Fun Things to do in Lincoln UK with Kids

Guest blogger Suzy McGullough from Our Bucket list lives

Lincoln is in Lincolnshire which is part of the East Midlands. It is not to be confused with Lincoln in the USA. It is a large Cathedral City with a young and vibrant population due to its popular University. The Roman town of Lindum Colonia was developed from an Iron Age settlement on the River Witham.

The lower part of Lincoln is more modern with harbourside restaurants and a cinema. The top part of Lincoln is the more historic with the Cathedral and Castle facing each other across one of the oldest and prettiest streets in the UK.

This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of local parents


A Weekend break in Lincoln

If you were to spend a weekend in Lincoln as a family I have put together my must see’s for you to get the most out of your break. This is everything that I recommend you do over 2-3 days.

Lincoln Castle

If you start your weekend break up at the top of Lincoln you will find the two most popular attractions. This is Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. You can purchase a joint and discounted ticket for the two which I recommend you do.

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle has a wall walk all the way around which offers some spectacular views across Lincoln and the surrounding countryside. The castle itself is actually an 18th Century prison and you can look around the jail cells.

They have set the cells up with interactive displays which are perfect for children. Make sure you visit the chapel. It is very unique and like nothing, you will have seen before. The Magna Carta is also kept in a vault which you can see during your visit. Lincoln Castle also has some really great events throughout the year.

Lincoln Cathedral

Across the street from Lincoln Castle, you will find Lincoln Cathedral. The interior is as breathtaking as the exterior. We love to visit on a sunny day as the light casting through the stain glass windows onto the floor is a truly wonderful sight.

Lincoln Cathedral

They have explorer backpacks for kids which are free to use with your ticket. These are great for children to explore and to find out more about this wonderful building. The Cathedral has been through many phases of construction since 1088. It’s the third largest Cathedral in the UK so there are many areas to explore inside, including a cafe.

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Just a few minutes walk north of Lincoln Castle you will find the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. This is free to visit and it is a wonderful museum. They have shop displays from the past, an outdoor ‘historical’ playground and many interesting exhibits. My son always loves the school room.

Museum Lincs Life

If you now head back down into Lincoln you must take a walk down or up Steep Hill. It is incredibly steep and quite a challenge, the hill has a 14% gradient. The street still has its old cobbles in places and it is packed full of quaint shops and tea-rooms. Half-way down you will find another free museum, The Collection. This is a great place for young and old.

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The Collection Museum

Also free to visit The Collection Museum is another museum that tells the story of life in Lincolnshire. This museum goes back a lot further in time than the Museum of Lincolnshire life. It tells the story throughout its history and there’s interactive exhibits for the kids and a small play area for younger children.

Brayford Waterfront

Brayford Waterfront in Lincoln is also worth spending some time at. During Spring-Summer you can take a boat ride down the canal on the Brayford Belle. This is a lovely way to see Lincoln from a different perspective. The Brayford is also where you will find most of Lincoln’s restaurants.

There are plenty more things to see and do in Lincoln such as a City Sightseeing bus, cinema, Medieval Bishops’ palace and more. In the summer they usually have a beach in the centre of town for children to play in. Lincoln is also a great place to do some shopping as most of the shops are close together.

Brayford Waterfront

Food in Lincoln

When we eat out in Lincoln we love to choose from one of the numerous popular chain restaurants down by the harbour, Brayford Waterfront. Most of them have lovely views looking out at the boats. You can expect to find restaurants such as Wagamama, Prezzo and Zizzi.

This is also a good area to stay for the weekend as there are a couple of good hotels located here. If you are looking to visit a quaint tea-room then Steep Hill is the place for you. Steep Hill is indeed very steep and stopping halfway for a tea and a scone is a perfect way of taking a rest.

Steep Hill Team Room

About the blogger

Hi, My name is Suzy McCullough and I write over at Our Bucket List Lives. It is a family travel website with a strong focus on days out and weekend breaks.

We were based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire and now we are in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Lincoln is a wonderful city to visit for families and it’s a perfect place to stay for a weekend. There is plenty there for at least 2-3 full days.

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With thanks to Suzy for her contribution to our guest series.  You may also like to read about London with Kids or Yorkshire with Kids.


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