Frequently Asked Questions
No idea where Lincoln is? Then you’re in the right place! If you want to find out more about our wonderful city, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for.
Whether you’ve already booked a trip, or you’re still in the planning stages, we’re here to help you discover the very best that Lincoln has to offer. Below, you will find some of the questions we get asked most often; if the answer to yours isn’t there, just drop us an email!
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Ah, the question we get asked the most! The city of Lincoln is in the county of Lincolnshire, in the East Midlands. Nestled between Norfolk and Yorkshire, Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in the UK. Nottingham and Sheffield are the closest major cities to Lincoln, and the coast is around 30 miles away.
Lincoln is:- 40 miles northeast of Nottingham
- 48 miles south-east of Sheffield
- 50 miles north of Peterborough
- 70 miles south of York
- 90 miles northeast of Birmingham
- 150 miles north of London
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The history of Lincoln can be traced back as far as the first century BC. The first known settlers in Lincoln are thought to have built a community around the Brayford Pool, and named the settlement ‘Lindon’. The word “Lindo” translates as “The Pool” in the Celtic language. In 50AD, the Romans arrived, creating a major settlement at the top of the hill. The name Lindon was then latinised to become Lindum Colonia. With Normans, Vikings and Saxons all leaving their mark on the city, Lincoln has centuries of stories to discover. To learn more about the origins of Lincoln, visit the History & Heritage section of our website.
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The city of Lincoln is probably most famous for its major landmarks:
Lincoln Cathedral: One of the finest examples of gothic architecture in the UK, Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world. It is also home to the famous Lincoln Imp.
Lincoln Castle: An 11th-century Norman structure, Lincoln Castle dates back to 1068. The castle is the only place in the world where you can find an original copy of the Magna Carta. Sealed in 1215, only four original copies of this important document exist today.
Other famous facts about Lincoln you might not know:
- Lincoln is the birthplace of the tank, which was invented here in 1916
- Famous mathematician George Boole was born in Lincoln in 1815. He went on to become one of the first pioneers of digital technology.
- We produce great food. Lincolnshire sausages, Poacher cheese and Lincolnshire Plum Bread are some of our best known exports. As a county, Lincolnshire produces 30% of the nation’s vegetables and almost 20% of the poultry.
- Our local football club is Lincoln City FC, which was established in 1884. Currently playing in League One, the Imps are based at Sincil Bank stadium.
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Erm, of course it is! Lincoln is a brilliant small city, full of friendly people. Not only do we have award-winning attractions, beautiful architecture and heaps of history, we also have an abundance of fantastic shops, bars and restaurants - the perfect destination for a short city break! If you want to find out more, check out our 10 must-sees.
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Perhaps the most iconic part of Lincoln’s landscape, Steep Hill connects the city centre to the Cathedral Quarter. Steep Hill has an average incline of 16.12°, making it the fourth steepest hill in England. The incline starts from The Strait, at the end of the High Street, and continues until you reach Castle Square.
Once you have reached the top, you will find a selection of independent shops, cafes and pubs. Pop in to peruse their wares, or enjoy a cuppa, and you will soon get your breath back.
In the interest of transparency, the person who named Steep Hill wasn’t joking. It really is steep. If you’re not comfortable making the climb, you can always take a taxi, or hop on the Walk & Ride bus service. This handy shuttle will take you from Lincoln Central Bus Station to Northgate, near Lincoln Cathedral.
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Bailgate is one of the most historic streets in Lincoln. Situated in the Cathedral Quarter, Bailgate runs from Castle Square to Newport Arch.
The name ‘Bailgate’ was formed when Lincoln Castle was built in 1066. The castle had its own boundaries, but as the Roman defensive walls still surrounded the uphill region, the area around the castle became known as the outer bail.
Today, this picturesque street is lined with colourful shops, restaurants and cafes. Full of independent businesses, it is one of the most popular shopping areas in Lincoln.
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Technically no… In the Roman era, Lincoln was known as Lindum Colonia. The city was considered to have been the capital of Flavia Caesariensis, one of the provinces created during the Diocletian Reforms at the end of the 3rd century.
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Whether you’re hitting the shops or visiting an attraction, you will find plenty of convenient parking options in Lincoln. There are car parks within walking distance of all the main attractions, and prices start from just £2.00 at selected locations. For more information on parking in Lincoln, head to our Travel Information page.
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Yes! Lincoln’s Park & Ride will take you from Waitrose on Searby Road, to the city centre. This designated bus service runs Monday - Saturday, with buses every 15 minutes. For information on the bus route and ticket prices, visit our Travel Tools page.
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Travelling from city to city is easy with LNER. In 2019, LNER launched four new direct services between London and Lincoln. There is now a direct train every four hours, starting from 7.30am. The journey takes 1 hour 54 mins, with stops at Newark North Gate, Peterborough and Stevenage. Alternatively, National Express also run a direct coach service from London Victoria. Covering approximately 144 miles, coaches from London to Lincoln take just over 4 hours. -
You can view a number of maps and guides right here on our website. Alternatively, head to the Visitor Information Centre in Castle Square. This handy hub stocks a variety of countywide literature, and the expert team here will be on hand to help you plan your trip.
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SO many! In fact, Lincoln was recently named as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK. Pooches are welcome at attractions and accommodation across the city, as well as most cafes, pubs and restaurants. If you’re planning to bring your pup to Lincoln, you can check out all of our dog-friendly destinations here.
Contact Us
If you have a question about your visit to Lincoln, or for the team at Visit Lincoln, get in touch by filling in the details on this page.
