Out & About in Lincoln

Lincoln is known as the city in the countryside and that is indeed what it is. Lincoln certainly does exemplify much of the appeal of England being very much a present-day city with roots in the past. After the Norman Conquest, King William 1st commissioned the building of Lincoln Castle and its adjacent cathedral. At the cathedral you can try to spot the naughty Lincoln Imp within the walls of the Angel Choir. The Imp is said to have caused trouble in the cathedral and, because of his mischief, was turned to stone by an angel. The cathedral and the castle today tower over a culture which is most definitely 21st century.

Although a tourist centre, the city is rarely crowded. Most people choose to visit the historic buildings but there are a good many other attractions too. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life makes for a good day out. Tattershall Castle and Belvoir Castle are nearby and, after a visit to one of those, a pub lunch in one of the nearby villages makes for a perfect day. For those preferring somewhere quiet there is nearby Whisby Nature Reserve. The park comprises many flooded gravel pits. After 40 years there is now little sign of their industrial beginnings and interesting plants and birds have made the area their home. For those who enjoy noise and excitement, the RAF's Red Arrow aerobatic team is based near Lincoln and can be seen at RAF Waddington.

The countryside around Lincoln has a range of diverse attractions for visitors young and old and offers much to people who enjoy outdoor life. Lincolnshire is actually the second largest county in England. Lying in the East Midlands, it borders on to Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Humberside and South Yorkshire.

Shopping

Adjacent to the River Witham is the Waterside Shopping Centre which is accessible from the High Street. A popular and modern centre, the décor reflects Lincoln's Roman past. Major brands in the centre are Dolcis, The Body Shop, Bay Trading, Topshop, Faith Shoes and Mark One. There is a food court on the second floor with views over the river and seats for 200 customers. A weekly farmers' market is held in Lincoln at a different venue each time - which can prove to be a little confusing! The first Friday in the month the market is in City Square. On the second Friday it is in Cornhill. On the third Saturday the market is held in Castle Square and on the final Friday it is to be found in St Mark's Square. Cornhill covered market sells locally-grown vegetables daily.

Food and Drink

There are options galore when it comes to eating out in Lincoln. From a gourmet dinner to a simple meal, every choice is available. Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian and Spanish restaurants are to be found in Lincoln and you will be spoilt for choice. Modern pubs cater for the young drinkers whilst at the same time there are tucked-away watering holes with architecture and atmosphere dating back centuries.

In the medieval Bailgate area by the cathedral are varied and interesting shops, bars, cafes and restaurants including an English pie shop as well as exotic cuisine from Mexico and Thailand. A warm welcome is sure to be found everywhere in the city which is known for its hospitality.

Arts and Entertainment

In October 1986 Lincoln Arts was founded. This not-for-profit organisation supports and promotes the arts, history and culture of the greater Lincoln area and plays host to the Feats of Clay ceramics competition. A variety of performing arts take place at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre. The centre opened in 2008 and events here include ballet, drama, classical music and contemporary dance. The Lincoln School of Humanities and Performing Arts is housed here in the purpose-built threatre.

Hotels and Travel

Lincolnshire is very accessible with major transport links. Spacious country roads lead to the coast or the historic market towns in the area. From Lincoln to London is one hundred and forty two miles and it is eighty seven miles to Birmingham. There is accommodation to suit every budget and taste. Big hotel chains such as The Marriott are here but if you prefer to stay in the old part of Lincoln you might like to stay in one of the hotels there such as the Bailgate. This hotel offers contemporary styling along with old fashioned elegance and is adjacent to the Cathedral.