Lincoln landmark makes list of top national attractions

ith over 660,000 visitors last year, the castle joins a prestigious list of tourism heavyweights like the Natural History Museum, British Library and Tate Modern in the top 20. And, in a crowded field of museums and art galleries, Lincoln stands out as the only castle to make the list.

Lincoln Castle general manager, Kimberley Vickers, is delighted to see the medieval monument in the top 20. She said:

“After two years affected by the various lockdowns and restrictions, 2022 was a strong return to doing what we do best; providing a warm welcome and a memorable day out.

“Our location in the historic heart of Lincoln means we’re uniquely placed to not only be a must-see for tourists in the city, but also an ideal green space for locals to meet with friends or enjoy a picnic. On top of that is our varied programme of events and activities, which create special moments for thousands more visitors.

“The huge increase in visitors last year was undoubtedly helped by a certain friendly fire-breather who took up residence in grounds in April. Lucy the Dragon proved so popular that she extended her stay by three months to see through Christmas and New Year with us. This year, Lucy’s return – this time with new friend Norman in tow – has solidified our reputation as the castle of dragons, and the pair are growling their greetings at even more visitors.”

Entry to the grounds of Lincoln Castle is free, but many visitors also choose to make the most of their trip with a castle day ticket and enjoy the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta too.

As a great venue space at the historic heart of the city, the Castle plays host to a number of much-loved annual events. This Autumn, the Castle will be sizzling as the 20th annual Sausage Festival, in collaboration with the Lincoln Rotary Club, returns on Saturday 14th October. With a wide variety of everything food- and sausage-related this is a celebration of one of the county’s most popular exports – the Lincolnshire sausage!

Lincoln’s Steep Hill is a steep, cobbled street, lined with an assortment of brilliant boutique shops and eateries, each one different from the last. It is the main artery connecting the city’s uphill to the more modern lower High Street. As well as a range of unique shops, there’s plenty of history to uncover too. The hill was originally built by the Romans to interconnect the growing city and was home to medieval merchants and communities.

Steep Hill is a picturesque landmark in the historic city of Lincoln, with roots stretching back to Lincoln’s Roman foundations. This famous cobbled hill was named the fourth steepest in the country by the Ordnance Survey (2019) at 16.12° and was accurately named after the gradient of the hill, which is difficult to ascend and descend! However, there are many ways to break up the climb, whether it be a stop-off in a peculiar book shop, a delve into a vintage fashion store or a drink in a charming tearoom, there are plenty of brilliant, unique distractions along the way.

Located at the top of Steep Hill is the Castle Square, a beautiful historic open space with Lincoln’s famous cathedral at one end and Lincoln Castle located at the other. The square is also home to the official Lincoln Visitor Information Centre and shop.

Not only famous for its steepness, but Steep Hill is also popular for the array of independent businesses ranging from retail, tearooms, restaurants, chocolate & fudge parlours, beauty salons, and more.

Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) are delighted to work alongside the surrounding businesses to enhance Steep Hill through offering Christmas trees, hanging baskets, bunting, and flags depending on the season. This is an effective project that improves the aesthetic of Steep Hill and makes it more welcoming and attractive to visitors and locals alike. Lincoln BIG look to continue developing how they can work with the businesses in the area and ensure it’s a go to landmark for all visitors to the city.

After being voted Britain’s Great Street in 2012 by the Academy of Urbanism, Lincoln’s Steep Hill is still a highly popular spot for locals and tourists to visit and explore, with many historic sites remaining and in use today! This includes the Mayor’s Chair, said to have been placed at the top of the steepest part of the hill by the Mayor of Lincoln in the early 18th century, Harding House, an art gallery dating back to the 15th century and Norman House, dating back to the 12th century and still featuring its iconic double-arched windows.

If you have a few hours to spare and want to capture a snapshot of the city’s creative spirit, head to Steep Hill! There are several sites to see and shops to explore. Experience its colourful history, and the stores, restaurants, and cafés you can encounter.

Steep Hill isn’t suitable for those with accessibility requirements, but the Steep Hill Shuttle can help you get to the top with ease.

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