Join us for a journey through Lincoln’s rich heritage at the Festival of History, an exciting new event aiming to bring the city’s history to life.
From Saturday 4 May to Monday 6 May, you will be able to delve into Lincoln’s past through a range of immersive activities spread across the city. This is your opportunity to explore Lincoln’s diverse history, from the charming, cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter to its longstanding Roman ruins.
Embark on a journey through time as the city transforms into four distinct zones, each offering action packed experiences suitable for all ages.
Viking Mint - Cornhill Square
Voyage into Lincoln’s Cornhill Square to experience the action-packed energy of Viking Mint. Immerse yourself in authentic Viking activities, craft your very own replica coin, try your hand at authentic calligraphy and, if you dare, challenge a Viking to a traditional board game and embrace the competitive spirit of the era. Don’t miss the chance to choose your champion in the arena, where a selection of thrilling combat displays between opposing warriors are set to take centre stage.
Just a brief walk down nearby Sincil Street and you will find a treasure trove of quaint terraced shops that stand the test of time. If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in a visit to Sign of the Fish, one of the country’s oldest chip shops. Serving fish and chips since 1899, the restaurant offers both dine in and takeaway options that are cherished by locals.
Just a stone’s throw from Sincil Street, you can discover the allure of The Cosy Club, a unique bar and restaurant nestled within the historic Corn Exchange building. Step into a realm where original marketplace adverts adorn the walls, portraits tell stories of bygone eras, and elegant wallpaper set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are craving a leisurely breakfast, a relaxed family lunch, or a glamorous evening out, The Cosy Club promises an ambiance like no other.
Realm of the Relics – City Square
Explore the Realm of Relics in Lincoln’s City Square, and you can put your axe throwing skills to the test in “The Snake Rooms” (please note this activity involves a small charge) or join a guided dig pit excavation led by experts from ‘Up An’ Em history’.
Adjacent to this action-packed area, you’ll find the Cornhill Market, currently undergoing a major transformation of its own. Rooted in a rich legacy of trade and community, this market has been a vital part of the city’s identity for generations. The grand reopening is set to take place on Friday 17 May, so you will need to plan a return visit to take a look inside!
Whilst you’re exploring this area, venture back towards the train station and you’ll stumble across Lincoln’s oldest church, St. Mary le Wigford. With its ancient stone tower, originally constructed by Ertig over a millennium ago, this church has been a steadfast presence at the heart of Lincoln’s commerce since Saxon times. Despite witnessing ravages of history, including the Siege of Lincoln in 1644, the church has remained resilient, boasting an uninterrupted legacy of service even predating the construction of the Cathedral. A Roman memorial stone inscribed in old English adorns its tower’s west face, repurposed as the church’s dedication stone.
During the festival, you will have the chance to experience the ambiance of medieval life through the Travelling Historical Market, which will be situated within St. Mary le Wigford. Taking place from 11am until 5pm, this market sets the scene of a bygone era with its array of artisanal crafts, live demonstrations, and immersive historical re-enactments.
After a morning of adventures, wander up to the High Street to refuel at Stokes High Bridge Café, a historic treasure that dates back to 1540. This popular café serves fresh coffee, roasted right here in Lincoln, and over 30 varieties of loose-leaf teas, including the iconic Flo’s Mix. This delicious tea was invented in-house in the 1970’s, by one of the café’s long-serving waitresses.
The perfect place to immerse yourself in Lincoln’s medieval history, Stokes offer a great selection of delicious homemade meals and light bites, all of which are crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Grab a seat by the window for the best view!
Whilst on the High Street, you can’t miss the Stonebow, a limestone arch marking Lincoln’s southern entrance, completed in early 211 AD. Remnants of its Roman origins still stand intact beneath the arch, and Lincoln Guildhall occupies the building above. Grade – 1 listed and shrouded in medieval history, the Guildhall dates back to 1520 and it has served as the official meeting place for the City Council ever since.
A selection of guided tours will also be taking place at the Guildhall on Sunday 5 May and Monday 6 May. You will get the chance to take a closer look at hidden treasures including Richard II’s sword and the Mayor’s Chains of Office, alongside an array of historic artefacts. Tours will take place at 9.30am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 3.00pm, for a cost of £5 per person.
As part of the festival, there will also be the opportunity to join Professor Stephen Church, a renowned medieval historian, for a captivating lecture at The Guildhall on Saturday 4 May at 12pm.
Colosseum Quarter – Castle Square
Ascend uphill to explore the Colosseum Quarter. Pause to admire The Strait, the connection between Lincoln’s vibrant High Street and the renowned Steep Hill. As you make your way along the cobbles, look out for the arch that reaches across the street - adorned with symbols, this decorative arch commemorates the area’s heritage.
Today, this picturesque street boasts a vibrant array of independent establishments, including the historic Jew’s House, a 12th- century gem, now home to an acclaimed fine dining restaurant. Adjacent to this stands Jew’s Court, a 17th century structure, which is thought to be built on the site of a medieval synagogue. This beautiful stone building is now home to The Society of Lincolnshire History and Archaeology and their bookshop, which was established back in 1988.
Embark on a journey up the famous Steep Hill and you will be welcomed by one of the UK’s oldest surviving residential structures. Dating back to the 12th century, Norman House now houses Imperial Teas of Lincoln. Step inside and you can browse a diverse array of teas and coffees, many of which are made in England.
Venture up Steep Hill and you will find a whole host of unique shops and eateries – look out for No.33 in particular. From the outset of its origins in 1649, this building has served various functions, from serving as a toy shop, to hosting Lawrence of Arabia during his RAF Cranwell service in 1925. Today, it proudly stands as the famous Brown’s Pie Shop. Recently renamed as Hobbsons, this authentic family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious locally sourced produce, pies and delicacies since the late ‘80s. If you book a table here, be sure to ask about Humphrey the ghost!
Continue to the top of the hill and you’ll find Castle Square, which is nestled between the awe-inspiring Lincoln Cathedral and the grand entrance of Lincoln Castle, flanked by cannons. Here lies the Colosseum Quarter, where you can step back in time to the bustling 1st century ‘Vicus’ market. Engage with skilled artisans and tradespeople, unravel the secrets behind ancient crafts such as baking and carpentry, and immerse yourself in the detailed tapestry of Roman life.
After spending some time in the Vicus, continue on to explore the historic charm of the Bailgate, an area full of independent businesses and eclectic shops. At the end of this beautiful street, you’ll encounter Newport Arch, another remarkable relic from Roman Britain. As the oldest arch in the UK still serving traffic, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Originally part of the north gate of Lindum Colonia, this stone arch dates back to the 3rd century, although it was slightly modified during medieval times. More remnants of the connecting north wall can be found within Newport Cottage, and along East Bight.
Just down the road, you’ll also find the historic Pottergate Arch, another relic of Lincoln’s medieval past. Originally part of the wall that surrounded Lincoln Cathedral in the 13th century, Pottergate served as a crucial entrance point to the city. As transportation evolved, a road was constructed on both sides of the arch to accommodate increasing traffic. You can still walk through the arch’s ancient structure today, and admire the view that leads to the Cathedral.
Across from Pottergate Arch, don’t miss the opportunity to drop in to The Adam & Eve. Dating back to 1701, this is the oldest tavern in Lincoln. Tucked away on Lindum Hill, this iconic establishment has been a cornerstone of the city’s social scene for over three centuries and continues to be a timeless landmark today.
After a quick drink, it’s time to experience the allure of Lincoln Cathedral, a structure of which proudly dominates the city skyline. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, construction of the Cathedral started in 1072, following a commission from William the Conqueror. Alongside holding the title of having the world’s tallest spire from 1311 until 1549, the Cathedral has faced fires, storms and even earthquakes. Inside, you’ll be captivated by the building’s architectural details, particularly the colourful stained-glass windows and intricate stonework - look out for the famous Lincoln Imp!
As night falls, history continues to accumulate in Lincoln. Join the acclaimed Lincoln Ghost Walk to uncover a range of hair-raising tales of times gone by. Led by knowledgeable guides, this award-winning night time excursion unveils the city’s haunting history and mysterious tales. To take part, just head to Castle Square at 7pm on Saturday 4 May, no booking necessary, just don’t forget to bring along your camera.
Heritage and Culture – Citywide
Whether you are drawn to Roman ruins, intrigued by Viking traditions, or fascinated by medieval history, the Festival of History promises an unforgettable journey of discovery. The Heritage and Culture zone will encompass all of the city’s attractions, allowing you the chance to learn even more about Lincoln’s past. You can enjoy engaging live talks, demonstrations and hands-on experiences at esteemed heritage sites across the city.
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle was erected by William the Conqueror in 1068. Initially constructed to solidify Norman rule after the Battle of Hastings, Lincoln Castle ingeniously repurposed Roman fortress walls to form its motte and bailey design.
Explore the castle grounds to unravel the tales depicted on its plaques, and immerse yourself in the building’s rich heritage by embarking on the Medieval Wall Walk. Follow in the footsteps of criminals in the Victorian Prison, before delving into the fascinating story of Magna Carta. This iconic document is now over 800 years old, and Lincoln Castle is the only location in the world to showcase both the 1215 Magna Carta and the 1217 Charter of the Forest side-by-side.
During the festival, Lincoln Castle will take you on a comprehensive journey through history, complemented by thrilling re-enactments and engaging entertainment for all ages. Ticket prices are £17 for adults, £16 for concessions, £9 for children, and free admission for those under 5. For further details, head to the Lincoln Castle website.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Embark on a Victorian journey at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Saturday 4 May, where a plethora of characters will breathe life into history. Immerse yourself in the era as you explore the museum’s many room sets, where various popular Victorian personas will be awaiting your arrival. Delight in the elegant melodies of a Victorian harmonium street musician as you meet a Victorian maid, who will be bustling in the kitchen. Explore the tools she utilizes for culinary success, before seeking guidance from Mystic Maxine, the Museum’s resident Victorian psychic.
Tickets for Saturday are priced at £3 for adults, £1.50 for children, and £2 for concessions, with a family ticket available for £6. Further excitement awaits on Sunday 5 May and Monday 6 May, as the museum will be offering free entry to all visitors.
Lincoln Museum
Back in the city centre, you can marvel at ancient relics at the Lincoln Museum, where the secrets of ‘Lindum Colonia’ are brought to life. As part of the festival, there will also be an opportunity to uncover even deeper tales beneath the city streets with a guided tour of the Posterngate. This hidden Roman gateway was once part of Lincoln’s Roman South Wall, and is now concealed beneath the ground.
Dating back to the 4th century, this gateway remained untouched until its discovery in 1973, obscured by a nondescript door, layers of soil, and centuries of history. Originally serving as a thoroughfare for merchants and traders accessing the River Witham, Posterngate was once a bustling hub of activity, leading to what is now Brayford Pool. Guided tours, featuring insights from local historians, offer a fascinating journey through time.
Tour Lincoln
For a tour that encompasses the whole city, you can hop onboard Lincoln’s open-top sightseeing bus. This fascinating tour will take you past Lincoln’s most historic attractions, accompanied by lively commentary from knowledgeable guides. Enjoy the freedom to hop on and off at any of the 8 designated stops, and you can explore different parts of the city at your leisure.
Tours depart hourly from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, starting at the West Front of Lincoln Cathedral. Tickets are available for purchase on the day from the driver or via the Stagecoach East Midlands app. Tickets are £10 for adults, £4 for children over 3 and £8 for concessions and young people (16-19 years).
Medieval Bishop’s Palace
Just across Castle Square, the Medieval Bishop’s Palace will also be open for the duration of the festival. Built in 1163, this palace was once one of the most impressive buildings in the country. It was also the administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, which stretched from the Humber to the Thames.
Visit Bishop’s Palace during the festival and you will have the chance to marvel in the melodramatics of the Lincoln Mystery Plays, as a selection of curated performances will be taking place on Monday 6 May. Performances will act as transformative time capsules, featuring medieval musician accompaniment, music based on the myths of Robin Hood as well as interpretive performances based on how organised crime occurred in Lincolnshire in the medieval period.
The palace will be open from 10am till 5pm, usual entrance fees apply and English Heritage members can enter free of charge.
Extend your experience with a themed stay
You can now elevate your journey through Lincoln’s rich heritage by indulging in a range of family packages at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln. Boasting incredible views overlooking the Brayford marina, this family-friendly hotel has introduced a range of exclusive offers, designed to make your visit stand out in history!
Designed for two adults and one child under 12, the Hilton’s new Family Room package includes a cosy retreat in a Deluxe King bedroom. This room includes a sofa bed and a delightful Tipi tent, perfect for bedtime adventures. Children can enjoy complimentary dining and there also special welcome amenities available, all for just an additional £25 extra.
For larger families seeking space, the Connecting Rooms package is the ideal solution. Featuring interconnected King and Twin rooms, this package comfortably accommodates two adults and two children, ensuring ample room for relaxation after a day of action-packed festival exploration.
These exciting new packages will be available beyond the Festival of History weekend, crafted to facilitate convenient and unforgettable getaways all year-round for you and your family. To reserve your room, you can reach out to the hotel directly at lincoln.reservations@hilton.com or call 01522 565180, extension 1.
Useful Resources
If you’re planning to visit the Lincoln Festival of History, the following resources will help you make the most of your trip: