This year, our family really wanted to fully explore England and find some of the best destinations to pass along to other families and travelers. So often, we plan a trip to London and don’t take the time to explore further, so on our last trip, we set out to find some new fantastic family friendly destinations. We had come across in magazines and heard from friends about a wonderful city up north—Lincoln. I had heard that Lincoln had a great mix of old and new, and I was really excited to explore it.
As soon as you arrive in Lincoln, you know it is going to be a magical experience. You can’t help but notice the Lincoln castle and right across from that, the incredibly impressive Lincoln Cathedral. There is really so much to see and do in Lincoln that it can be a bit overwhelming trying to make sure to fit it all in, so I wanted to create a guide to help you plan the best trip possible!
I have found that family-friendly accommodation can be tricky in the UK. In the past, I have had to call around and make sure that the hotels we’ve stayed at can really accommodate two adults and two children. Luckily, in Lincoln, there is the White Hart Hotel to the rescue! Located right in the heart of Lincoln, the White Hart Hotel has accommodation for any type of traveler.
The view from the hotel is spectacular because it sits right next to the Lincoln Cathedral. I absolutely loved looking out the window and seeing this grand historical site. Our room was incredibly spacious—so much so that we probably could have fit a few more kids!
I personally loved how easy it was to walk to all the main attractions from the hotel, and I loved the adorable street it sits on. The kids absolutely loved the breakfast that was prepared and served every morning. Who doesn’t love a proper English breakfast, right? Nothing makes for a better start to a day of sightseeing.
I believe a hotel should not only be a place to crash after your adventures, but also something that adds to your experience and enriches to your trip. The White Hart Hotel definitely fulfilled that for our family, and it can for yours too.
Now, when it comes to fantastic family-friendly activities, Lincoln is bursting with them, but here are a few I would say are must-do or must-see items:
Lincoln Castle
This is an obvious activity that can’t be missed. It majestically stands right next to the White Heart Hotel and is a reminder of all the history that Lincoln holds. It is free to walk the grounds, but if you want a bird’s eye view (one that will blow you away), you will want to grab some tickets to walk the wall. Kids will get a kick out of being able to run along the castle walls, pretending to guard the castle grounds. Our family has been to many castles, but we have never had an experience quite like this one.
Lincoln Castle also boasts the Magna Carta; Lincoln is the only place in the world where you can find original copies of both the 1215 Magna Carta and the 1217 Charter of the Forest, one of only two surviving copies. This is a fantastic learning experience for the kids because the castle has really made the display a complete experience, including an in-depth video. I would definitely plan out a whole afternoon to really soak in all that the castle has to view and offer.
Lincoln Cathedral
I was in awe when first viewing this cathedral. It boasts a massive footprint and, in my opinion, is quite possibly one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe. It was once one of the tallest cathedrals in the world. The detail on the Lincoln Cathedral is truly breathtaking. We visited Notre-Dame last year, and to be completely honest, I was personally more impressed by the outside of the Lincoln Cathedral. I would highly recommend getting a joint ticket that will let you visit both the Cathedral and the Castle.
The Collection
This fantastic archeological museum is free for the whole family! With many rooms full of some amazing archeological discoveries, a play area just for the kids, and a fantastic café, this is the place to hang out at for the afternoon. Kids can also pick up a discovery backpack to learn even more cool facts about the exhibits.
Be sure to grab a great cup of tea or coffee from Stokes Café right inside The Collection. It also has a fantastic menu for kids and adults.
Lincolns Cathedral Quarter & Steep Hill
Down these cobblestone streets, you will find tons of super cute shops. Steep Hill is exactly what it sounds like, and you definitely need some extra energy for this street. What goes down must come back up, right? Even if you cheat and take a taxi or bus back to the top, this cute little street is definitely worth a visit!
The Lincoln Knights’ Trail
This year, Lincoln has even more amazing family-friendly activities, including the new Lincoln Knights’ Trail. This is a sculpture trail all around Lincoln that consists of 36 knights.
Each sculpture has been sponsored by a local business and painted by a talented artist with a hidden symbol on each. Find each symbol and complete the quest to receive a certificate and badge plus a discount on an exclusive Battle of Lincoln children's book. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Battle of Lincoln book for the kids. This is a great book that any age can enjoy. My son absolutely loved all the illustrations, and it’s my daughter’s favorite book to read right now. This cool trail will only be around until September 3rd, though, so be sure to check it out soon!
After the trail, the sculptures will be sold at auction in Lincoln Cathedral to raise money for The Nomad Trust. This local charity serves the homeless community of Lincoln and provides emergency accommodation for those who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets. Such a cool activity for a great cause.
Brayford Belle
You can’t take a trip to Lincoln without heading out on the water. One of the best ways to see the Brayford waterfront is on the Brayford Belle. This absolutely adorable little boat will take you on a 50–60-minute ride through the peaceful canal. I loved being able to view all of the cute boats that some residents call home, and there was also quite a bit of wildlife to spot.
The Duke William
After all these amazing activities, you will definitely have worked up an appetite. I highly recommend heading to The Duke William for a great dinner with a cozy atmosphere. This historic pub dating back to the 17th century focuses on local ingredients served up fresh daily. They have substantial portions, so be sure to bring a hearty appetite!
Lincoln really is a place for any type of traveler. While it holds some amazing treasures for family travelers, I really can’t think of anyone that wouldn’t love Lincoln. I hope one day I can go back with my parents because I know they would absolutely love this amazing city. Lincoln really is England’s hidden gem, and it should be on your travel bucket list for this summer.
(Our kids loved getting a map from the visitors center and then leading us to our adventures!)
Unfortunately, I could really only highlight a small portion of what Lincoln has to offer. To check out more amazing activities, lodging, and restaurants, head over here to Visit Lincoln.
We received hosting to facilitate this review, all opinions and information are my own.
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Yep, that's a Delorean. One that was actually used on the set of Back to the Future! It was at the Lincoln Cathedral for a convention.
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