Self-catering holidays in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England

The hill and steep climbing roads up to the cathedral and castle in Lincoln are particularly scenic.  The streets are lined with old stone houses and interesting shops, including the inevitable tea shops.Lincoln is a great city for a self catering holiday, find:

• Self catering cottages in or near Lincoln

The Jews House,  15, The Strait, Lincoln	It's worth the steep climb uphill

If you're walking up the 'Strait', you will pass number 15, a solid stone building that dates back to the Jewish community in the 12th century, and was probably  the home of a wealthy Jewish merchant.   The streets on the hill, are in a conservation area and highly desirable, although with the steep walks entailed, you would have to be very fit to live here. There is a minibus service ferrying visitors up and down the hill but it would be a shame not miss all the small shops and wonderful views on the way. 

Shops in fine stone buildings - plenty of opportunities to stop and browse	Scenic roads leading up to the cathedral and castle

Lincoln Cathedral and Castle, at the top of the hill, attract large numbers of visitors. The cathedral is the 3rd largest in the country after York Minster and St. Paul's in London. Whilst we were there, there was a notice informing people that the cathedral costs £50,000 per week to run and asking for an entry fee of £4.00 per adult.  This may well have increased since then. Funding these large cathedrals in the days of dwindling congregations is an immense problem for the Church of England. Fortunately, some of the scenes from the Da Vinci Code were filmed inside Lincoln Cathedral which may be of interest to fans.Lincoln Castle is the home of the Lincoln Magna Carta - one of 4 original documents sealed by King John in  Runnymede in 1215.   There are various exhibits of life down the ages.  The castle has had a judiciary function for over 900 years and still contains a Crown court and prison to this day.  A small entry fee is payable to view Lincoln Castle.The streets are around the castle and cathedral are still cobbled and especially picturesque. 

Various other remnants of the past are scattered throughout modern Lincoln.  The Stonebow (shown below) is now used as council offices.  It was built in the 15th and 16th century on the site of the old Roman south gate to Lincoln.  It now houses the Guildhall, Civic Insignia and the City Charters of Lincoln.  The 14th century Mote bell is rung to call council meetings. 

The Stonebow in the centre of Lincoln - now Council offices

The city centre has a good range of range of shops with main chain stores well represented.  Nightlife is particularly lively. 

Lincoln city centre with its mix of old and modern architecture	Lincoln is thronged with shoppers - even mid-week

Walking trails in LincolnIf you prefer to follow a prepared trail around Lincoln rather than just wander, then you may find the following sites useful:

• Lincoln Tourist Walk
• Lincoln Town and Country Walk

There is a lot to see in Lincoln, and the cathedral area is one of the most picturesque and memorable in the Midlands.  If you're interested in museums then the Usher Gallery (Lindun Road, Lincoln. Telephone 01522 527980) and Toy Museum in Westgate (Telephone 01522 520534) might be of interest. Find self-catering cottages and apartments for your stay below:

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Self-catering Country Cottages in Lincolnshire, the Midlands and England

Find  country cottages and self-catering accommodation in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and England  within easy travelling distance of Stamford using the links below:

• Country cottages in England
• Country cottages in Lincolnshire
• selfcatering Midlands