UK Tourism -The City of Lincoln
Lincoln: My Home Away from Canada
Written by Brandy Bylsma
This article explores tourism in the beautiful small city of Lincoln, located in the East Midlands of the UK, but first, I want to share something more personal about what this city means to me and my family.
For the past five years, I have had the absolute joy of calling Lincoln home, even knowing that one day we would have to leave. We have been incredibly fortunate to stay as long as we have; it feels like lottery-winning luck.
When we first arrived, both of my children were still toddlers. Now, they have grown into capable, kind, and spirited kids, recently crossing that bittersweet threshold from “little kids” to simply “kids.” How I miss those early years (my heart aches a little) but I am amazed every day by the intelligent, funny, lovable humans they are becoming.
One of my favourite photos from that time shows them looking out our window with sippy cups in hand and padded bottoms, gazing up at the massive 1,000-year-old cathedral visible from our front door. Towering over the city skyline, this magnificent building has been a constant presence and anchor in our lives. Today, those same children stand tall in their school uniforms, their trouser hems creeping ever higher above their ankles, a sure sign that we have been here a while.
Living steps away from Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle has felt a little like living inside a storybook. We have always told our children that if they ever become lost in the city, they only need to look up, find the cathedral on the horizon, and they will know where home is. Just around the corner is Lincoln Castle, where kings, convicts, and countless visitors have walked through its gates over the last thousand years. Our children learned to ride their bikes in the castle grounds and spent many afternoons after school visiting the resident dragons, Lucy and Norman, whose nostrils puff steam on the hour. While I often remind the kids how lucky we are to be surrounded by such remarkable history, they simply see castles, towers, dragons, and cobbled streets as part of everyday life. Perhaps that's exactly how childhood should be.
Lincoln Cathedral
No visit to Lincoln would be complete without experiencing Lincoln Cathedral. Dominating the skyline for miles around, this breathtaking Gothic masterpiece was once the tallest building in the world, holding the title for more than 200 years after the completion of its central spire in 1311. Visitors can admire soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and spectacular stained-glass windows, or climb the tower for panoramic views across Lincolnshire. Do not attempt if you are afraid of heights!
Lincoln is also famous for its mischievous little resident, the Lincoln Imp. According to local legend, an imp was causing chaos inside the cathedral until an angel turned it to stone. Today, visitors can search for the famous carving hidden high within the cathedral, and its cheeky face has become a beloved symbol of the city. Over the years, our family has enjoyed challenging visiting friends and relatives to spot as many imps as possible around Lincoln. You can buy your very own Imp at the Instagram-worthy The Lincoln Imporium at the top of Steep Hill. We now have a family of four imps residing on our living room mantel.
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle is another must-see attraction, offering nearly 1,000 years of history within its impressive Norman walls. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle is home to an original copy of the Magna Carta, one of the world's most important historical documents, which established the principle that even the king must act within the rule of law. Visitors can walk the Medieval Wall Walk for spectacular views of both the city and cathedral, explore the fascinating Victorian prison, and enjoy the many family-friendly events that take place throughout the year.
For our family, the castle is much more than a historic attraction; it’s an extension of our play area, where we have spent countless hours riding bikes, rolling down grassy slopes, and attending the numerous events held throughout the year. We have wandered through Christmas lights (complete with bubble snow), watched knights joust, attended Steampunk festivals, and even become on a first-name basis with the resident dragons.
Conquering Steep Hill
No visit to Lincoln is complete without tackling the famous Steep Hill, the cobbled street that connects the modern city centre with the historic Cathedral Quarter. Frequently listed among the steepest streets in England, it is lined with independent shops, cozy cafés, antique stores, and charming tea rooms that invite visitors to pause and catch their breath, often quite literally.
Over the years, our family has climbed this hill countless times with a stroller, scooters, backpacks, and tired little legs. Our children have mastered the art of dramatically declaring they can go no farther, only to be miraculously revived by the promise of ice cream at the top. The reward is always worth the effort. Reaching the summit brings breathtaking views and an unforgettable first glimpse of Lincoln Cathedral rising above the cobbled streets.
Ice Cream Traditions
Speaking of rewards, no discussion of Steep Hill would be complete without mentioning the little pink ice cream shop, IceDreaming- The Ice Cream Parlour, waiting at the top. For many families, reaching the summit is reason enough to celebrate with a scoop or two.
If there were an award for Lincoln's true ice cream MVP, however, our family would give it to Daisy Made Farm. Located just outside the city, this beloved local favourite combines homemade ice cream with a small petting farm, a goat paddock, a children’s play area, cows, and alpacas, creating the perfect family outing.
Doddington Hall
Just a short drive from the city, Doddington Hall is one of our favourite places to visit throughout the year. This beautiful Elizabethan manor house is surrounded by stunning gardens, woodland walks, and a fantastic farm shop filled with local produce and artisan treats. The ever-popular café is usually bustling with locals, which serves a mean Kitchen Sink Quiche, Fish & Chips, and large slices of cake.
Although the historic hall is certainly worth exploring, our favourite season to visit is autumn, when Doddington's picturesque pumpkin patch transforms the grounds into a sea of vibrant orange, white, and green. It has become an annual family tradition, a place where we take photos and pick pumpkins against a backdrop that looks as though it belongs in the pages of Martha Stewart Living magazine.
More Than a Cathedral and Castle
Beyond its famous landmarks, Lincoln offers visitors a wonderful blend of history, culture, and family-friendly experiences. The Brayford Waterfront is perfect for an evening stroll along the marina, while the city hosts festivals, outdoor concerts, art trails, and seasonal events throughout the year. Whether you're exploring independent shops, dining in a centuries-old building, or attending a local festival beneath the shadow of the cathedral, Lincoln somehow manages to feel both vibrant and relaxed.
One Day...
One day, our family will return to Canada, and Lincoln will no longer be our address. But it will always be part of our story. It is the place where our children grew up beneath the watchful towers of a medieval cathedral, where castle walls became playgrounds, and where some of our happiest family memories were made. It is where we celebrated birthdays and holidays, welcomed visiting family and friends, became best friends with our local ‘tribe,’ made even more friends among the Canadian families living here, and spent countless weekends exploring streets that gradually became as familiar as those of our Canadian hometown.
Lincoln may be a destination for visitors, but for us, it will always be our home away from home, a place that welcomed us for a season, helped shape our children's childhoods, and left an imprint on our hearts that will last long after we have returned to Canada. No matter where life takes us next, a part of our family will always belong to Lincoln, just as a part of Lincoln will always remain with us.
