FROM magical light shows and ice sculpture trails to Dickensian-like streets, Lincoln has been named the perfect city for a Christmas break.
Travel writer Peter Naldrett – who has visited all the UK’s 76 cities – urged Brits to visit Lincoln for a festive break this winter.
Lincoln has been named the perfect place for a Christmas break by one expert[/caption]
Travel writer Peter Naldrett has visited all the UK’s 76 cities[/caption]
The Sheffield-based travel writer, whose latest book is called Bright Lights, Big Cities, told Sun Online Travel: “Lincoln in December in the run-up to Christmas is a must.
“The cathedral puts on amazing carol concerts and the city is decorated in twinkling lights”.
Meanwhile, the tourism board, Visit Lincoln added: “Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit Lincoln.
“The city is aglow with festive lights, the shop windows are adorned with sparkling decorations, and the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air.”
The East Midlands city was once home to the country’s oldest Christmas market until it was scrapped last year because of concerns regarding overcrowding.
Even though the Christmas market isn’t set to return in 2024, there are plenty of other festive attractions in the city.
One of those is the city’s Christmas Lights, which are being turned on on Thursday, November 28, with live music and performances also taking place.
The lights will run from Newport Arch to St Marks Street, with a huge fairy-light display and a 16m illuminated comet set to make a return.
The Lincoln Christmas Lights Trail will launch on the same day, with a few brand-new light installations joining the 2024 line-up.
Twinkling lights will also decorate Lincoln Castle as its illuminated experience returns for another year.
On selected dates throughout December, visitors will be able to explore the castle grounds after dark as they brought to life with Christmas lights and decorations.
Lincoln Castle was built by William the Conqueror in a bid to control the rebellious north.
Nowadays, visitors can scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk and follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison.
The castle is also the only place in the world where an original Magna Carta and a Charter of the Forest can be seen side-by-side.
Visitors who want to warm up from all the walking will be thankful to hear that Thor’s Tipi Bar is returning for another year.
Located on Cornhill Quarter, the wooden bar will be serving festive drinks from November 8.
And following on from the success of last year’s Ice Trail, Lincoln Ice Adventure is set to transform the city into a magical “winter wonderland” according to its organisers.
Sixteen ice sculptures will be placed across the city on December 7 and 8.
The city is aglow with festive lights
The event will also feature Christmas carollers, a mulled wine stall, and other festive activities.
But it’s the city’s cobbled streets, cosy pubs, twinkling lights and independent shops that have been described as a “delightfully Dickensian experience” by Visit Lincoln.
Given the description, it’ll come as no surprise to find that several period dramas have been filmed in Lincoln, including the adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, Young Victoria and Timothée Chalamet‘s The King.
Film buffs who want to follow in their favourite actors’ footsteps will want to head to Lincoln Cathedral.
Dating back to 1072, the Gothic cathedral was commissioned by William the Conqueror.
In its long history, Lincoln Cathedral has earned several accolades, including its title as the tallest building in the world.
Lincoln Cathedral took the world-record-breaking title from the Great Pyramid of Giza when a spire was added to the cathedral’s structure in 1311.
The cathedral retained its title for more than 200 years until its spire collapsed in 1548.
Lincoln Cathedral is one of the city’s top attractions[/caption]
Lincoln Castle will be decorated in twinkling lights for the festive season[/caption]
The Lincoln Imp is another detail visitors shouldn’t miss on a visit to the Gothic cathedral.
According to local legends, the imp was turned to stone by an angel after misbehaving.
Visitors to the cathedral will be able to spot the stone imp in the building’s rafters.
There are other attractions at Lincoln Cathedral too, including the Medieval Library and Wren Libraries, which house a collection of 15th-century books.
The Adam & Eve is reportedly the oldest tavern in Lincoln.
Dating back as far as 1701, the pub has stood on Lindum Hill opposite the medieval Pottergate Arch for centuries.
Another prime attraction is Steep Hill.
Said to be one of the steepest streets in the country, Steep Hill is lined with vintage boutiques, quaint tea rooms and chocolate and fudge parlours.
Other attractions in Lincoln include the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery and the International Bomber Command Centre, which is home to one of the UK’s tallest war memorials.
Hotels in Lincoln are relatively affordable with stays starting from £119 at The White Hart Hotel Lincoln, a four-star hotel, in the heart of its old town.
Lincoln is a 70-minute drive from Sheffield, and it’s a two-hour drive from Birmingham.
What is it like to visit Lincoln?
WRITER Charlotte Sweeney shares why Lincoln’s a top choice for a weekend away.
“Charming independent boutiques, quaint tea rooms, antique emporiums, fudge parlours and welcoming cafes line Lincoln’s main streets – Steep Hill, Bailgate and the Strait.
“Lincolnshire is famously very flat, but beware, Steep Hill’s name is apt – it’s the fourth-steepest street in England and climbing it is a real workout!
“Catch your breath at the super-friendly, family-run Bells Tea Shop, which feels like popping round to your favourite auntie’s, who happens to be Bake-Off-level talented.
“The afternoon tea, £14, is piled high with divine home-made scones, sandwiches and bite-size cakes – our pick was the coffee and walnut – all served on Cath Kidston crockery. They even do a great kids’ platter for a fiver.
“The whole city is steeped in history, but the awe-inspiring cathedral is unmissable. One of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world in the 1300s, beating the Pyramids to the top spot and attracting crowds from far and wide.
“After exploring the ornate carvings at ground level, climb to the top for stunning views across the city. Entry costs £9 for adults and £4.80 for children (Lincolncathedral.com).
“Nearby Lincoln Castle is another must, especially if you have kids. Don’t miss the former prison, complete with actors bringing its past to life, and the illuminated Wall Walk to grasp the scale of the castle grounds. Entry costs £14.50 for adults, £8 for children (Lincolncastle.com).”
Earlier this year, Peter explained why Brits should visit Salford – a tiny cultural powerhouse on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for an autumn break.
The city will be covered in twinkling lights from the end of November[/caption]
The UK city will host several festive events throughout November and December[/caption]
