With a history spanning more than 950 years, Lincoln Cathedral Tours are full of stories of the people, architecture and events that have taken place at this sacred site.
A floor tour is included in your admission to help you make the most of your visit. In addition, you can choose from our selection of specialist tours to find out more about specific areas of the Cathedral.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking these popular tours in advance as places are limited. Read on to find out more and to book your tickets…
Please note that Cathedral admission is applicable to all visitors, and our specialist tours cost £7.50 in addition to your Cathedral entry. If you gift aid your admission you will receive an annual pass allowing you to return to the Cathedral for free for 12 months, giving you even more opportunity to explore more of this historic building.
Floor tour
Explore Lincoln Cathedral with an experienced guide to find out more about its history
The history of Lincoln Cathedral spans from the present day back to the beginnings of the first cathedral in 1072.
Join our informative and engaging guides to explore this amazing building and discover more about the history of the place and the people that have worshipped and worked here over the centuries.
When does this tour take place?
Floor tours are available Monday to Saturday -please ask at the welcome desk to find out the time of the next tour.
How long will the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 60 minutes
How much does the tour cost?
The floor tour is included as part of your cathedral admission.
Roof Tour
Explore the roof space of Lincoln Cathedral with views across the City.
Our friendly guides will you show you the fascinating structures that hold up the roof of the Cathedral.
We’ll give you an insight into the workmanship required to build and maintain this stunning building. You’ll also get up close to our stained glass windows, visit one of our bell chambers and there is an opportunity to enjoy views down the full length of the nave and across the city from the Cathedral’s West Front.
If you love architecture, this tour is for you!
When does this tour take place?
Monday to Friday at 11am and 1pm, Saturday 11am, 1pm and 3pm
How long will the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
How much does it cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
What else do I need to know?
The tour needs to begin on time and due to the nature of the tour you cannot join after the tour has begun. If you arrive late you will forfeit your place.
A general level of fitness is required to climb the steep staircases.
An induction will be provided before the tour commences, and a guide will be with you at all times.
New dates will be added regularly, so please check back if your preferred dates are not yet available.
This tour is not suitable for those with a fear of heights.
Flat shoes must be worn – No flip flops or other open-backed shoes.
All participants must be 14 years or older.
The Sacred and the Strange – Symbolism of Lincoln Cathedral
Let our experienced guides teach you how to read the Cathedral building and understand the messages that its creators are sharing.
Throughout history, shapes, numbers and colours have been used to reveal meanings and messages to those that understand how to interpret them.
Join us on this enlightening tour to discover the secret language of every element of the cathedral, from the hidden meaning of the stone carvings on the majestic west front and the significance of the towers, to the layout and fabric of this sacred structure.
We’ll decode the decorative symbolism of animals, birds and fish, understand the importance of various shapes, colours and numbers, and unravel the mysteries of the medieval stained glass, and the importance of angels and demons in this magnificent cathedral.
When does this tour take place?
Tours take place every Thursday at 1pm.
How long does this tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 60 minutes
How much does this tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
What else do I need to know?
Places are limited on each tour so it is recommended that you book in advance to guarantee a place.
Please note that Lincoln Cathedral tours may be cancelled at the Cathedral’s discretion.
Nature and architecture tour
Join photographer Bruce Hargrave for a unique photography tour of Lincoln Cathedral.
After the initial meet and greet, there will be an opportunity to take some photos in the Cloister area, followed by a trip up the central tower where you can see the internal structure of the tower and take photos of the structure. A combination of the natural and man made world, that co-exists at the Cathedral.
With luck, we may see (and hear!) the Cathedral’s resident peregrine falcons. If you have a long lens for your camera (and/or binoculars or telescope) definitely bring them with you – but they are not essential for the tour and we hope to have some binoculars available for you to share. You may also wish to bring a tripod, if you have one.
We will spend at least half the time outside, so check the weather forecast the day before and dress appropriately. We will also tour the inside of the Chapter House roof – so a little bit of stair climbing (and heights) will be involved – but nothing too strenuous!
Bruce Hargrave – the photographer who is leading the tour – installed the peregrine cams that watch over the falcons’ nest site on the central tower. He will share his knowledge of these wonderful birds with you during the tour and point them out to you if they are around.
When does this tour take place?
The next Nature and Architecture tour takes place on Saturday 24 August.
How much does this tour cost?
Tours cost £30 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
Numbers are limited, so pre-booking is essential.
Stained glass tour
Stunning stained glass windows fill the space with vivid colours and illuminate the building.
Join us on a tour of the stained glass in Lincoln Cathedral, some of which dates back to medieval times.
Read the stories and the history of the Cathedral as told in the stained glass. Learn something of the makers and their styles. Binoculars recommended.
When does this tour take place?
This tour takes place on the last Friday of the month at 1.15pm
How long does the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes
How much does the tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
What else do I need to know?
Places are limited on each tour so it is recommended that you book in advance to guarantee a place.
Secrets of Minster Yard
Join our expert guides to discover the secrets of minster yard!
Lincoln Cathedral was once surrounded by a great wall, protecting the residents of the close from ‘robbers and other evil doers’, and as you walk around the picturesque Minster Yard, you’ll hear the stories of some of the colourful characters who have lived here over the centuries.
This outdoor tour of Lincoln Cathedral and the surrounding close will give you exclusive access to little-seen locations that you may otherwise miss including the Ringer’s Chapel in the Cathedral where you’ll see part of the south wall of the original Norman cathedral and an additional panel of the Romanesque Frieze; and the stunning enclosed courtyard of Vicar’s Court – the oldest surviving Vicars’ Choral buildings in England.
Take a journey through time as you explore the exterior of the Cathedral and learn how it has developed over the centuries.
When does the tour take place?
Every Monday from April to the end of October at 2pm.
How long will the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much does the tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person.
What else do I need to know?
A general level of fitness is required as the tour consists of walking one third of a mile around the exterior of the Cathedral and participants will be standing throughout.
The tour is not weather dependent but may be cancelled in extreme conditions.
An adult must accompany children.
Please note, the route of tour may be adjusted depending on Works renovations (scaffolding / hoarding / general accessibility)
Tower tour
Experience fabulous views and see much of Lincolnshire and beyond
Climb more than 300 steps to reach the top of the Central Tower of Lincoln Cathedral and take in the fantastic 360 degree views of the city, county and beyond.
On the way up our guides will share much of the history of the Cathedral and you will be able to see the clock mechanism and bells which ring the quarter hour every day.
When does this tour take place?
This tour runs on Saturdays and Bank Holidays (excluding Good Friday) during the summer months, at 11.15am and 1.15pm.
How long will the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes
How much does the tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
What else do I need to know?
The tour needs to begin on time and due to the nature of the tour you cannot join after the tour has begun. If you arrive late you will forfeit your place.
A general level of fitness is required to climb the steep staircases.
An induction will be provided before the tour commences, and a guide will be with you at all times.
Flat shoes must be worn – No flip flops or other open-backed shoes.
All participants must be 14 years or older.
New dates will be added every few weeks, so please check back if your preferred dates are not yet available.
Historic Graffiti Tour
Gain an insight into the people who have literally left their mark on Lincoln Cathedral
Who would imagine that a world-class heritage site and important church like Lincoln Cathedral would be covered in graffiti?
And yet a recent Historic Graffiti Survey revealed almost 3,000 marks in the ground floor areas alone!
From cavemen to Banksy, throughout history it seems the few people can resist the urge to leave their mark on a wall or building, and Lincoln Cathedral is no exception. From the floor to the top of the tower there are hundreds of examples of historic graffiti.
Join us on our Historic Graffiti Tour to gain an insight into the hopes, fears and beliefs of the ordinary people who have gone before us and found it necessary to leave their mark as inscriptions on the fabric of this magnificent building.
When does this tour take place?
The tour takes place at 10.30am every Monday.
How long will the tour take?
Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes
How much will the tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person in addition to the general admission fee.
For all Lincoln Cathedral tours, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour start time, and pay admission at our welcome desk and receive your tour information.
Please note, all tours are subject to change with no notice. We reserve the right to cancel any tour. If we do need to cancel all tickets will be refunded.
Tickets are sold as non-returnable and non-refundable.
Tour Vouchers
Give the gift of a great day out
Did you know, you can purchase tour vouchers for Lincoln Cathedral? They’re the ideal gift for anyone who loves history, or wants to explore more of Lincoln Cathedral with one of our amazing guides. The voucher includes admission to Lincoln Cathedral and the tour of your choice, and can be booked for as many people as you like.
Tour vouchers are available from the Welcome desk at Lincoln Cathedral