If you’re looking for things to do in Lincoln, you’re in luck! From fabulous days out for the whole family to relaxing evenings just for the adults, we’ve found some of the best places to visit whether you have a couple of hours or a whole weekend to fill.
If you’re new to Lincoln, just visiting, or even if you’ve lived here your whole life, with exciting new things popping up all the time, there is always something just waiting for you to discover it.
1. Visit The Cathedral
Every local knows they’re nearly home when they can see Lincoln Cathedral on the hill. With so many exciting events every month, visiting the Cathedral is usually at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Lincoln.
If you love history, then you can take a tour of one of the most unique cathedrals in the UK. With a rich history dating back to the 11th century, it’s an incredible mix of Norman and Gothic architecture.
Book a rooftop tour for an unmatched view of Lincoln, or wander around the incredible interior spaces trying to find the stone Lincoln Imp. If you’re looking for something extra, you can book one of the many events throughout the year to experience something new like yoga in the grounds, a sewing club or one of our candle light concerts.
Make sure you follow Lincoln Cathedral on Instagram, Facebook and X to keep up to date with all the exciting things going on here.
2. Explore The Castle
The incredible Lincoln Castle is located just a short walk across the cobblestones from the Cathedral. Lincoln Castle is home to exciting events, including the Lincoln Food Festival, outdoor cinemas, concerts, live sporting events, and so much more.
Even when there isn’t a specific event, you can enjoy the medieval wall walk or tour the Victorian prison. With so much to see and discover, including the Magna Carta on display in the vault, this is the perfect stop for a taste of Lincolnshire history.
The extensive castle grounds also make the perfect location for a picnic break or for children to run off some extra energy. Entry to the castle grounds is free unless there is a ticketed event, so make sure you check before planning your trip.
3. Take A Ghost Walk.
Are you brave enough to learn about Lincoln’s haunted history? The Lincoln Ghost Walk starts outside the tourist information centre every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm.
This is a ghost walk like no other, taking you on a journey around some of the most haunted locations in Lincoln. Learn the history of some of the oldest buildings and locations in Lincoln alongside this eerie experience.
Just turn up 10 minutes before the start and pay your guide, if you dare. Not only will you learn about Lincoln’s haunted past, but it’s also a great way to learn about the history of some of the less common tourist spots.
With extra spooky tours taking place on Halloween and bank holidays, this is the perfect way to see the top of the city. Once you’re finished, if you need to settle your nerves, you’ll be pleased to know the Magna Carta pub is just across the street from your meeting point.
4. Enjoy The Museum Of Lincolnshire Life.
The Museum of Lincolnshire Life is the perfect stop for anyone interested in learning more about what life was like in the past. There is no need to book and entry to the museum is free, excluding excluding some specific planned events.
There are many aspects to explore, including a look at a typical Lincolnshire home, the shops, and a World War 1 tank display. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including a playground for children.
Take a trip back in time by getting dressed up in the school or book one of the events to get a real taste of history with hands-on experiences and actors. Chat to one of the helpful members of staff who are always available, and if you’re lucky enough you just might be able to visit the old windmill during one of its open days.
5. Museums & Art At the Lincoln Museum & Usher Gallery.
If you’re looking to explore some art, check out the impressive Usher Gallery, which opened in 1927. This is the perfect place for any art enthusiast, from impressive sculptures in the gardens to a wide collection of ceramics and paintings within.
Lincoln Museum, located just across from Usher Gallery, offers a unique insight into the history of archaeology in Lincolnshire. Children can enjoy hands-on exhibits and a playroom with opportunities for dressing up and creating their very own artwork.
Both the Usher Gallery and Lincoln Museum also offer touring exhibitions, so there is something new every time you visit. Entry to both is free, although entry to specific exhibits sometimes comes with a small fee, as do guided tours.
6. Grab Some Food At Stack Or The Cornhill Market.
Looking for something a little different for lunch? Why not take a trip down the hill to Lincoln’s busy high street and enjoy street food at Stack or the Cornhill Market?
Located near the Waterside shopping centre, the Cornhill market has had a complete revamp and offers street food from various Lincolnshire businesses. Why not grab some empanadas from Nonna Juana or delicious ice cream from La Bella di Casa?
Alternatively, a short walk from the very centre of town is Stack. New to Lincoln for 2024, Stack offers many different foods, including burgers, duck, pizza and much more. What makes Stack genuinely unique is the live entertainment that often takes place on its stage and the quirky photo booths to create memories.
With a free quiz on Tuesday nights, hosted by the hilarious Joseph Begley, why not join the fun and see if your general knowledge can help you to win some money. With the brand new Sideshow at Stack now open, you can now even book a Karaoke booth, interactive darts and shuffleboard, there is even more reasons to take a trip to Stack.
7. Indoor Fun For The Children
If you’re looking for indoor things to do in Lincoln, whether it’s because of a rainy day or just when you need to help your child burn off some energy, then you’re in luck! There are loads of exciting places to take the children!
If your little one likes diving around ball pits and slides, you can visit Krazy Kids Soft Play or Play Zone for an indoor adventure. They can enjoy the trampolines or inflatables at Jump if they’d prefer to practice their tumbling skills.
Looking for something a little less physical? Visit Lincoln’s very own Arcade Warehouse to enjoy unlimited arcade games, including some retro machines, and try their VR headsets too. It’s always best to book in advance for a specific time slot to avoid any disappointment, especially during busy times.
Children and adults can also paint your own pottery at the Little Pottery Studio to create a treasured memory you can cherish forever. With a range of items to paint, booking in advance is a good idea to ensure you’ll get a space.
8. Have An Ice Cream At Daisy Made.
Daisy Made is located a short drive from the centre of town on its own farm. You will have to visit to find out precisely what flavours of their incredible ice cream are on offer, as this changes regularly and often features delicious seasonal varieties.
You can often see the cows who have supplied the milk for the ice cream and enjoy a free playground during your visit. You can also pet one of the friendly goats in exchange for giving them a snack from one of the vending machines.
Before you leave, you can also play a round of mini golf or let children enjoy the bouncy castle often set up over the summer. With a free play ground and ample seating inside and out, it’s a great place to visit whatever the weather.
9. Enjoy A Nature Walk At Hartsholme Country Park.
With a range of trails to follow, there is a walk for everyone around Hartsholme Country Park. Choose from a short walk around the central lake, or a much longer walk through the forest.
A large play area in the centre is perfect for children of all ages to enjoy. Bring the dogs or grab some squirrel food from the visitor centre to make new furry friends along the way.
This is the perfect place to connect with nature and take in some beautiful sights. Located just a short drive from the city centre, there are also some regular summer events for the whole family to take part in.
10. Try an Escape Room.
Whether you’re sticking to the city centre, or wanting to take a short drive, Lincoln offers some incredible escape room experiences. Test your knowledge, perception and wit by trying to beat the clock and solve clues to escape.
If you’re looking for something for the whole family, Tensions Twisted Realities offers family friendly and historic rooms to try your hand at. With VR experiences available on site, there is something for everyone here.
If you’re a horror fan, why not try some of the scarier escape rooms on offer from Deliverance and really put your skills to the test whilst under a tense situation. With less scary rooms on offer too, this is a must for anyone wanting to have fun.
11. Christmas & New Year Celebrations
If you’re looking things to do in Lincoln this Christmas or New Year, you’re in luck! There are so many exciting things for you to take part in and get involved with to get into the festive spirit and bring in the new year.
The Traditional Lincoln Christmas market might be gone; however, there are some incredible alternatives popping up in Lincoln including a Medieval Christmas Market on the 12th of December and various smaller craft fairs and stalls popping up in the city throughout December.
We have a whole host of exciting events here at the Cathedral, from The Snowman with a live orchestra to carol performances and church services in this incredible historic building. There are all kinds of exciting things happening here at the Cathedral over the Christmas period.
When it comes to New Years eve, there are a whole host of events happening in the city centre from an 80’s night at Stack to a New Years Ball at the Double Tree by Hilton. Thanks to the incredible city, there are always so many things to do in Lincoln during this festive time.
Need More Things To Do In Lincoln?
There are so many things to do in Lincoln and at the Cathedral! With events like the Asylum Steampunk Festival and other seasonal events, you’ll never be short of things to do in Lincoln.
If you’re still looking for something else, ask our staff during your visit to Lincoln Cathedral or get in touch now. We will be able to recommend something specific for you to enjoy.
