabout city in terms of distance (Steep Hill can be a bit of a struggle to tackle!) but it should make reaching all these places fairly easy.
If you do want to stay overnight, later in this guide, Brayford Wharf is mentioned and here you’ll find lots of shops and restaurants with everything within great walking distance. Here is a DoubleTree by Hilton and a Holiday Inn. Hopefully these hotels cater for various budgets and both are great options if you’re looking for places to stay in Lincoln that are fairly central.
Walk up Steep Hill
If you’ve done some research before your trip to Lincoln, it’s possible you’ve seen photos of this famously picturesque street on social media!
This hill climb isn’t for the faint-hearted but there really is something charming about this cobbled street, lined with independent boutiques and local artisan stores, tea rooms and timber-frame houses.
It’s believed that Steep Hill came about during the Roman era when they decided to expand the city down the hill. In fact there are still sites to see Roman remains at Steep Hill, so don’t miss this stop if you’re more of a history fan than a shopping fan – there really is something for everyone taking a stroll (or a struggle!) up Steep Hill.
Go shopping at the local Artisan and Antique Shops
Lincoln has a brilliant selection of independent, artisan and antique stores. Steep Hill and Bailgate are both great areas to find some great purchases from a local business.
Check out Mansion Antiques if you’re looking for some unique purchases for yourself or your home.
If you’re a fan of independent bookshops, don’t miss the charming Lindum Books.
See the Newport Arch
Continue walking along Bailgate to reach Newport Arch.
Newport Arch is Lincoln’s most famous surviving Roman architecture and it’s the only Roman gate in Britain that’s still open to traffic.
Newport Arch is the gateway between the old and new city and is a small surviving part of the old city wall.
Walk the Castle Walls
This is a must do activity in Lincoln!
A ticket to the castle itself is a little expensive at £17.50 per adult (correct at time of writing). However it’s important to know that you do not need a ticket to get inside the walls of the castle and walk around the grounds – this is completely free because the city courthouse is inside the castle walls so public access is required.
If you want to see the Magna Carta, only one of four original copies of the document is located in the castle, so a visit to the museum and seeing the Magna Carta costs the full £17.50 price and includes walking the castle walls too. However, you can walk the city walls for just £12 if you’re not interested in visiting the museum.
Alternatively you can just see the Magna Carta vault and the Victorian prison for £12.
Buy tickets inside the shop (located in the red brick building inside the castle walls).
Climb the stairs to the castle walls and do the walk counter-clockwise. Take in the incredible views of the old city and the spectacular Lincoln Cathedral which dominates the skyline.
Take in the details of the stops along the wall, there are information boards about many of the features or views in the city.
Towards the end of the loop, stop at the Observatory Tower, explore the ruins and climb the steps for more epic views from the top.
Cathedral, Cloisters and choir practice
After you’ve visited the Castle, it’s just a short walk from the Castle entrance across Castle Hill towards the Cathedral.
The Cathedral Building is spectacular and even if you choose not to go inside, a walk around the outside is well worth it too.
Inside the Cathedral, you can enter for free to see the gorgeous architecture. But if you want to venture further into the Cathedral, there is a payment desk which you’ll have to pay to proceed further.
If you do choose to venture further into the church, don’t miss the Cloisters and the famous Imp.
The Legend of the Imp is why the local sports teams are called the ‘Imps’. Legend says that the Devil felt mischievous and let out his young demons who twisted the spire at Chesterfield Church before coming to Lincoln to smash windows and wreak havoc before an angel tried to stop them, some escaped but the angel turned one into to stone, where he can still be seen in the cathedral today.
Slow Rise Pizza
I’m always a fan of good pizza so make a quick stop at Slow Rise Pizza. It’s a vegetarian and vegan pizza place making epic fresh pizza with hand-stretched dough and stone-baked pizza.
You can eat in or order takeaway and they also have craft beers, cocktails and wine if you want to spend a bit longer there.
Go axe throwing at Axed Lincoln
This is on the list of the most unusual things to do in Lincoln but if you’re looking for things to do around Lincoln that are fun and unique, axe throwing is definitely up there!
You can book 60 minute sessions for just £22 Book here.
Axe throwing is an epic activity, it is so much fun and a great option for groups of friends, colleagues or if you’re looking for Lincoln things to do for couples or things to do in Lincoln on a rainy day.
Don’t worry if you’re not into axe throwing or if you’d prefer things to do in Lincoln for families with young children, there are still plenty of things on this list, or scroll down to the ‘Other Things to do’ section for more ideas!
Take a walk and enjoy the views at South Commons
This is a great option if the weather is good: if you’re on the hunt for free things to do in Lincoln, South Commons is the place to go.
It’s perfect for family activities in Lincoln, with plenty of green space for picnics, games and afternoons in the sun.
The Common also offers beautiful views of the city, so don’t miss this spot if you’re a photographer looking for great vantage points of the city.
The Cardinal’s Hat Pub
Whether you’ve been out and about walking or axe-throwing, heading into a cosy pub with some great food and drink is always a popular choice and I love the Cardinal’s Hat on the High Street. It’s the perfect spot to warm up if you’re visiting in the winter, or for a refreshing drink in the summer.
The traditional, timber-frame interior is a unique experience in itself, make sure to head upstairs and grab a seat overlooking the street. Or find one of the cosy corners by the bookcases or the log-burning fire.
The pub has a great gin selection, craft ales and incredible charcuterie and cheese platters which are the perfect size for a late afternoon or evening bite before heading home!
Other things to see in Lincoln
If you find yourself with some extra time or you’re staying for the weekend, here are some other great ideas and places to visit in Lincoln which are well worth stopping at.
Or if axe throwing isn’t your thing, these are some great (less strenuous!) alternatives!
Lincolnshire Museum of Rural Life
I used to work for a publisher that sold books to this museum and it was always a popular place to visit and learn about!
This museum has a huge and fascinating selection of social, rural, military, industrial and cultural history, with over 250,000 objects on display.
From a WWI tank to recreations of Victorian life, the museum documents life from 1750 to the present day in Lincolnshire.
This is another great option for free things to do in Lincoln, entry is completely free unless you’re visiting on event days.
Stokes High Bridge Cafe
You’ll find the High Bridge on the High Street where it crosses the River Witham and Stokes Cafe is a tea room that sits on top of the ancient bridge.
It’s the perfect stop for afternoon tea, especially if you’re out for a shopping day on the High Street.
It’s also a great alternative if Axe Throwing isn’t up your street and you’re looking for slightly more relaxed places to go in Lincoln!
Brayford Wharf North
A great option if you are planning to stay overnight in Lincoln. Brayford Wharf North is the road lining the Brayford Pool and it’s packed with restaurants and pubs as well as an Odeon Cinema, perfect for an evening out for a couples getaway to Lincoln.
Here you’ll also find the DoubleTree by Hilton and Holiday Inn Lincoln – both great options if you’re looking for places to stay in Lincoln.
International Bomber Command Centre
For other things to do near Lincoln, don’t miss the International Bomber Command Centre, located on Canwick Hill, it’s also accessible as a walk from South Commons.
Alternatively, there is a large car park at the Bomber Command Centre itself if you’re driving.
The centre is a memorial to the Bomber Command Units of men and women who fought, flew or supported in any capacity during WWII.
The centre itself is informative and you can walk around the back to see the memorial and the remembrance area, set to the backdrop of the Lincoln skyline.
We visited at sunset and it was a beautiful, moving place to visit in the evening.
Summary: Things to do in Lincoln, England
Although there are more Lincoln attractions in this guide than can be done in a day, I hope this gives you an idea of a schedule and inspiration for your Lincoln day trip itinerary. Lincoln is a very walkable city (once you’ve tackled Steep Hill!) so getting to most of these locations involves just a short walk, making it the perfect day out in Lincoln for friends, couples and families alike.
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of inspiration to make Lincoln your next day trip out!
Pin this for later to help you plan your future trip!
This is an excellent reading of both, with a few very good points, and I’m glad to have learned some new ones from you.