Summer in the city

July and August are excellent times to visit Lincoln – a city brimming with historic sights, great shopping and events to keep the whole family happy. By Glynis Fox.

The city is proud to stand as a destination which continues to offer something for everyone at a time of continual change.

Deciding where to go when so many towns and cities have been losing their shops and events is not easy but thankfully Lincoln has lost none of its power to attract new retail and leisure operators – it also has a programme of summer activities not to be missed!

One of the first things visitors need to decide is whether they should explore the commercial heart of the city first, or check out the jewels in the city’s crown uphill – namely Lincoln Cathedral and the Castle – before moving on to browse the independent and niche retailers in the Bailgate and upper Steep Hill areas.

This is likely to influence those choosing to take a short break on where they stay. Smart hotels in uphill Lincoln include The White Hart in Bailgate, which has benefitted from a major revamp. It is also just a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral and Castle.

In nearby Westgate, you will find The Castle Hotel and The Tower Hotel and in Union Road the fabulous, five-star Charlotte House Hotel, with its Art Deco style effects.

Downhill in the lower part of the city, there’s even more choice including The DoubleTree by Hilton and The Holiday Inn, both of which overlook the city’s historic Brayford Pool with its mix of “resident” and visiting watercraft and the University of Lincoln campus.

MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Of course, the city boasts many more hotels and guest houses, so it’s wise to do your research.

The must-see attractions uphill are Lincoln Cathedral, which is much-loved by locals and visitors alike.

This magnificent building, which dates back more than 900 years, owes its origins to William the Conqueror who built several castles and cathedrals after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Work began on this amazing Norman monument in 1072 and the project was overseen Bishop Remigius.

From 1311 to 1548 the building’s soaring central spire ensured it held the title of the tallest building in the world. At 525 feet high the Cathedral was taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza!

Despite the spire collapsing during a storm in 1548, this marvel of engineering was recognised as the world’s tallest man-made structure.

Hidden within its walls are nearly 3,000 examples of graffiti, including medieval scribblings and carvings from the English Civil Ward – giving a fascinating glimpse into the past.

In more recent times the Cathedral has played a significant role in major films – doubling as Notre Dame in Paris in Napoleon (2023), and as Westminster Abbey in The Da Vinci Code (2006) and Young Victoria (2009).

Lincoln Castle, another major attraction, was built in the late 11th-century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress. The monument showcases 1,000 years of history.

Visitors can look forward to seeing one of the four original 1215 Magna Carta documents and the 1225 Charter of The Forest, both are housed in the David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault, which is temperature and humidity controlled.

There is also the opportunity to explore the Castle’s Victorian prison and take the Medieval Wall Walk, which offers magnificent views of the city and surrounding countryside.

SHOPS AND HOSPITALITY
While it is easy to spend a morning or afternoon exploring these fascinating monuments, why not step out on Steep Hill, browse the shops and pop into the eateries as you wend your way down into the city centre.

Don’t forget to visit the Lincoln Imp shop on your way down and pick up a souvenir. You will eventually arrive in an area called The Strait, which is home to more niche shops and cafés, before it opens into the upper High Street.

Lincoln has a long linear High Street, and you will soon come across many branches of well-known retailers, as well as other attractions. You will also come across another ancient monument, The Stonebow. It straddles the High Street and the Guildhall above, which is the official home of the city’s Mayor.

The Guildhall also houses the Civic Insignia and, when open, people can view the royal sword – given to the city by Richard II – the Mayor’s Mace (which dates back to 1640), chains of office, Posy Ring and much more.

As you progress down the High Street, why not break off and wander down to Brayford Pool and relax over a drink or meal outside one of the many waterfront restaurants, whilst watching the watercraft on the Pool or the University of Lincoln campus behind?

Alternatively, you might choose to visit the city’s bustling Cornhill Quarter. This traditional market area has benefitted from millions of pounds of investment, which has seen new brands move in, a revamped indoor market and the construction of an Everyman Cinema.

Lincoln continues to be a changing city. A landmark, Scott’s Bridge on Melville Street – which was a favourite with photographers keen to get superb shots of Broadgate and Lincoln Cathedral – has been demolished as work progresses on a new hotel overlooking the River Witham and markets area.

As we went to press, Lincoln Co-operative was forging ahead with work on a new 150-room hotel in this area and in advanced talks with an international hotel developer and operator for it.

HISTORICAL SITES
This summer will also see the start of an exciting archaeological dig in the city on the site of an 11th-century hospital. Religious implements and building materials such as tiles could also be unearthed as part of the massive excavation at the South Common, taking place over two weekends from 11th to 13th July and 18th to 20th July.

Initially this was a leprosarium, where Lincolnshire people suffering with leprosy could admit themselves.

Dr Samantha Tipper from Anglia Ruskin University is the anthropologist leading the dig and believes it would have been built around 1089. She says it was likely in use for about 500 years, which would make it one of the earliest facilities of its kind in the country.

“This is a huge part of Lincolnshire’s history that I think most people don’t know anything about and have no idea that there was a hospital here at the common. It is all just a lot of fun and very exciting,” she said.

The dig is part of the Local Landscape and Hidden History project run by the City of Lincoln Council, along with academics and experts from the University of Lincoln, Bishop Grosseteste University and Anglia Ruskin University.

Experts hope to find artefacts from the hospital, as well as an adjacent chapel and cemetery.
Lincolnshire history lovers are also being encouraged to get involved and join the dig.

“When we do digs like this, it shouldn’t just be for the academics or for the students. It’s so important that this dig is community based,” added Dr Tipper.

Meanwhile Bishop Grosseteste University, on Newport, is changing its name to Lincoln Bishop University. That will formally take effect in September, in line with the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Gower, said: “As an institution founded in 1862, we are proud to be embarking on this next chapter in our history.

“We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with all our valued partners, as we plan the strategy to be launched next academic year, putting Lincoln Bishop University firmly on the map.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank students, staff and our many stakeholders for all we will achieve together.

“Becoming Lincoln Bishop University reflects our location and deep connection with the historic city of Lincoln and the Greater Lincolnshire region.

“Secondly, it reflects our values, inspired by our distinctive Church of England foundation and membership of the Cathedrals Group of universities, and positive impact within the many communities we serve.

“Thirdly, the change to Lincoln Bishop underscores our pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange, with a commitment to bringing people and organisations together through transformative education and professional partnerships.”

DOUBLE HONOURS FOR NICK
Well-known Lincoln businessman Nick Peel recently celebrated a double achievement.

The CEO of Stokes Tea & Coffee and his business were jointly honoured when this year’s outgoing Mayor Alan Briggs had the pleasure of presenting Nick with the highly coveted Lincoln Civic Award at a special celebration in the Guildhall.

The announcement followed intense deliberation by the Award Trustees, who received nominations for both, and who said they had “stood out.”

Before Nick received the impressive silver obelisk, other members of the civic party and guests attending the ceremony heard from Lincoln Civic Award Trustees’ chairman Henry Ruddock, who explained what had impressed him and his fellow judges about the business.

Mr Ruddock said: “This is an incredible achievement. I am particularly pleased to see a family business, which dates back to 1902, win the award.

“Sustainability featured prominently in the nominations, along with the number of people Stokes employs. More importantly, the way they are cared for was also mentioned. I really think that is important.

“People spend a lot of time at work and what they experience is crucial to their wellbeing and the success of the company,” added Mr Ruddock.

“It was also interesting to hear that Nick is taking Stokes forward to B Corp recognition, which means changing the articles of the company to reflect, not just the interests of the shareholders which is the traditional stance, but to include the interests of society, employees, suppliers and others, not to mention the whole point of the business, the customers.”

Nick said: “I’m blown away to receive this award. It is a real honour. As a family business since 1902, we have grown to employ more than 100 people. We have coffee shops at The Lawn in Lincoln, on the city’s High Bridge, in Newark and at Welton.

“We also have a stall in Lincoln’s newly revamped indoor market. We employ people who are working in catering, our office, as part of our technical and engineering teams, training and sales.”

Alongside his commercial and retail operations, Nick is also proud to own the Art Deco influenced Charlotte House Hotel on The Lawn site, which has 14 rooms and 16 beds and which has undergone a major renovation.

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC!

With more than 20 years of dedicated experience in the industry, Revelation Audio in Lincoln is committed to helping customers discover the ideal sound system, to truly bring your favourite music to life.

Revelation Audio is owned and run by David McCaffrey, whose two decades in the audiovisual industry have seen him work with some of the biggest brand names, including Arcam, Tannoy, Panasonic, Sony and JBL. David explains: “We keenly recognise people’s changing needs and expectations for their audio systems and happily provide a wide variety of high-fidelity solutions for all circumstances.

“We specialise in the pinnacle of both analogue and digital playback sources, as well as cutting-edge amplifier and loudspeaker designs. Our showroom offers clients the best possible audio experience, whether searching for a high-end home audio system, multi-room speakers or installation speakers – we want to help you along your audio journey.”

The Revelation Audio showroom, located on Grantham Street, also offers expert installation and room acoustic planning services. It is open by appointment only, Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

For more information contact tel: 01522 708796 or visit www.revelationaudio.co.uk

MANY SHADES FOR SUN-SOAKED GARDENS
Hopefully this summer we will have gloriously sunny, hot days and warm evenings. However, there are many ways that you can ensure you have shade in your garden so you can stay cool in style.

Sail shades: Like a ship’s sail, they are hung from anchor points to create an area of shade outdoors. Available in many shapes and sizes, these can be mounted in almost any position.

Pergolas: These can be a free-standing structure or can be attached to a wall. They can be made from timber or aluminium, so you can ensure you get one that suits the size and style of your outdoor space.

Arbour: These come in a variety of sizes, are great if you have a small area, and create a great focal point in a garden. You can add your own stamp with cushions and add solar lights to make it a great place to sit and enjoy the evening.

If you need ideas for what would work well in your garden, call Fullers Landscaping to see how they can help.

Tel: 01522 868717, email landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com or visit www.landscapinglincolnshire.com

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION NEEDED
City of Lincoln Council (Property) is looking for good quality, affordable accommodation for waiting families and individuals both in the city and close to its boundaries. 

To help this situation, the council has been operating the Private Landlord Scheme since 2014 with the aim to work directly with landlords and tenants to provide long-term, affordable accommodation. 

The scheme is completely free to landlords and offers everything expected from a professional service.

For each prospective tenant the council complete or obtain reference checks from a previous landlord, an affordability check – proof of income, antisocial behaviour check and existing rent arrears, a Right to Rent and immigration check and housing benefit entitlement.

If you are interested and would like to discuss the scheme further, please email: joanna.gray@lincoln.gov.uk or caroline.sanford-casey@lincoln.gov.uk

DELIVERING ON DESIGN FOR 45 YEARS
Lincoln Print & Copy Centre continues to work with long-standing organisations and businesses in the city and surrounding area, as well as new start-ups, clubs and societies.

Understanding the needs of different clients in a changing economy means rising to the challenge of changing what is offered, whilst maintaining quality and service standards.

Owner Karen Arnold says: “Our updated website makes it clearer what can be done in printing for all customers, including individuals, although often a phone call or email is the quickest way to ask: “can you do…?” Our latest printer is a Canon wide format inkjet for exceptional quality, large fine art, photographic or poster prints. This stands alongside two other wide format printers for building plans and engineering drawings. Smaller items such as leaflets and brochures are printed on the Xerox digital presses enabling a full range of sizes and quantities. And don’t forget, if you don’t have the time or in-house skills, our graphic design service is also available.

“Still very much a family-run business with many connections to other local businesses, if we can’t do something, we can direct you to someone who can!”

For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk

BRINGING BACK NATURAL SMILES
The Denture Studio on Doddington Road is celebrating eight years of providing expert denture treatments to Lincoln.

Husband and wife team Gregory and Johanna Jones, who have more than 50 years’ experience in dental technology, pride themselves on providing a caring and personable approach for their patients in a friendly, relaxed environment.

The team offers free consultations and advice to patients looking to discuss denture treatment options, with a range of quality bespoke dentures hand crafted by Greg and Jo themselves.

“We combine our expertise to help create natural looking smiles for patients and take a ‘no rush’ approach, allowing clients as much time as they need while also listening to their needs to ensure that we get an amazing end result.”

The clinic, which also benefits from free on-site parking, offers a large range of full and partial dentures with a professional fitting service, including acrylic, cobalt chrome and Valplast flexible dentures, as well as denture relines, cleaning and repairs, and sports gumshields.

The Denture Studio is open from Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.thedenturestudioltd.co.uk

MAKE A DATE AT THE CHEQUERS
If you’re looking for a traditional village pub which is not only inviting and welcoming with friendly, efficient staff but also serves outstanding food, real ales, plus excellent cocktails and wines, The Chequers in Potterhanworth is fast proving a favourite with diners.

A sister pub/restaurant to The Pyewipe and Cognito, this historic dog-friendly inn, which dates back to the 18th century, is now under new management and offers home-made pub classics, plus a daily specials board and children’s menu, as well as delicious Sunday lunch, all cooked with quality, fresh ingredients and presented with care.

There is also a delightful beer garden with comfy seats and cosy corners, perfect for leisurely outdoor eating and drinking in the summer months.

The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Friday, 5pm-9pm, Saturday 12noon-9pm and Sunday 12noon-5pm. Reservations are recommended with walk-ins welcome, subject to availability. Larger parties can also be catered for.

Visit www.chequerspotterhanworth.co.uk or find The Chequers on Facebook and Instagram

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
As specialists suppliers of new and second-hand cameras, lenses and photographic equipment, the London Camera Exchange in Lincoln’s Silver Street is marking its 25th anniversary in the city.

This favourite one-stop photography shop provides all the latest digital equipment for both keen amateur and professional photographers alike, with in-house specialists on hand to provide practical and useful advice.

“From professionals to beginners, we’re always happy to help you progress in your passion of photography and video.

“We offer part exchanges on anything new and old, saving you money on your next upgrade. To be able to see our customers face to face and offer our excellent customer service to new and regular customers is something we thrive on as an employee-owned company. Here’s to another 25 years!”

For more information visit www.LCEgroup.co.uk

TAILORED TREATMENTS FOR NATURAL RESULTS
Having been mentored and worked under Dr Tapan Patel – one of the worlds’s most sought after and respected cosmetic doctors, based in Harley Street – Corium Clinic’s owner and aesthetic nurse prescriber Charlotte is renowned for delivering natural results coupled with the highest standards of care across the general aesthetic field.

After achieving a distinction in her Masters degree in Nursing Science at the University of Nottingham in 2009, Charlotte, who was born and grew up in Lincolnshire, completed a second Masters degree in Pain Management and qualified to become an Independent Nurse Prescriber.

Charlotte’s career trajectory is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to providing exceptional aesthetic services. Gaining valuable experience in the Emergency Department and serving as the lead nurse for pain management in a large London NHS Trust, Charlotte developed a keen interest in aesthetics. This led her to transition into private practice in 2017, working at some of the top clinics in London, including Harley Street’s prestigious PHI Clinic.

Charlotte, who returned to Lincolnshire in March and still works on Harley Street, specialises in anti-wrinkle treatments, addressing skin laxity and volume deficiency through injectable treatments and targeted prescription skincare, including Obagi.

Her considerable training and experience has given Charlotte a breadth of expertise – ensuring balance, harmony, and visual appeal to all of her clients. Charlotte’s philosophy has always been to secure a deep understanding of a patient’s facial anatomy, so that any treatment enhances their natural beauty whilst maintaining a subtle and undetectable look. This includes performing a variety of non-surgical treatments, to offer patients a less invasive option for facial harmonisation.

By tailoring the treatments to a patient’s specific needs, Charlotte ensures exceptional patient satisfaction is achieved.

For more information follow Corium Clinic on Instagram or visit www.coriumclinic.com

Photographs: Mick Fox

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