When it comes to historic cities, the usual suspects – York, London, Chester – often take the spotlight. But Lincoln, located in the heart of Lincolnshire, is a hidden gem that feels frozen in time while offering one of the UK’s best high streets. Stretching from St Catherine’s Roundabout to The Strait, this historic thoroughfare is a shopper’s paradise wrapped in nearly 2,000 years of history.
Alongside familiar high street chains, visitors can explore over 200 independent shops and boutiques such as EQVVS, Agatha, and Coneys. The city centre also has a wide range of cafés and restaurants to choose from like Stokes High Bridge Café on the beautiful High Bridge which dates back to around 1160. The café has been serving customers since 1540.
Beyond its lively High Street, Lincoln is home to the breathtaking Lincoln Cathedral, the imposing Lincoln Castle, and the winding, picturesque Steep Hill.
Considered to be one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Europe, the cathedral is the city’s most famous landmark and dominates the skyline.
Towering over the city since 1092, Lincoln Cathedral used to be the biggest building in the world and was described by Victorian writer John Ruskin as « out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have. »
Lincoln Castle must not be missed either. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it stands as one of the country’s best-preserved Norman castles. Visitors can walk along its ancient walls, explore the historic prison, and even see one of the only surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
Steep Hill is one of the UK’s steepest streets, lined with 11th-century buildings, independent shops, and charming cafés. Its cobbled incline and historic architecture make it feel like a step back in time, and it’s no surprise that in 2012 it was named « Britain’s Greatest Street. »
One visitor wrote about the city on TripAdvisor: « We loved our visit to this wonderful city. Steep Hill and the extraordinary Cathedral at its apex were tremendous.
« By pleasing contrast it was rewarding to see some very impressive modern architecture, particularly around the water area and Brayford Pool. Came away with memories that remain enduring. »
Another TripAdvisor user wrote about Steep Hill: « A historic walk through time – and it gets better as you walk up. We started at the bottom of the High Street with no expectations – and enjoyed the hard work to get all the way up to the Cathedral. »
Someone else added: « We visit Lincoln several times a month to visit friends, we absolutely love the city and everything it has to offer, we never get bored! »
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