History & Heritage

Dating back over 2000 years, Lincoln is a city steeped in history. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and you'll find Roman ruins, Tudor landmarks and Medieval battlements.

Once a powerful centre of industry and wealth, Lincoln has a history that once saw it rival London. Awe-inspiring architecture dominates the skyline, telling the story of a city that has overcome epic battles, great plagues and perilous storms. 

Harbouring 17 centuries of secrets, this charming city has much to explore. From the higgledy-piggledy houses of Sincil Street to the ruins of the Medieval Bishop’s Palace, Lincoln’s cobbled streets are laced with stories, just waiting to be discovered. 

The city’s award-winning attractions help set the scene, immersing you in the past. You can walk in the footsteps of kings and criminals at Lincoln Castle, explore the towering heights of Lincoln Cathedral and get up close to royal regalia at the historic Guildhall

The site of the first settlement in Lincoln, the Brayford Waterfront tells the story of Lincoln’s industrial past. This Roman waterway was once the fourth busiest in the country, lined with warehouses, mills, breweries and maltings. 

Despite having developed immensely over the past two millennia, elements of the city’s industrial past are still evident today. Visit the DoubleTree by Hilton to see the door of the old Electric Works; stop for a drink at the Royal William IV, a Grade-II listed pub dating back to 1840; pay a visit to the Great Central Warehouse, originally a railway goods warehouse, this impressive building is now home to the University of Lincoln’s library.

Venture out into the surrounding countryside during your stay and you can follow the journey of The Mayflower Pilgrims at Gainsborough Old Hall, trace the Roman roads through the Lincolnshire Wolds or immerse yourself in the Elizabethan history of Doddington Hall.

Historic Must-Sees

Lincoln Cathedral

  • Cathedral / Minister

Considered to be one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Europe, Lincoln Cathedral is…

Newport Arch

  • Historic Site

One of the surviving jewels of Roman Britain, Newport Arch is the oldest arch in the UK still…

Lincoln Castle

  • Castle

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Lincoln Castle has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost…

Belton Estate

  • Historic House / Palace

The Belton Estate is home to Belton House, a Grade-I listed country house in the parish of Belton…

Inspiration for your trip