Lincoln – City Guide

The City

Lincoln is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, steeped in history, cobbled streets and a world famous cathedral. As picturesque as the city is, however, you can’t escape the buzzing vibe of student life. After all, it’s known as as one of the best student cities in the UK for a reason!  

Things To Do

The city is just big enough to feel like a proper city, but small enough to walk pretty much everywhere, making it the ideal place to study: goodbye costly bus passes and taxis home after a night out! Despite it’s relatively small centre though, there is always something to do.

• For the history buffs, the historical Lincoln Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror back in the 11st century. Now, newly renovated, you can get some spectacular views of the city , explore the old victorian prison and see one of the four only original versions of the Magna Carta in existence.
• The Bailgate area is a beautiful part of the historic quarter around the castle and cathedral where you can mooch around tiny independent shops, have afternoon tea in one of the many quaint cafes, eat to your heart’s content in various independent restaurants, and stop of for cocktails along the way in the gorgeous White Hart Hotel.
• Steep Hill was actually voted best street in the UK a few years back. The name says it all – it really is steep! But on the walk up you can take a pit stop at loads of olde-worlde bookshops, sweet shops, and gift shops.
• If quaint history isn’t your thing, then no worries. At the bottom of the hill you can find (not only the university) but the more modern part of the city with all the High Street Shops, bars, and restaurants. In the winter an outdoor ice rink is usually set up outside The Waterside Centre (a nice shopping mall) and you often get small markets taking place there throughout the weeks in summer.
• Lincoln’s a top place for markets and festivals throughout the year with everything  from one of the largest Christmas Markets in the UK to its annual Sausage Fest (really) and Steampunk Rally (look it up).
• If you want to get out and enjoy the weather come Spring and Autumn, Lincoln has many green areas, not to mention the rolling countryside just a 10 minute train ride away! The Arboretum is in easy reach of the university by foot; designed in the 1800s it features beautiful gardens, fountains and lakes and is the perfect place for students to kick back after a stressful week in lectures. If you’re looking for a place to have a chilled picnic and play a game of football and tennis, head to the West Common, right by the uni.
• Situated (literally) in middle of the country, Lincoln is in easy reach of most UK cities. Nottingham is under an hour away by train, as is Sheffield. And if you’re looking to go further afield, London is just 2 hours away.

Arts & Culture

• If art is your thing, head to the Usher Gallery. Located in a beautiful old manor building, you’ll find everything from fine to contemporary art. Often you’ll find an exhibition or two happening in here.
• In the way of museums, both The Collection and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life showcases the history of Lincoln and the surrounding area (one to take the parents to)

Music & Nightlife

Most nights of the week you will find a student night at one of the clubs around the city:

• Monday night is Lovedough at Circle, focusing mainly on R&B and hip hop.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays are typically student orientated nights at Home, Lincoln’s superclub. With over three floors of music, this place will never leave you bored.
• Wednesday nights are dedicated to Quack at the Engine Shed and is generally just good old cheesy pop music. There’s generally a theme, so if you love dressing up then this is for you!
• Friday nights are for Superbull at Moka where over two floors you can experience every type of music you could imagine.
• Saturday night is for Propaganda at the Engine Shed for all those who like indie and rock music.

If you’re not into clubbing then don’t fear! Lincoln is full of traditional pubs and bars scattered around the city. As well as Towers Bars on campus and the usual Walkabout, Spoons, and Revs, here are a few of the most popular among students and locals alike are:

• The Straight and Narrow: The one for quirky cocktails and a hipster environment.
• Room Bar at the White Hart Hotel: For sophisticated cocktails and beers from around the world.
• The Rouge Saint: A mix between an irish and american bar with live music right by the uni.
• Trebles: As the name suggests, here you can get treble shot drinks (I’d recommend the treble vodka vimto).
• The Magna Carta at the top of Steep Hill is a beautiful old-fashioned pub with great views over the cathedral quarter.

Best Places to Eat

Head along the Brayford if you’re looking for the usual chain restaurants (you can find everything from Nandos to Prezzo) but if you’re looking for something a little different, then try these great places:

• Ginos: Right by the castle, Ginos is an italian restaurant with a great reputation among the locals.
• Browns: If pies are something that you just can’t get enough of, make sure you check out Brown’s Pie Shop. Everything is homemade and they have a great selection of wine (first date anyone?)
• Cafe Zoot: Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Cafe Zoot has great quality food at low prices (check out their £11 lunch deal!)
• Ribs and Bibs: For the meat lovers, Ribs and Bibs brings a little bit of America to the small english city.
• Huckleberrys: The new kid on the block, Huckleberrys is a bar and grill restaurant with a cosy atmosphere.