Ready for another day trip?
Here am again, rambling on about another city break… but I just couldn’t miss a chance to shout about this one. I love discovering new places and recently took a day trip to Lincoln, a small city north-east of Nottingham, whilst visiting Tom’s parents last Saturday. I wasn’t expecting much, just a little wander around the shops maybe, but I was pleasantly impressed with how beautiful the city was. I can’t believe how close we live yet I have never been to Lincoln before. So I thought I would write a quick travel guide to show you the best bits and share some tips for what to see and do if you are also thinking of taking a day trip to Lincoln.
Check out the castle grounds
After a short thirty minute drive through the glorious Lincolnshire countryside, we parked up close to the castle grounds, north of the river. It was free to enter the grounds, but being such a nice day, we took advantage of the November sunshine and paid a little bit extra to explore the walls.
We took in the views of the city from every angle as we wandered around the walls, and although it was a Saturday the grounds didn’t feel overcrowded with tourist and we could snap away at our leisure.
Take a snap at the Cathedral
Our next stop was the famous Lincoln Cathedral which was just a short stroll across the cobbled street from the castle. Although the best view of the Cathedral was from the castle walls, we stopped outside the front to take in the impressive building from the ground. You can go inside the Cathedral for a small fee, it’s worth combining this with the castle tour for a discounted price.
Find where old meets new
As we walked down the hill further into Lincoln we passed small tea rooms, quaint interior shops and pubs, towards the bottom of the hill these turned into larger high street chains and bustling shops. I loved the fact that the city merged from old and new and there seemed to be something for everyone. We stopped for a cup of tea and something to eat at a small tea room called Coffee Bobbins, which was full of old sewing memorabilia, handmade cakes and exposed brick walls.
Try something sweet
Lincoln has plenty of quaint independent shops selling everything from chocolate to beer. Safe to say we didn’t miss out of any of these and took home a large bag of handmade fudge and a few beers for later. Tired and full from a huge lunch we headed back up the hill towards the car ready to head home.
I really enjoyed the few hours we spent wandering around Lincoln. The city reminded me of York a little bit, less spaced out and more compact, but had everything from historic tourist spots to everyday high street shops. I would highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the North East and looking for a day trip to explore a new city.
We have already planned to come back over the Christmas holidays to take advantage of the sales, and I can’t wait.
Have you ever been to Lincoln? Which UK city would you recommend visiting?
Anna x
I absolutely LOVE city breaks, but I would’ve 100% never thought of Lincoln – but it looks so lovely! The Cathedral looks stunning, and the quaint little shops and tea-rooms are so cute. I’ll have to add this place to my list of places to visit, I think!
Soph x | http://www.sophierosie.com
Author
Same! I wasn’t expecting much but was really impressed! Yes defo add it to your list, you’ll love it!
Anna x
I’ve visited Lincoln a couple of times as we have friends there. I love it, it’s so cute but no one seems to know about it! I like hiking up Big Hill then having cake at the top!
Author
Its a bit of a hidden gem isnt it!?! Haha yes, the climb to the top made me feel a little less guilty about the cake we had!
Anna x
Ahh Lincoln looks so beautiful! The castle grounds are so fairytale-esque and the shops all so quaint and cute. Totally divine I always love your travel guides, they always leave me inspired to get out and explore 🙂 Can we also take a major moment to appreciate what a winter wonderland dream you are in the style stakes gorgeous girl, KILLING it in that dreamy coat ❄️
There’s a city called Rochester in Kent not too far from me which is really oldy-worldy; it has lots of bookshops, cafes, a church and a cathedral. It’s so majestic, even more so at Christmas. I definitely think you’d love it there!
Sophie | soinspo xo
Good article, you sharing is awesome, love it!