Lincoln Hotels

History

One of England's oldest cities, Lincoln's history can be traced as far back as the Iron Age. In the Roman period, Lincoln was originally established as a settlement for army veterans. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Lincoln Castle was built on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress. The castle is today one of the main historical attractions in Lincoln, and a museum inside the castle charts the fortification's exciting medieval and post-medieval history.

A short walk from Lincoln Castle is the most iconic attraction in the city, Lincoln Cathedral. Dominating the city skyline, the cathedral is one of Europe's most celebrated Gothic structures. Also commissioned by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest, the cathedral was consecrated in 1092. Following fires and natural disasters, the cathedral was renovated throughout the following centuries. The cathedral holds one of four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, and is full of interesting sculptures and anti-chambers – best experienced on one of the regular tours of the building.

There are a great number of other historical points of interest in and around Lincoln. The 16th-century Guildhall arches over the main high street, with free guided tours offered regularly throughout the week. The nearby High Bridge, dating from 1160, is the oldest bridge in the UK still to have buildings on it. Travel a little further out of town and Cogglesford Watermill, with a history reaching back to Anglo Saxon times, makes for a fun day-trip.

Shopping

Lincoln is a great place to enjoy a spot of shopping, whether you're perusing along the historical High Street or poking around small boutiques close to the waterfront. Bailgate in the Cathedral Quarter is full of charming independent shops beside cobbled streets, and the area around the cathedral is also the site of regular farmers' and craft markets, as well as the annual Christmas Market.

Entertainment

Away from the historical delights of the Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln is a modern city with all the restaurants, cafés and bars you'd expect of 21st-century life. The Brayford Waterfront is a beautiful place to walk at night and is home to the Odeon cinema complex as well as a number of pubs and nightclubs. Close by, near Lincoln University, is the Engine Shed – the largest live music venue in the region and a great place to enjoy live bands, comedy and student club nights.

Further afield

If you're travelling with a car, Lincoln is excellently situated for exploring the local area. Head east and you'll soon come to Lincolnshire Wolds, deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Keep going and you'll soon reach the seaside town of Skegness. Drive north from Lincoln and you'll find Scunthorpe, or head west and you'll soon reach Sheffield, the biggest city in the area and home to the Millennium Gallery, the Kelham Island Museum and the Crucible Theatre.