Step back into history and straight into the action. In Lincoln, the past doesn’t just sit quietly, it overlaps into the present.
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend from 2 to 4 May 2026, the Lincoln Festival of History will transform the city into something closer to a living storybook than a modern place.
This immersive festival is set to turn squares into stage sets and familiar landmarks will open into completely different worlds. Throughout the weekend, the city will be divided into different zones, each offering an action-packed experience for all ages. Many of Lincoln’s key attractions will also be hosting their own events, giving you the chance to experience history right where it happened and create lasting memories to shape the future.
Knight Academy: step into the medieval world
Uphill at St Paul in the Bail, land that has withstood the test of time and seen a number of churches onsite, you have the chance to step straight into medieval life.
Try your hand at armour drills, handle replica weapons, and get involved in traditional crafts. You’ll grind grain, roll candles, and even make your own purse all while learning what everyday life was really like.
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Lincoln Castle: stories brought to life
After the Norman invasion of 1066, William the Conqueror arrived in Lincoln and ordered the building of Lincoln Castle, which was completed on the site of an original Roman settlement.
Step into History, inside the Castle, the Victorian Prison becomes an immersive storytelling experience. As you move through the space, you’ll meet archaeologists, engineers, historians and performers, each bringing a different piece of Lincoln’s past to life.
From Lady Agatha Worthy sharing archaeological discoveries, to Professor Athelstan Worthy recounting the Battle of Lincoln (1217), to colourful performers and even drainage engineers uncovering the less glamorous side of history, there’s something unexpected at every turn. Admission charges apply.
After your Castle adventure, head towards Burton Road, to stumble upon The Museum of Lincolnshire Life, a charming museum offering a glimpse into Lincoln’s varied past. Over the Festival of History weekend the museum allows you step into the sights and sounds of the Victorian era.
Watch machinery in motion, see printing presses in action, and explore recreated homes and workplaces. On Monday you can also take part in hands-on Victorian craft activities. Admission fees apply.
After your museum adventure why take a trip to Mill Road a charming street located behind the Lincolnshire Life Museum where you can take a peek at Ellis Mill built in 1798 the last of nine windmills that once stood on Lincoln’s hilltop.
Roman Market: discover ancient Lincoln
Over in Castle Square, step back into Roman Lincoln, known as Lindum Colonia.
As you wander through the market, you’ll see baking, weaving, carpentry, tile making and blacksmithing in action. It’s a chance to experience the skills that once powered the Roman city.
Just a stone’s throw away stands St Mary Magdalene Church, on Sunday 3 May, from 12.30pm enjoy a talk exploring the Victorian Gothic Revival and the 1882 restoration of St Mary Magdalene by Dr Shirley Brook, offering a closer look at the ideas and craftsmanship that shaped the building. Afterwards, stay for tea and a selection of Victorian cakes.
No trip to Lincoln would be complete without a visit to Lincoln Cathedral. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, construction began in 1072 following a commission from William the Conqueror. Once the tallest building in the world, the Cathedral has endured fires, storms and even earthquakes.
Inside, you’ll be captivated by its architectural detail, from colourful stained-glass windows to intricate stonework, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the famous Lincoln Imp!
During the festival, you’ll find a mix of history, craftsmanship and heritage. On the grounds, meet Lincoln Longwool sheep, a rare breed with roots going back to Roman times, a quieter, more reflective moment within the weekend.
You can also watch stonemasons at work, using traditional techniques that have shaped the Cathedral for centuries. You even have the chance to win your own bespoke Stonemasons carving, all you need to do is complete the Festival of History events survey during the festival!
If you want to dive deeper into history, join one of the guided tours that will be taking place over the weekend, see further details HERE.
Moving through the city: layers of history
Make your way down the Steep Hill, retracing the steps of the residents of Lindum Colonia. Excavations have even shown that the hill used to be lined by steps during that time!
Pass under Lincoln Guildhall along the High Street and you cannot miss the Stonebow, a limestone arch marking Lincoln’s southern entrance, completed in the early 3rd century. Remnants of its Roman origins still stand intact beneath the arch, while Lincoln Guildhall occupies the building above. Grade I listed and rich in medieval history, the Guildhall dates back to 1520 and has served as the official meeting place for the City Council ever since.
At St Mary’s Guildhall, you can join guided tours and explore one of Lincoln’s most important medieval civic buildings. While you’re there, discover the Fulbeck Exhibition, which tells the story of 1980s protests against nuclear waste disposal in Lincolnshire. A special talk on Saturday which will be taking place from 2pm will be bringing stories of the past to life.
Right next door on Saltergate, step beneath the modern city and explore Roman remains via exploring Posterngate.
Part of Lincoln’s Roman South Wall, this 4th-century gateway lay hidden until 1973. Walk along original flagstones and see parts of the ancient wall once used by merchants accessing the River Witham, then a major Roman shipping route. It’s a quieter, more reflective way to connect with Lincoln’s earliest history.
Norman Camp: life after 1066
New for 2026 head down to Cornhill Square, where you will find yourself in the years following the Norman Conquest.
Here, you can explore how Lincoln changed after 1066, politically, socially and physically. Watch food being prepared, see armour up close, and hear stories from reenactors about power, survival and transformation.
After all the adventuring why not take a trip to Lincoln’s Cosy Club, conveniently located in the Cornhill Quarter. Standing proudly in the original Corn Exchange building and restored with a modern twist expect to see original marketplace adverts adorning the walls, portraits of those who previously walked the floors of the building.
The Viking Arena: immersive battles
The Vikings arrived in Lincoln in 865, and the city became one of their chief strongholds. At the Festival of History, you’ll have the chance to step into their world.
Based in City Square, the Viking Mint will be lined with tents exhibiting wares and weaponry. Vikings will patrol this zone, but don’t be afraid to ask them questions. With hands-on activities like coin minting and calligraphy, you can experience what life as a Scandinavian seafarer was really like.
Be sure to don your helmet and shield, there will be a series of thrilling combat displays taking place throughout the weekend, with opposing warriors battling it out in the arena. Alongside the action, a selection of Viking fashion shows will take place throughout the day, showcasing traditional styles from the era.
St Mary le Wigford: a market in a living church
After your adventures in the city centre, venture back towards the train station and you’ll find St Mary le Wigford, one of Lincoln’s oldest churches, dating back to the 10th century.
With a history of continuous service stretching back over 1,000 years, this remarkable building has stood at the heart of Lincoln’s commercial life since Saxon times.
Step inside to discover a medieval-style market filled with artisan traders and traditional crafts. Why not pick up a momento to take home with you? Outside, you can watch talks on weapons and armour, try willow weaving, and even encounter owls making this a relaxed and family-friendly stop perfect for all ages!
Discover hidden stories with digital trails
As you explore, why not follow a digital trail created by Reimagining Lincolnshire across the city.
Using audio and augmented reality, you’ll uncover hidden stories layered over the streets around you, from global connections to lesser-known local history.
Food and places to pause
When you need a break, be sure to check out some of Lincoln’s more historic eateries and keep the historic magic alive. Stop at Stokes High Bridge Café, a historic building dating back to 1540 and is the only medieval bridge in England still lined with buildings. Enjoy coffee, afternoon tea or a simple meal in a unique setting. A short walk away, on characterful Sincil Street stands Sign of the Fish, one of the oldest fish and chip shops in the city and offers classic fish and chips, continuing a tradition that stretches back to 1899.
Or in need of a refreshing beverage? Take a trip to The Adam & Eve, one of Lincoln’s oldest taverns, for food, drinks and a lively atmosphere. Nearby, walk under Pottergate Arch, once the main entrance to the Cathedral grounds and follow the path that leads you back uphill.
Getting around during the festival
Don’t forget you can conveniently hop on the Lincoln BIG sightseeing bus throughout the weekend, with discounted tickets that link up key festival locations including Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, Brayford Waterfront and the International Bomber Command Centre.
Plan your visit
The Lincoln Festival of History is set to transform the entire city of Lincoln into a living, breathing timeline.
All you need to do is arrive, head out into the city, and let Lincoln unfold around you. Discover more events and attractions that will be happening over the Festival of History weekend HERE.