A Cold Weekend in Lincoln
I spent a chilly weekend in a quaint, crooked, and cobbled, UK city…
There is a certain charm about the approach to Lincoln from the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. The cathedral comes into view behind the muted green fields, standing, almost as if waiting, for you to arrive. I couldn’t help but be in awe already, before we had even entered the walls.
We checked in to our hotel on the waterfront, dumped our bags, and headed straight out to explore. Lincoln is a city with two halves - quite like York - where on one side, you have the high street shops, the standard UK city centre scene, but on the other (or, up a very steep hill, as we would find in Lincoln), you step back in time.
We were out of breath when we reached the top of the aptly named Steep Hill, my ankles groaned from the cobbles. I had no idea what to expect, but when we turned the corner, I was blown away by the view.
We spent a long time in the cathedral, nipping in each tiny side room, and sitting for a while on the pews, listening to a choir practice. After that, we wandered around the grounds of the castle.
Gino’s authentic Italian was our spot of choice for dinner. After we’d gobbled down our pasta (and wine, of course), we headed down to Lincoln Jazz Cafe. It was smaller than I had imagined inside, but with dim lights and good music, I could’ve stayed for hours. I had one of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted, it was seasonal, so not always on the menu, but I think about it almost daily.
Tired and with aching feet, we headed back to the hotel to gorge on some chocolates we had bought from Carousel chocolate shop.
The next morning, we were up early so I could take photos (sorry James), so we headed back up Steep Hill to the empty intersection between Exchequer Gate and Castle Hill. I took some photos, laying on my stomach to capture the full beauty of the cathedral and the emptiness of the streets before it. I’ve noticed that when I go out early on trips to take photos, the only other people about are fellow photographers and runners.
Just down Steep Hill, a little cafe called Bells Tea Shop provided us with much needed warmth and sustenance. The staff were lovely, and the decor was so charming (spot the little teacup light-shades!).
When our bellies were full and we were caffeinated enough, we headed back out into the brisk cold to explore more.
There are so many stunning corners of this city. Every angle up and down the hill and nestled within side alleys. The January gloom only added to the atmosphere. Historic, stone buildings and cobbled streets seem to come alive in winter-time.
I really enjoyed our brief trip to Lincoln; we got to see a lot, and there was a lot more exploring we could have done, if we’d had more time. I absolutely adore historic cities like this, and I can’t believe I waited so long to have an adventure here. I’ll definitely be back.
